In conclusion of chapter three, Paul quotes a fragment of what appears to be an early hymn. While there is some discussion about the meaning of these phrases, the beauty and reverence of these six lines is evident.

Look for yourself in 1 Timothy 3:16:

Paul refers again to the “mystery.” This is a subject he has already addressed in verse 9, when he wrote of the “deep truths of the faith.” The same word is used in both cases. But what mystery? The mystery of our faith is God’s redemptive work in Jesus, which wasn’t seen in earlier days, but which has now been revealed in Christ. This godliness is, in a very real way, the basis of Christianity.

The next portion of this passage describes this mystery of godliness. It is almost certainly a portion of an early hymn, based upon the structure and flow of the six lines. However, there are a few pieces which aren’t completely clear as to their meaning.

Also, the dynamics can change as well, depending upon where you divide the passage. Is it three stanzas of two lines each? Or two stanzas of three lines each? Most of the commentaries I examined are divided on this issue, with a few even suggesting several different scenarios.

My inclination is to see this as two stanzas of three lines each, enabling us to see something of this mystery.

He appeared in a body – Christ was manifested in the flesh. He was God made man. He left heaven, and took on the nature of a human, becoming one of us.

Was vindicated by the Spirit – The Greek phrase here literally says he was “justified in spirit.” But what is the word “spirit” referring to? The Holy Spirit, or Christ’s spiritual nature? The text is unclear. I feel that Paul is referring to the Holy Spirit, based on what he’s said elsewhere (Romans 8:11). The Holy Spirit is the one who vindicated Jesus in the resurrection. The word “vindicate” can be translated as “justified,” but it can also carry the connotation of “exaltation.” Regardless of which definition we accept, the first two lines indicate the humiliation and the exaltation of Christ, the incarnation and the resurrection.

Was seen by angels – All other phrases in the New Testament that use the phrase “was seen” in relation to Christ refer to his appearances to other people. The fact that this line shows that he was seen by angels suggests the cosmic nature of his work, and shows that he is worshiped by much more than just humanity. This adds the theme of glorification to the incarnation and the resurrection.

Was preached among the nations – This likely refers to the spread of the Gospel to the nations, or Gentiles, showing that the message of the cross was for all of us, and not only the Jewish people.

Was believed on in the world – This is a response to the previous line, the result of the proclamation Christ’s actions on our behalf.

Was taken up in glory – This final phrase is puzzling. If taken in chronological order with the previous two, it seems to suggest the ascension of Christ happened after the spread of the message to the nations. That’s not what happened in the book of Acts, so there must be some other meaning to this. I think this phrase means not so much the place of his glory (i.e. the ascension) as it does the manner of his glory. Tying this in with the rest of the passage, we see a picture of the humiliated Christ triumphing in glory.

Remember, Paul is primarily instructing Timothy on how to handle the false teachers that had infiltrated the church in Ephesus. And in the next chapter, Paul will address that more specifically. But here, he displays a sharp contrast between the false teachings and the truth of Christ. What better way to shore up Timothy’s faith and his authority than by contrasting the truth of God with the falsehoods of these teachers?

Of these six lines, which one speaks to you the most? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.