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Selected Verse: 1 Timothy 3:16 - Strong Concordance
Verse |
Translation |
Text |
1Ti 3:16 |
Strong Concordance |
And [2532] without controversy [3672] great [3173] is [2076] the mystery [3466] of godliness [2150]: God [2316] was manifest [5319] in [1722] the flesh [4561], justified [1344] in [1722] the Spirit [4151], seen [3700] of angels [32], preached [2784] unto [1722] the Gentiles [1484], believed on [4100] in [1722] the world [2889], received up [353] into [1722] glory [1391]. |
|
King James |
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. |
Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse
A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882] |
And--following up Ti1 3:15 : The pillar of the truth is the Church in which thou art required to minister; "AND (that thou mayest know how grand is that truth which the Church so upholds) confessedly (so the Greek for 'without controversy') great is the mystery of godliness: (namely), HE WHO (so the oldest manuscripts and versions read for 'God') was manifested in (the) flesh (He who) was justified in the Spirit," &c. There is set before us the whole dignity of Christ's person. If He were not essentially superhuman (Tit 2:13), how could the apostle emphatically declare that He was manifested in (the) flesh? [TREGELLES, Printed Text of the Greek New Testament]. (Joh 1:14; Phi 2:7; Jo1 1:2; Jo1 4:2). Christ, in all His aspects, is Himself "the mystery of godliness." He who before was hidden "with God" was made manifest (Joh 1:1, Joh 1:14; Rom 16:25-26; Col 1:26; Ti2 1:10; Tit 2:11; Tit 3:4; Jo1 3:5, Jo1 3:8). "Confessedly," that is, by the universal confession of the members of "the Church," which is in this respect the "pillar" or upholder "of the truth."
the mystery--the divine scheme embodied in CHRIST (Col 1:27), once hidden from, but now revealed to, us who believe.
of godliness--rather, "piety"; a different Greek, expresses godliness (Ti1 2:10). In opposition to the ungodliness or impiety inseparable from error (departure from the faith: "doctrines of devils," "profane fables," Ti1 4:1, Ti1 4:7; compare Ti1 6:3). To the victims of such error, the "mystery of piety" (that is, Christ Himself) remains a mystery unrevealed (Ti1 4:2). It is accessible only to "piety" (Ti1 3:9): in relation to the pious it is termed a "mystery," though revealed (Co1 2:7-14), to imply the excellence of Him who is the surpassing essential subject of it, and who is Himself "wonderful" (Isa 9:6), surpassing knowledge (Eph 3:18-19); compare Eph 5:32. The apostle now proceeds to unfold this confessedly great mystery in its details. It is not unlikely that some formula of confession or hymn existed in the Church and was generally accepted, to which Paul alludes in the words "confessedly great is the mystery," &c. (to wit), "He who was manifested," &c. Such hymns were then used (compare Eph 5:19; Col 3:16). PLINY [1.10, Epistle, 97], "They are wont on a fixed day before dawn to meet and sing a hymn in alternate responses to Christ, as being God"; and EUSEBIUS [Ecclesiastical History, 5.28]. The short unconnected sentences with the words similarly arranged, and the number of syllables almost equal, and the ideas antithetically related, are characteristics of a Christian hymn. The clauses stand in parallelism; each two are connected as a pair, and form an antithesis turning on the opposition of heaven to earth; the order of this antithesis is reversed in each new pair of clauses: flesh and spirit, angels and Gentiles, world and glory; and there is a correspondence between the first and the last clause: "manifested in the flesh, received up into glory" [WIESINGER].
