Matthew Henry Commentary 1 Timothy 3:14-16

"These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly; but if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how men ought to behave themselves in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 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 3:14-16 (ASV)

The church is the house of God; He dwells there. The church upholds the Scripture and the doctrine of Christ, as a pillar displays a proclamation. When a church ceases to be the pillar and ground of truth, we may and should forsake her, for our regard for truth should be first and greatest. The mystery of godliness is Christ. He is God, who was made flesh, and was manifest in the flesh.

God was pleased to reveal Himself to mankind through His own Son taking on human nature. Though condemned as a sinner and executed as a criminal, Christ was raised again by the Spirit and so was vindicated from all the false charges brought against Him. Angels ministered to Him, for He is the Lord of angels.

The Gentiles welcomed the gospel which the Jews rejected. Let us remember that God was manifest in the flesh, to take away our sins, to redeem us from all iniquity, and to purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These doctrines must be demonstrated by the fruits of the Spirit in our lives.