1Ti 3:14-16 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for 1Tim 3:14-4:16: 3:14–4:16 This section addresses how Timothy should occupy himself until Paul arrives (3:14-15 ; 4:13 ).

Summary for 1Tim 3:14-4:16: 3:14–4:16 ^a This section addresses how Timothy should occupy himself until Paul arrives (3:14-15 ^b; 4:13 ^c).
3:15 ^d household of God: The earliest churches were house churches (Rom 16:5 ^e; 1 Cor 16:19 ^f; Col 4:15 ^g; Phlm 1:2 ^h) that reflected the codes of conduct of Greco-Roman households (see study note on 1 Tim 3:4-5). Violating these norms brought disrepute, disgrace, and shame on the entire household and its head. The same is true for the church (cp. Eph 2:19-22 ⁱ; Heb 3:6 ^j; 10:21 ^k; 1 Pet 4:17 ^l).

• the church ... is the pillar and foundation of the truth: This idea may anticipate the transition from the time of the apostles to the period after their deaths (cp. Gal 2:9 ^m; Rev 3:12 ⁿ). The church must be active rather than defensive in upholding the truth in the world (cp. 2 Cor 10:3-6 ^o).
3:16 ^p The short hymn or creed in this verse shows the theological richness of early Christian worship.

• Jesus Christ is the only source of godliness.

• vindicated by the Spirit: Christ’s resurrection (Rom 1:4 ^q) answers the apparent weakness of his life and death as a human, and affirms his teaching.

• seen by angels: This emphasizes Jesus’ sovereign rule in the heavenly realm (see also Eph 1:21 ^r; Phil 2:9-11 ^s; Heb 1:3-4 ^t; 1 Pet 3:22 ^u; Rev 5:8-14 ^v).

• announced to the nations: Christ’s provision of salvation and sovereign rule must be proclaimed and accepted in the earthly realm as well (cp. 1 Tim 2:1-7 ^w).

• believed in throughout the world: The mission to the nations is successful, but it does not guarantee universal acceptance.

• Christ was taken to heaven (Luke 24:51 ^x; Acts 1:2 ^y, 11 ^z, 22 ^aa) and was exalted in glory (cp. Acts 7:55-56 ^ab). Christ’s saving work is crowned with success in the world and with glory in heaven.