And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. 1 Timothy 3:16
LET IT GLOW
When I read the definition of mystery, it reminded me of the game show I've Got a Secret that I watched when a kid. Do you remember it? Three people were guests, of which two were imposters, who said their name was so-and-so. A panel asked each one questions relating to "the person's" life. Ultimately, the panel was to guess which person was the true one. At the end, the real so-and-so stood up. I would guess along with them.
Have you guessed what the definition of mystery is? Read on, friend.
Here's what MacArthur Bible Commentary has to say:
This verse contains part of an early church hymn, as its uniformity, rhythm, and parallelism indicate. Its six lines form a concise summary of the turth of the gospel. Mystery is that term used by Paul to indicate truth hidden in the Old Testament age and revealed in the New Testament age. Godliness refers to the turths of salvation and righteousness in Christ, which produce holiness in believers, namely, the manifestation of true and perfect righteousness in Jesus Christ."Now comes one of the greatest, most profound statements of scripture. The depts of the truths of verse 15 he calls the mystery of godliness. Mystery (mysterion in Greek) does not mean mysterious but a "secret," now being made known. Godliness is "profitable" (4:8) and "great gain" (6:6). The doctirne which follows will produce this highly treasured godliness. Notice the couplets: flesh and spirit; angels and nations; and world and glory. (Liberty Bible Commentary)
The main truth to which a church should bear witness is the person and work of Jesus Christ. (Wiersbe)
Have you guessed what my secret is yet?
LET IT GROW
I like the old hymns, don't you? Here are the six distinct statements of this old hymn that Paul quotes in verse 16:
1. God was manifest in the flesh.
The better manuscripts read "He who" instead of "God." In either case, the reference is clearly to Christ,
who manifested the invisible God to mankind (John 1:1-4, 14:9). Paul refers to the Incarnate Jesus, which
is God in the flesh. Not only did God manifest Himself in the flesh at His birth, but also during His entire
earthly ministry (John 14:1-9). This flesh isn't sinful, fallen human nature here, but merely humanness.
Christ the eternal Son became flesh to provide salvation.
2. He was justified in the Spirit.
Justified means righteous. Christ was vindicated in the spritit, who empowered Him to do miracles, even
raising Himself from the dead (Rom. 1:4). The flesh refers to His humanity and Spirit refers to His deity.
3. He was seen of angels.
There were elect angels associated with the life and ministry of our Lord. Angelos, translated angels,
means messengers (James 2:25). Christ didn't die for angels, but for lost sinners. Angels witnessed Jesus'
birth, temptation, Gethsemane, resurrection, and ascension.
4. He was preached unto the Gentiles.
The Lord gave His church the commission to carry the gospel to the ends of the earth. This is the
Christian's responsibility after Christ performed the work of reconciliation.
5. He was believed on in the world.
This is the response to the proclamation of Jesus' provision of our salvation.
6. He was received up into glory.
Christ's Ascension and exaltation showed that the Father was pleased with Him and accepted His work
fully. One day we will see Him in all of His glory when we behold the King.
[References: MacArthur Bible Commentary, Liberty Bible Commentary, Be Faithful by Wieserbe]
This Christian life is a great mystery, far exceeding our understanding, but some things are clear enough. (The Message)
Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great. (NIV)
Probably by now you have guessed my secret-Jesus Christ is my salvation and Lord. Will you share your secret?
LET IT GO
Don't keep Jesus a secret. Share Him.
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