1 Timothy 3:16 - Wesley's Explanatory Notes

Bible Comments

The mystery of godliness — Afterwards specified in six articles, which sum up the whole economy of Christ upon earth. Is the pillar and ground — The foundation and support of all the truth taught in his church. God was manifest in the flesh — In the form of a servant, the fashion of a man, for three and thirty years. Justified by the Spirit — Publicly "declared to be the Son of God," by his resurrection from the dead. Seen — Chiefly after his resurrection. By angels — Both good and bad. Preached among the gentiles — This elegantly follows. The angels were the least, the gentiles the farthest, removed from him; and the foundation both of this preaching and of their faith was laid before his assumption. Was believed on in the world — Opposed to heaven, into which he was taken up. The first point is, He was manifested in the flesh; the last, He was taken up into glory.

1 Timothy 3:16

16 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.