justified--that is, approved to be righteous [ALFORD]. Christ, while "in the flesh," seemed to be just such a one as men in the flesh, and in fact bore their sins; but by having died to sin, and having risen again, He gained for Himself and His people justifying righteousness (Isa 50:8; Joh 16:10; Act 22:14; Rom 4:25; Rom 6:7, Rom 6:10; Heb 9:28; Pe1 3:18; Pe1 4:1 Jo1 2:1) [BENGEL]; or rather, as the antithesis to "was manifest in the flesh" requires, He was justified in the Spirit at the same time that He was manifest in the flesh, that is, He was vindicated as divine "in His Spirit," that is, in His higher nature; in contrast to "in the flesh," His visible human nature. This contrasted opposition requires "in the Spirit" to be thus explained: not "by the Spirit," as ALFORD explains it. So Rom 1:3-4, "Made of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead." So "justified" is used to mean vindicated in one's true character (Mat 11:19; Luk 7:35; Rom 3:4). His manifestation "in the flesh" exposed him to misapprehension, as though he were nothing more (Joh 6:41; Joh 7:27). His justification, or vindication, in respect to His Spirit or higher being, was effected by ALL that manifested that higher being, His words (Mat 7:29; Joh 7:46), His works (Joh 2:11; Joh 3:2), by His Father's testimony at His baptism (Mat 3:17), and at the transfiguration (Mat 17:5), and especially by His resurrection (Act 13:33; Rom 1:4), though not by this exclusively, as BENGEL limits it.
seen of angels--answering to "preached unto the Gentiles" (or rather "among the nations"; including the Jews), on the other hand (Mat 28:19; Rom 16:25-26). "Angels saw the Son of God with us, not having seen Him before" [CHRYSOSTOM].' "not even they had seen His divine nature, which is not visible to any creature, but they saw Him incarnate" [THEODORET] (Eph 3:8, Eph 3:10; Pe1 1:12; compare Col 1:16, Col 1:20). What angels came to know by seeing, the nations learned by preaching. He is a new message to the one class as well as to the other; in the wondrous union in His person of things most opposite, namely, heaven and earth, lies "the mystery" [WIESINGER]. If the English Version, "Gentiles," be retained, the antithesis will be between the angels who are so near the Son of God, the Lord of "angels," and the Gentiles who were so utterly "afar off" (Eph 2:17).
believed on in the world--which lieth in wickedness (Jo1 2:15; Jo1 5:19). Opposed to "glory" (Joh 3:16-17). This followed upon His being "preached" (Rom 10:14).
received up into glory--Greek, "in glory." However, English Version may be retained thus, "Received up (so as now to be) in glory," that is, into glory (Mar 16:19; Luk 24:51; Act 1:11). His reception in heaven answers to His reception on earth by being "believed on." |
Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834] |
And, without controversy - Undeniably, certainly. The object of the apostle is to say that the truth which he was about to state admitted of no dispute.
Great is the mystery - On the meaning of the word "mystery," see the notes on Co1 2:7. The word means that which had been hidden or concealed. The meaning here is not that the proposition which he affirms was mysterious in the sense that it was unintelligible, or impossible to be understood; but that the doctrine respecting the incarnation and the work of the Messiah, which had been so long "kept hidden" from the world, was a subject of the deepest importance. This passage, therefore, should not be used to prove that there is anything unintelligible, or anything that surpasses human comprehension, in that doctrine, whatever may be the truth on that point; but that the doctrine which he now proceeds to state, and which had been so long concealed from mankind, was of the utmost consequence.
Of godliness - The word "godliness" means, properly, piety, reverence, or religiousness. It is used here, however, for the gospel scheme, to wit, that which the apostle proceeds to state. This "mystery," which had "been hidden from ages and from generations, and which was now manifest" Col 1:26, was the great doctrine on which depended "religion" everywhere, or was that which constituted the Christian scheme.
God - Probably there is no passage in the New Testament which has excited so much discussion among critics as this, and none in reference to which it is so difficult to determine the true reading. It is the only one, it is believed, in which the microscope has been employed to determine the lines of the letters used in a manuscript; and, after all that has been done to ascertain the exact truth in regard to it, still the question remains undecided. It is not the object of these notes to enter into the examination of questions of this nature. A full investigation may be found in Wetstein. The question which has excited so much controversy is, whether the original Greek word was Θεὸς Theos, "God," or whether it was ὅς hos, "who," or ὁ ho, "which." The controversy has turned, to a considerable degree, on the reading in the "Codex Alexandrinus;" and a remark or two on the method in which the manuscripts in the New Testament were written, will show the true nature of the controversy.
