Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Timothy 3:16

"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness; He who was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the spirit, Seen of angels, Preached among the nations, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory." — 1 Timothy 3:16 (ASV)

The “mystery of godliness” is revealed in a Person, even Jesus Christ. The creedal hymn in this verse speaks particularly about the incarnate Christ. (1) The eternal Son of God, existing as pure spirit, was made visible in his incarnation, when he became a human being. (2) Christ’s profound claims were vindicated by his miracles, climaxing in his resurrection; these were sure evidences that he was the sinless Son of God. (3) During his earthly ministry angels watched over him (Matthew 4:11). (4) After Jesus’ death and resurrection, the message of Christ (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:23) and of salvation in his name was proclaimed among the Gentile nations of the world. (5) People all over the world believed in Christ as they heard the preached message. (6) Finally, he “was taken up in glory”—a reference to his ascension in Acts 1:1–11. This was the climax of his earthly ministry. Preaching Christ means preaching his life, death, resurrection, and ascension as the glorified Lord.