Paul describes the qualifications of Bishops or Elders in verses 1-7 and goes on to describe the qualifications of Deacons in verses 8-13. The last three verses of the chapter move to a description of the “Great Mystery”, the church of the living God.

One of Paul’s purposes in writing his first letter to Timothy was to give him instructions on how a local assembly and its leadership should function. The church of the living God is made up of local assemblies around the world and in Paul’s words they are “the pillar and ground of the truth”.

Disorder and/or misconduct in the local church weaken and undermine the witness of God’s truth in the world whereas the meeting together of Godly men and women in local churches which truly praise and worship the Lord produce a church that testifies to others of the truth of the gospel.

The final verse (16) of the chapter contains an early hymn of the church.

“Manifested in the flesh”, refers to Christ’s incarnation, the fact that Jesus became man (John 1:14)
“Justified in the Spirit”, refers to the work of the Holy Spirit in the ministry and resurrection of Jesus (Matt 3:16-17, Rom 1:4)
“Seen by Angels”, refers to the angelic witness of Christ’s ministry and resurrection
“Preached among the Gentiles”, refers to the proclamation of Christ to all nations (Col. 1:23
“Believed on in the world”, refers to the response of individuals to God’s plan of salvation (1 Cor. 1:18-25)
“Received up in glory”, refers to the Ascension; Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father in heavenly places (Acts 1:9, Eph. 1:20-21)

As we meditate on the simple but powerful truths of this early hymn, let us seek to be “without controversy” (vs.16) and a church which truly praises and worships the Lord and produces a testimony of the truth of the gospel.

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NEWBOLD COMMUNITY CHURCH