Greek manuscripts were formerly written entirely in capital letters, and without breaks or intervals between the words, and without accents; see a full description of the methods of writing the New Testament, in an article by Prof. Stuart in Dr. Robinson's Biblotheca Sacra, No. 2, pp. 254ff The small, cursive Greek letters which are now used, were not commonly employed in transcribing the New Testament, if at all, until the ninth or tenth centuries. It was a common thing to abridge or contract words in the manuscript. Thus, πρ would be used for πατερ pater, "father;" κς for κυριος kurios, "Lord;" Θς for Θεος Theos, "God," etc. The words thus contracted were designated by a faint line or dash over them. In this place, therefore, if the original uncials (capitals) were ΘC, standing for Θεὸς Theos, "God," and the line in the Θ, and the faint line over it, were obliterated from any cause, it would easily be mistaken for OC - ὅς hos - "who."
To ascertain which of these is the true reading, has been the great question; and it is with reference to this that the microscope has been resorted to in the examination of the Alexandrian manuscript. It is now generally admitted that the faint line "over" the word has been added by some later hand, though not improbably by one who found that the line was nearly obliterated, and who meant merely to restore it. Whether the letter O was originally written with a line within it, making the reading "God," it is now said to be impossible to determine, in consequence of the manuscript at this place having become so much worn by frequent examination. The Vulgate and the Syriac read it: "who," or "which." The Vulgate is, "Great is the sacrament of piety which was manifested in the flesh." The Syriac, "Great is the mystery of godliness, that he was manifested in the flesh." The "probability" in regard to the correct reading here, as it seems to me, is, that the word, as originally written, was Θεός Theos - "God." At the same time, however, the evidence is not so clear that it can be properly used in an argument. But the passage is not "necessary" to prove the doctrine which is affirmed, on the supposition that that is the correct reading. The same truth is abundantly taught elsewhere; compare Mat 1:23; Joh 1:14.
Was manifest - Margin, "Manifested." The meaning is, "appeared" in the flesh.
In the flesh - In human nature; see this explained in the notes on Rom 1:3. The expression here looks as though the true reading of the much-disputed word was "God." It could not have been, it would seem evident, ὁ ho, "which," referring to "mystery;" for how could a mystery "be manifested in the flesh?" Nor could it it be ὅς hos, "who," unless that should refer to one who was more than a man; for how absurd would it be to say that "a man was manifested, or appeared in the flesh!" How else could a man appear? The phrase here means that God appeared in human form, or with human nature; and this is declared to be the "great" truth so long concealed from human view, but now revealed as constituting the fundamental doctrine of the gospel. The expressions which follow in this verse refer to God "as" thus manifested in the flesh; to the Saviour as he appeared on earth, regarded as a divine and human being. It was the fact that he thus appeared and sustained this character, which made the things which are immediately specified so remarkable, and so worthy of attention.
Justified in the Spirit - That is, the incarnate person above referred to; the Redeemer, regarded as God and man. The word "Spirit," here, it is evident, refers to the Holy Spirit, because:
(1) it is not possible to attach any intelligible idea to the phrase, "he was justified by his own spirit, or soul;"
(2) as the Holy Spirit performed so important a part in the work of Christ, it is natural to suppose there would be some allusion here to him; and,
(3) as the "angels" are mentioned here as having been with him, and as the Holy Spirit is often mentioned in connection with him, it is natural to suppose that there would be some allusion to Him here. The word "justified," here, is not used in the sense in which it is when applied to Christians, but in its more common signification. It means to "vindicate," and the sense is, that he was shown to be the Son of God by the agency of the Holy Spirit; he was thus vindicated from the charges alleged against him. The Holy Spirit furnished the evidence that he was the Son of God, or "justified" his claims. Thus he descended on him at his baptism, Mat 3:16; he was sent to convince the world of sin because it did not believe on him, Joh 16:8-9; the Saviour cast out devils by him, Mat 12:28; the Spirit was given to him without measure, Joh 3:34, and the Spirit was sent down in accordance with his promise, to convert the hearts of people; Act 2:33. All the manifestations of God to him; all the power of working miracles by his agency; all the influences imparted to the man Christ Jesus, endowing him with such wisdom as man never had before, may be regarded as an attestation of the Holy Spirit to the divine mission of the Lord Jesus, and of course as a vindication from all the charges against him. In like manner, the descent of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, and his agency in the conversion of every sinner, prove the same thing, and furnish the grand argument in vindication of the Redeemer that he was sent from God. To this the apostle refers as a part of the glorious truth of the Christian scheme now revealed - the "mystery of religion;" as a portion of the amazing records, the memory of which the church was to preserve as connected with the redemption of the world.
