1 Timothy 3:16

By common confession, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was proclaimed among the nations, was believed in throughout the world, was taken up in glory.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul writes to Timothy in Ephesus as a standing instruction for church order, capping the section on conduct in God's household (3:15).

The words — μυστήριον (mustērion) means "secret" — a truth once hidden, now disclosed. The verse treats this disclosure as confessed fact (ὁμολογουμένως, "confessedly"), not a matter open to debate.

The thread — The six clauses trace the arc from incarnation (John 1:14) through vindication and exaltation (Heb 1:3) to ascension (Mark 16:19).

Why it lands — It is a creed, not an argument: the reader is expected to confess what is already established, and to let that confession govern how he conducts himself in the church (3:15).

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

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.

Cross-references

John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Hebrews 1:3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.
Mark 16:19 After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.
Romans 16:25 Now to Him who is able to strengthen you by my gospel and by the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery concealed for ages past
1 John 5:6 This is the One who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ—not by water alone, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies to this, because the Spirit is the truth.
1 John 1:2 And this is the life that was revealed; we have seen it and testified to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us.
Philippians 2:6 Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
Luke 24:4 While they were puzzling over this, suddenly two men in radiant apparel stood beside them.
Colossians 1:23 if indeed you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope of the gospel you heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
Colossians 1:27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.