1Ti 3:15-16 | TNotes | STEP | 3:15 household of God: The earliest churches were house churches (Rom 16:5 ; 1 Cor 16:19 ; Col 4:15 ; Phlm 1:2 ) 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 ; Heb 3:6 ; 10:21 ; 1 Pet 4:17 ). • 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 ; Rev 3:12 ). The church must be active rather than defensive in upholding the truth in the world (cp. 2 Cor 10:3-6 ).

3:15 ^a household of God: The earliest churches were house churches (Rom 16:5 ^b; 1 Cor 16:19 ^c; Col 4:15 ^d; Phlm 1:2 ^e) 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 ^f; Heb 3:6 ^g; 10:21 ^h; 1 Pet 4:17 ⁱ).

• 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 ^j; Rev 3:12 ^k). The church must be active rather than defensive in upholding the truth in the world (cp. 2 Cor 10:3-6 ^l).
3:16 ^m 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 ⁿ) 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 ^o; Phil 2:9-11 ^p; Heb 1:3-4 ^q; 1 Pet 3:22 ^r; Rev 5:8-14 ^s).

• 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 ^t).

• 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 ^u; Acts 1:2 ^v, 11 ^w, 22 ^x) and was exalted in glory (cp. Acts 7:55-56 ^y). Christ’s saving work is crowned with success in the world and with glory in heaven.