Read 1 Timothy 3

“And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.” — 1 Timothy 3:16

What we have here in the middle of Paul’s letter to young pastor Timothy is an early church confession or church hymn that likely predates all of the New Testament writings. Immerse yourself in that thought for a moment. You just read a chorus that was sung by the first generation of Christians over 2,000 years ago! It may have also been read aloud by the pastor or recited corporately to close out a Sunday gathering. In any case, it compacts all of the extraordinary doctrines about Christ in six simple stanzas.

And how significant! — that we see Christians from the very beginning understanding and believing in the great doctrines of Jesus Christ. So much so, that Paul says it is without controversy. In other words, all churches across the known world at that time had put their faith in these exact doctrinal truths without question. Let's look a little closer at each of these six statements in this ancient creed.

First, we read of Christ's Incarnation: “God was manifested in the flesh.” Jesus of Nazareth was the manifestation of God Himself having become one of us. This is the foundation of the New Covenant. Because Jesus is God and Man, He is qualified to be the mediator between God and man (see 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 8:6), and offer Himself as the eternal sin offering for mankind (see Hebrews 9:14).

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

Second, we read of Christ's Resurrection: “[He was] Justified in the Spirit.” That is, Christ's incarnation and divine nature was proven in the Spirit when He rose from the grave. Because death could not hold Him, Jesus was officially declared the Son of God (as God Himself) and the Victor for all mankind according to the Holy Spirit.

“[He was] declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.” (Romans 1:4)

“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit…” (1 Peter 3:18)

Third, we read of Christ's Glorification: “[He was] seen by angels." If we take this ancient hymn in systematic order, as seems clear, Jesus being seen by angels is a reference to all the heavens now recognizing Him as the glorified God-Man and King of kings. Angels on high were watching the drama of redemption unfold in marvelous fashion through Christ, and now in His resurrected state, He is recognized by the angels in heaven as God who became man.

“That the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord…” (Ephesians 3:10–11)

“…the gospel [is preached] to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into.” (1 Peter 1:12)

Fourth, we read of Christ's Commission: “[He is] preached among the Gentiles.” What a beautiful line, for it declares that the preaching of this wonderful gospel was not for the Jews only, but for the whole world. This was Christ's Commission to His apostles (see Matthew 28:18-20) and this is the fulfillment of prophecy! (see Isaiah 9:2, 11:10; 49:6; 60:3)

“I, the LORD, have called You in righteousness, And will hold Your hand; I will keep You and give You as a covenant to the people, As a light to the Gentiles…” (Isaiah 42:6)

Fifth, we read of Christ's Salvation: “[He is] believed on in the world." It is a wonderful thing to think that the early church already saw revival moving rapidly throughout the whole known world. Paul himself was an original witness to this revival on many occasions in Gentile regions. And praise be to God that Christ continues to be believed on in the world. He is still transforming lives, and the power of the gospel has been saving souls everyday out of the grip of hell ever since Christ rose from the grave.

“[The Gospel] has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth…” (Colossians 1:6)

Sixth, and last of all, we read of Christ's Ascension: “[He was] received up in glory." The implications of this final line do not only refer to His historical ascension into glory (see Mark 16:19; Luke 24:51), but also His promise to return in glory once again (see Acts 1:11)— the great hope of all believers of all times!

“[We are] looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ…” (Titus 2:13)

Beloved, may you today reflect upon these great doctrinal truths, knowing that your brothers and sisters in Christ for the last two millennia have so adored the Lord Jesus in this way. Amen!