Seen of angels - They were attendants on his ministry, and came to him in times of distress, peril, and want; compare Luk 2:9-13; Luk 22:43; Luk 24:4; Heb 1:6; Mat 4:11. They felt an interest in him and his work, and they gladly came to him in his sorrows and troubles. The design of the apostle is to give an impressive view of the grandeur and glory of that work which attracted the attention of the heavenly hosts, and which drew them from the skies that they might proclaim his advent, sustain him in his temptations, witness his crucifixion, and watch over him in the tomb. The work of Christ, though despised by people, excited the deepest interest in heaven; compare notes on Pe1 1:12.
Preached unto the Gentiles - This is placed by the apostle among the "great" things which constituted the "mystery" of religion. The meaning is, that it was a glorious truth that salvation might be, and should be, proclaimed to all mankind, and that this was a part of the important truths made known in the gospel. Elsewhere this is called, by way of eminence, "the mystery of the gospel;" that is, the grand truth which had not been known until the coming of the Saviour; see the Eph 6:19 note; Col 1:26-27; Col 4:3 notes. Before his coming, a wall of partition had divided the Jewish and Gentile world. The Jews regarded the rest of mankind as excluded from the covenant mercies of God, and it was one of the principal stumblingblocks in their way, in regard to the gospel, that it proclaimed that all the race was on a level, that that middle wall of partition was broken down, and that salvation might now be published to all people; compare Act 22:21; Eph 2:14-15; Rom 3:22; Rom 10:11-20.
The Jew had no special advantage for salvation by being a Jew; the Gentile was not excluded from the hope of salvation. The plan of redemption was adapted "to man" as such - without regard to his complexion, country, customs, or laws. The blood of Christ was shed for all, and wherever a human being could be found, salvation might be freely offered him. This "is" a glorious truth; and taken in all its bearings, and in reference to the views which then prevailed, and which have always more or less prevailed about the distinctions made among people by caste and rank, there is scarcely anymore glorious truth connected with the Christian revelation, or one which will exert a wider influence in promoting the welfare of man. It is a great privilege to be permitted to proclaim that all people, in one respect - and that the most important - are on a level; that they are all equally the objects of the divine compassion; that Christ died for one as really as for another; that birth, wealth, elevated rank, or beauty of complexion, contribute nothing to the salvation of one man; and that poverty, a darker skin, slavery, or a meaner rank, do nothing to exclude another from the favor of his Maker.
Believed on in the world - This also is mentioned among the "great" things which constitute the mystery of revealed religion. But why is this regarded as so remarkable as to be mentioned thus? In point of importance, how can it be mentioned in connection with the fact that God was manifest in the flesh; that he was vindicated by the Holy Spirit; that he was an object of intense interest to angelic hosts, and that his coming had broken down the walls which had separated the world, and placed them now on a level? I answer, perhaps the following circumstances may have induced the apostle to place this among the remarkable things evincing the greatness of this truth:
(1) The strong "improbability" arising from the greatness of the "mystery," that the doctrines respecting the incarnate Deity would be believed. Such is the incomprehensible nature of many of the truths connected with the incarnation; so strange does it seem that God would become incarnate; so amazing that he should appear in human flesh and blood, and that the incarnate Son of God should die, that it might be regarded as a wonderful thing that such a doctrine had in fact obtained credence in the world. But it was a glorious truth that all the natural improbabilities in the case had been overcome, and that people had accredited the announcement.
