Our Great Faith. 1 Timothy 3:16.
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.
Dear Heirs of the Kingdom,
Paul is probably quoting a hymn or some creed that was common among Christians of the day.
Mystery (v. 16a). Paul uses the word mystery to depict something that has been hidden in times past but which is now revealed to believers. It shows the depth of the revelation that believers have received.
Manifested (v. 16b). The song (or poem, or creed) seems to be a twofold confession: Revelation. That Christ came in the flesh is core to the gospel. He had to be one of us to fully represent us. Vindication by the Spirit could mean one of two things: that the Spirit bore witness at his baptism when he descended on Jesus (Matthew 3:16), or that the Spirit confirmed him as the Son of God when he raised Jesus from the dead (1 Peter 3:18). It is not clear whether there is a specific event in which angels saw Jesus. It is most likely that the reference is to the fact that angels were witnesses of his life, from conception to ascension.
Reverence. Jesus was proclaimed and believed on as the Saviour of the world. Although this happened after he was “taken up in glory,” this is poetically put last in order to emphasize the fact of his glory. The ultimate goal of the saving gospel is the glory of the Saviour.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.