Free Bible Commentary
“1 Timothy 3:14-16”
Categories: 1 Timothy“I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you before long; but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. By common confession, great is the mystery of godliness: He who was revealed in the flesh, was vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.”
---End of Scripture verses---
Paul wrote this letter in large part to tell Timothy, who preached for the church in the city of Ephesus, to instruct the members on “how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God” (verse 15). Christians comprise the family of God, and we need to learn to behave like children of the King. “By common confession great is mystery of godliness” (verse 16). It is an undeniable truth that The Truth revealed in the Gospel is “mega” (great) important. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is “the doctrine conforming to Godliness” (6:3), and it instructs us to not only believe in the most godly person to ever live, but also to emulate and conform to the heart and behavior of our Savior as well.
Paul’s first letter to Timothy is loaded with exhortations for God’s children to be reverent, pious, godly people. We are to pray for government leaders so that we can lead tranquil, quiet lives in all godliness and dignity (2:2). Women are to dress and behave in ways that make a claim to their godliness (2:10). We are to discipline ourselves for the purpose of godliness (4:7-8). We are to flee from the love of money and pursue righteousness and godliness (6:11), because “godliness with contentment is great gain” (6:6). It is so important to live lives of reverence and respect for, and obedience to God, because that is the way that Jesus lived His life—a life that was well-pleasing to His Father in heaven.
Jesus was “revealed in the flesh” (verse 16). Deity took the form of humanity! Just wow! “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). Jesus, the Word, became flesh so that He could declare the Father and His love to us (John 1:18); so that he could empathize with us (Hebrews 2:17-18; 4:15); so that He could live and die for us in order to save us; and so that He could set a perfect example for us to follow (1 Peter 2:21; 1 John 2:6).
Jesus was “vindicated in the Spirit.” He was revealed in the flesh to be crucified by His enemies, so that He could be vindicated (justified) in the Spirit by His resurrection from the dead (Romans 1:4). Jesus was “seen of angels.” Angels announced His lowly birth to His young, virgin mother, and to some shepherds tending their flocks in the field. Angels strengthened Jesus after His 40 day fast in the wilderness and His temptation by the devil (Matthew 4:11). Angels rolled away the stone of the grave that could not hold Him. And yes, He could have called 12 legions of angels to fight for Him and save Him from His sacrificial death (Matthew 26:53). But He died alone, for you and me.
Jesus was “proclaimed among the nations.” The blessed Gospel is for all people of all nations. God wants all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (2:4), and to live godly lives in imitation of His Beloved Son. Jesus was “believed on in the world.” He was despised and rejected by His own people and by the leaders of His day. And yet the ordinary people of the world accepted Him, believed in Him, loved Him and obeyed Him. And there are still people with good hearts out there that do the same and will do the same. Jesus was “taken up into glory” to reclaim His rightful place at the right hand of the throne of His Father in glory in heaven.
Great is the mystery of godliness!!! Great is the most amazing story ever told about the most godly Being ever to exist! Jesus is why the members of the household of God should conduct themselves with supreme dignity and godliness at all times, wherever they might be. We need to strive to show the members of God’s family and all the people of the world Christ living in us so that we can show them the way to the Father in heaven!
Please read 1 Timothy 4:1-5 for tomorrow.
Have a great day!
- Louie Taylor
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