The Great Mystery of Godliness
1 Timothy 3:15
At the end of verse fourteen, Paul described the Church of God as the pillar and ground of the truth (1 Tim. 1:14). Now, Paul identifies the truth that the Church of God upholds, supports, and promotes: the great mystery of godliness.
Paul often referred to God’s plan of human redemption as a great mystery. Since the Garden of Eden, God methodically unfolded His redemptive plan piece by piece. No one understood how God would redeem humanity; not even the angels (Eph. 3:10). Only through God’s Son, Jesus, would the great mystery of godliness be revealed.
“Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.” 1 Timothy 3:15
This text is a confession of faith or creedal statement. It is a series of facts that communicate elementary information concerning Christ. Such statements are common in the Bible (i.e. Deut. 6:4-5; 1 Cor. 15:3-5). In their original language, these texts also have a rhythmic quality. This made them easy to memorize.
Give examples which prove each line of this confession
1. Christ was manifest in the flesh:
2. Vindicated by the Spirit:
3. Seen by angels:
4. Proclaimed among the nations/Gentiles:
5. Believed on in the world:
6. Taken up in glory:
