14 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: 15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 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. (1 Timothy 3:14-16 KJV)
The Mystery of Godliness
Paul concludes the chapter with a particular instruction to Timothy. He hoped to visit him soon to give further directions and support in his ministry, and to ensure that Christianity was firmly established at Ephesus. Meanwhile, he wrote so that if he was delayed, Timothy might know how to conduct himself properly in the house of God, behaving as an evangelist and Paul’s representative.
Those who serve in the house of God must behave well, lest they bring reproach upon God’s house and the worthy name by which they are called. Ministers should not only focus on praying and preaching but also on their behavior. Their office requires them to live uprightly, for any conduct will not do. Timothy must know how to behave not only in the church at Ephesus but also in other churches where he might serve, for it is not just the local church, but the universal church, that is called the house of God, which is the church of the living God.
God is the living God; He is the source of life, gives breath and all things to His creatures; “in Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:25, 28). The church is the house of God, for He dwells there. “This is my rest; here will I dwell, for I have chosen it” (Psalm 132:14). There we may behold His power and glory (Psalm 63:2).
It is the great support of the church that it is the church of the living God, the true God, in contrast to dead and powerless idols. As the church of God, it is “the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15). This means the church holds forth the truth of Scripture and the doctrine of Christ, just as a pillar displays a public proclamation. “By the church, the manifold wisdom of God is made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 3:10).
Some understand this also to refer to Timothy and other ministers, whose duty it is to uphold and declare the truth of Christ in the church. The apostles were called “pillars” (Galatians 2:9). Therefore, we should be diligent in seeking the truth, “buy the truth and sell it not” (Proverbs 23:23), preserve it faithfully, and transmit it uncorrupted to future generations. When the church ceases to be the pillar and foundation of truth, believers are no longer bound to remain in her, for our loyalty to truth must be greater than our loyalty to any institution.
What is this truth of which the church and its ministers are the pillar and foundation? “Without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness” (1 Timothy 3:16). Christianity is a mystery — one that human reason could not have discovered, for it is above reason, though not contrary to it. It is not a mystery of philosophy or speculation, but of godliness, designed to produce holiness. It is revealed, not hidden, yet remains mysterious even when partly disclosed.
This mystery is Christ Himself, and six great truths concerning Him make up the mystery of godliness:
First, He is God manifested in the flesh. This proves His divinity — that He is the eternal Word made flesh (John 1:14). When God chose to reveal Himself to humanity, He did so through the incarnation of His Son.
Second, He was justified in the Spirit. Though condemned as a sinner and executed as a criminal, He was raised from the dead by the Spirit, proving His righteousness. “He was delivered for our offenses and raised again for our justification” (Romans 4:25). “He was put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit” (1 Peter 3:18).
Third, He was seen by angels. They worshiped Him (Hebrews 1:6), attended His incarnation, temptation, agony, resurrection, and ascension. This shows His honor and authority, for He is Lord of angels.
Fourth, He was preached among the Gentiles. This is a vital part of the mystery of godliness: that Christ, once offered to the Jews alone, was now offered to the Gentiles as Redeemer and Savior. The partition wall was broken down, fulfilling, “I have set you to be a light for the Gentiles” (Acts 13:47).
Fifth, He was believed on in the world. Though crucified in weakness and despised by men, He was received in faith by many Gentiles who embraced the gospel the Jews rejected. Despite the world’s wickedness, multitudes believed in the Son of God.
Sixth, He was received up into glory. This refers to His ascension and exaltation at the right hand of God, where He lives forever, interceding for believers and possessing all power in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18; Hebrews 7:25). This is the crown of His exaltation and the completion of His earthly mission.
He who was manifested in the flesh was truly God by nature, not merely by office. He took on real human flesh, sharing in our nature: “Since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity” (Hebrews 2:14). Even though all flesh was corrupted, He was holy from the womb.
Godliness is a mystery from beginning to end — from Christ’s incarnation to His ascension. Because it is a great mystery, we should humbly adore and faithfully believe it, rather than curiously pry into it or speculate beyond what Scripture reveals.