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.
Read it in contextThe purpose of the instructions
Start reading at 1 Timothy 3:14 (1 Timothy 3:14 to 1 Timothy 3:16).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Paul explains that these directions concern conduct in God's house and closes the chapter with the KJV's confession that God was manifest in the flesh.
3:14These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:
3:15But 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.
3:16And 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.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Paul is the named author, the traditional attribution of this pastoral letter; some historical scholars dispute the authorship of the Pastoral Epistles. Biblical references: 1 Timothy 1:1. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Timothy 1:1–3:16): Paul addresses Timothy, urged to remain at Ephesus, about false teaching, prayer, conduct, and the qualifications of overseers and deacons. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Timothy, Paul's true son in the faith, charged with ministry at Ephesus. The instructions also govern how the church is to conduct itself. Biblical references: 1 Timothy 1:2; 1 Timothy 1:3; 1 Timothy 3:15. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? The purpose of the instructions. Read 1 Timothy 3:14 through 1 Timothy 3:16 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? Paul explains that these directions concern conduct in God's house and closes the chapter with the KJV's confession that God was manifest in the flesh. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The letter recalls Paul's departure into Macedonia and Timothy's charge at Ephesus. It does not give a calendar date. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? Timothy's assignment is associated with Ephesus. Some instructions concern assemblies and households rather than a single scene. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in The purpose of the instructions (1 Timothy 3:14 to 1 Timothy 3:16).
Start reading at 1 Timothy 3:14. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The letter presents Christ's saving work and, in the KJV, confesses God manifested in the flesh. Read the household and ministry instructions in relation to the truth the church is charged to uphold. See 1 Timothy 1:15, 1 Timothy 2:5, 1 Timothy 3:15, 1 Timothy 3:16. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Guard sound teaching, practice godliness, and care responsibly for the congregation and vulnerable people. Keep the addressed situations visible when applying instructions about leaders and households. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
1 Timothy 3
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul writes to Timothy, whom he left at Ephesus to address contrary teaching. Instructions concern doctrine, prayer, leadership, households, and conduct in the house of God.
Connection to the wholeThe requirements emphasize tested character, responsible household conduct, and a good testimony rather than ambition for status.
Connection to the wholePaul explains that these directions concern conduct in God's house and closes the chapter with the KJV's confession that God was manifest in the flesh.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
1 Timothy
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul writes to Timothy, whom he left at Ephesus to address contrary teaching. Instructions concern doctrine, prayer, leadership, households, and conduct in the house of God.
Connection to the wholeDirections concerning worship and qualifications for overseers and deacons lead to the stated concern for behaviour in the church of the living God.
Connection to the wholePaul warns of departure from the faith and instructs Timothy to nourish the church through sound teaching and visible faithfulness.
Connection to the wholePaul contrasts godliness with the love of money and closes by charging Timothy and the wealthy to live faithfully under God's sight.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.