I Timothy 3:16

I Timothy 3:16

Paul moves from telling about the church as the “pillar and support of the truth” to a statement of that truth. He begins by saying the “common confession,” or literally the “one word” of the church. The early church did not have the luxury of books, so the written word was rare. However, outlines of the beliefs of the church doctrine were used as memory tools. One example of this kind of outline is listed at the end of this verse.

The phrase “mystery of godliness” tosses us a curve ball. The word mystery is not “that which cannot be figured out.” Rather, it is the “marvelous thing that has been revealed.” So what is this mystery? What does this mean? One possibility is that the mystery of godliness is the conduct of the life of the church. How is the church able to live holy? By the doctrines listed in this outline. Another possibility is that this refers to Christ in the Incarnation, which is to empower the church.

Paul lists six articles of church faith. First is that Christ was the Incarnation of God. Second, the Spirit vindicated Him by means of the miracles and wonders. These proved His ministry and claims. Third, and this one is a bit odd for us, he was seen by “angels.” We think of angels only in terms of spirit beings or heavenly messengers. The word can actually mean messenger in the common sense and need not refer only to heavenly beings. This statement says those who proclaim the messages were eyewitnesses. Fourth the gospel was preached among the nations, even gentiles. Fifth, the message has been believed, and now there are active groups of believers spread all over the world. Sixth, this refers to the doctrine of the Ascension, something we often forget. Paul is providing for Timothy a short outline of Orthodox faith. A shared outline of the Christian faith is a great tool for learning what is believed as a Christian. 

“Lord, help me grow a systematic mature understanding of the faith. AMEN”