1 Timothy 3:16 16And beyond question, great is the mystery of godliness: He who was revealed in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.
Paul now defines the truth that the church must uphold as a pillar and foundation (verse 15). The overseers and deacons must know this truth and be able to teach it to the church. This verse is given in the form of a hymn or simple creed. It is unknown if Paul wrote this in a poetic style or if it was based on a confession of faith in the early church. This confession of faith is beyond question (homologoumenōs), an adverb that stress the certainty of a confession or statement of faith. What Paul is about to write is beyond dispute and cannot be compromised. It is the core of the Christian faith. There are many ideas and doctrines in Christianity that are debated, but when it comes to the person of Jesus Christ, there is no compromise.
The focus of confession of faith is the mystery of godliness. Paul referred to the “mystery of the faith” in verse 9. The mystery in verse 16 is the same but is now described as godliness (eusebeia). This word occurs several times in the Pastor Epistles. It has a strong ethical sense to it of religious piety and devotion that should be evident in how a person behaves. Because a person honors and respects God, he or she will live in a way that honors God. When combined with the world mystery, the word takes on a sense of commitment to the essential message of the gospel. The creedal statement has six parts to it stated in brief lines, all describing the person of Jesus, the he at the beginning of the list. The first three lines refer to Jesus’ earthly life, and the last three lines reflect on his exalted ministry.
First, Jesus was revealed in the flesh. This line focuses in on Jesus’ humanity and how the Son became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14; Romans 1:3). There is no specific point in Jesus’ life mentioned, but his whole earthly life seems to be the point. He became one with humanity in flesh and blood. This claim would counter the growing heresies of Docetism and Gnosticism, which denied Jesus’ humanity.
Second, he was vindicated in the Spirit. Vindicated (edikaiothe) refers to something that has been declared righteous or proven true. The Spirit could be interpreted as “spiritual” or as the “Holy Spirit.” The Holy Spirit confirmed all that Jesus claimed and taught. The Holy Spirit teaches believers to have the mind of Christ and to take on his qualities. The confirmation of the Spirit that we are children of God confirms as true the claims of the gospel of Jesus.
Third, he was seen by angels. Seen (ōphthē) is used also for Jesus’ resurrection appearances in Luke 24:31; Acts 9:17; 13:31; and 1 Corinthians 15:5-8. The angels at the tomb bore witness that Jesus had indeed risen from the dead (Matthew 28:5-7; Mark 16:5-7; Luke 24:23; John 20:12-13). The angels announced the great news that Jesus had risen from the dead. This was a powerful affirmation because angels are God’s special messengers to humanity.
Fourth, he was preached among the nations. The topic of the preaching was the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus assumed in the first three lines of this creed. The proclaimed message must go out to the nations, the same word often translated as “Gentiles” (ethnesin). The job is huge, so we must pray for workers in the harvest field (Matthew 9:37-38) and that God will call people to proclaim this word (Romans 10:14-15).
Fifth, as a result of the preaching, he was believed on in the world. This line captures the mission of the church of preaching the gospel so that people can come to believe in Jesus. We preach a person and not a moral code or set of religious practices. Our vision must be for the whole world.
Last, he was taken up in glory. This line recalls Jesus’ ascension (Mark 16:19; Luke 9:51; 24:51; Acts 1:2, 11, 22). Glory (doxē) reflects on Jesus as Lord and his exalted status to the right hand of God’s throne (Philippines 2:9-11). The final victory over death will be seen when Jesus comes again, and all who have put their faith in him will experience the full glory promised in the gospel.
Although this creed is brief, it contains powerful and fundamental truths of the good news of Jesus. This truth must be lived out with accurate knowledge and godly behavior. The core mission of the church is to proclaim this truth to everyone everywhere. This mission does not come from human thinking, like that of the false teachers in Ephesus and other settings in Paul’s ministry, but only by revelation from God. Every believer must strive to learn and live out the truth of this faith.
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