1 Timothy 3:14-16

Personal Instructions to Timothy

Paul hoped he would soon be able to visit with Timothy in person about the organization of the church and actions of those who make it up. However, he knew travel was uncertain and plans could suddenly be changed. Timothy needed this information to carry out the charge he had from Paul. If he was delayed in coming, Paul wanted Timothy to know the things comprising proper behavior in the church. He described the church as God's house or dwelling place (compare 1 Corinthians 3:5-17). The apostle may have also intended to represent the church as God's family. The church is a dwelling place for a living God, which is in stark contrast to the dead gods many worshiped during Paul's day. A pillar serves as undergirding or support. In this case, the church is said to support the truth, and, if we fail to do that, we fail in our primary mission (1 Timothy 3:14-15).

There can be no argument as to the great importance of the gospel, which is the mystery. It shows man the way to piety or reverence toward God. Jesus was God incarnate, that is, God in the flesh (John 1:1-3; John 1:14; Romans 1:3; Hebrews 2:14; Hebrews 5:7; 1 John 3:5; 1 John 3:8).

Jesus was declared by the Spirit to be righteous. This was done at his baptism (Matthew 3:13-17) and in his resurrection (Romans 1:4). Of course, the Spirit also declares his righteousness in all the words of the Bible which point to Christ as God's Son. Angels attended to the Lord's needs while he was here on earth (Matthew 4:11), so we might say they saw to his needs. Jesus' name has been and must be declared to all the nations, which certainly includes the Gentiles (Isaiah 2:1-4; Matthew 28:18-20; Colossians 1:23). Such preaching, received into honest hearts, has caused many to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God (Acts 8:37). Christ's ascension was the last great physical proof of his deity (1 Timothy 3:16; Acts 1:9-11; Mark 16:19; Luke 24:26; Luke 24:50-53).