1Ti 3:16 | TNotes | STEP | 3:16 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 ) 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 ; Phil 2:9-11 ; Heb 1:3-4 ; 1 Pet 3:22 ; Rev 5:8-14 ). • 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 ). • 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 ; Acts 1:2 , 11 , 22 ) and was exalted in glory (cp. Acts 7:55-56 ). Christ’s saving work is crowned with success in the world and with glory in heaven.

a3:16►

bRom 1:4►

cEph 1:21►

dPhil 2:9-11►

eHeb 1:3-4►

f1 Pet 3:22►

gRev 5:8-14►

h1 Tim 2:1-7►

iLuke 24:51►

jActs 1:2►

k11►

l22►

mActs 7:55-56►

‏ 1 Timothy 3:16

3:16 ^a 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 ^b) 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 ^c; Phil 2:9-11 ^d; Heb 1:3-4 ^e; 1 Pet 3:22 ^f; Rev 5:8-14 ^g).

• 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 ^h).

• 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 ⁱ; Acts 1:2 ^j, 11 ^k, 22 ^l) and was exalted in glory (cp. Acts 7:55-56 ^m). Christ’s saving work is crowned with success in the world and with glory in heaven.