(2) the strong improbability that his message would be believed, arising from the "wickedness of the human heart." Man, in all his history, had shown a strong reluctance to believe any message from God, or any truth whatever revealed by him. The Jews had rejected his prophets and put them to death Matt. 23; Acts 7; and had at last put his own Son - their Messiah - to death. Man everywhere had shown his strong inclination to unbelief. There is in the human soul no elementary principle or germ of faith in God. Every man is an unbeliever by nature - an infidel first; a Christian afterward; an infidel as he comes into the world; a believer only as he is made so by grace. The apostle, therefore, regarded it as a glorious fact that the message respecting the Saviour "had been" believed in the world. It overcame such a strong and universal reluctance to confide in God, that it showed that there was more than human power in operation to overcome this reluctance.
(3) the extent to which this had been done may have been a reason why he thought it worthy of the place which he gives it here. It had been embraced, not by a few, but by thousands in all lands where the gospel had been published; and it was proof of the truth of the doctrine, and of the great power of God, that such high mysteries as those relating to redemption, and so much opposed to the natural feelings of the human heart, should have been embraced by so many. The same thing occurs now. The gospel makes its way against the native incredulity of the world, and every new convert is an additional demonstration that it is from God, and a new illustration of the greatness of this mystery.
Received up into glory - To heaven; compare Joh 17:5; see the notes on Act 1:9. This is mentioned as among the "great" or remarkable things pertaining to "godliness," or the Christian revelation, because it was an event which had not elsewhere occurred, and was the crowning grandeur of the work of Christ. It was an event that was fitted to excite the deepest interest in heaven itself. No event of more importance has ever occurred in the universe, of which we have any knowledge, than the re-ascension of the triumphant Son of God to glory after having accomplished the redemption of a world.
In view of the instructions of this chapter, we may make the following remarks.
1. The word "bishop" in the New Testament never means what is now commonly understood by it - "a Prelate." It does not denote here, or anywhere else in the Now Testament, one who has charge over a "diocese" composed of a certain district of country, embracing a number of churches with their clergy.
2. There are not "three orders" of clergy in the New Testament. The apostle Paul in this chapter expressly designates the characteristics of those who should have charge of the church, but mentions only two, "bishops" and "deacons." The former are ministers of the word, having charge of the spiritual interests of the church; the other are deacons, of whom there is no evidence that they were appointed to preach. There is no "third" order. There is no allusion to anyone who was to be "superior" to the "bishops" and "deacons." As the apostle Paul was expressly giving instructions in regard to the organization of the church, such an omission is unaccountable if he supposed there was to be an order of "prelates" in the church. Why is there no allusion to them? Why is there no mention of their qualifications? If Timothy was himself a prelate, was he to have nothing to do in transmitting the office to others? Were there no special qualifications required in such an order of people which it would be proper to mention? Would it not be "respectful," at least, in Paul to have made some allusion to such an office, if Timothy himself held it?
3. There is only one order of preachers in the church. The qualifications of that order are specified with great minuteness and particularity, as well as beauty; Ti1 3:2-7. No man really needs to know more of the qualifications for this office than could be learned from a prayerful study of this passage.
4. A man who enters the ministry "ought" to have high qualifications; Ti1 3:2-7. No man "ought," under any pretence, to be put into the ministry who has not the qualifications here specified. Nothing is gained in any department of human labor, by appointing incompetent persons to fill it. A farmer gains nothing by employing a man on his farm who has no proper qualifications for his business; a carpenter, a shoemaker, or a blacksmith, gains nothing by employing a man who knows nothing about his trade; and a neighborhood gains nothing by employing a man as a teacher of a school who has no qualifications to teach, or who has a bad character. Such a man would do more mischief on a farm, or in a workshop, or in a school, than all the good which he could do would compensate. And so it is in the ministry. The true object is not to increase the "number" of ministers, it is to increase the number of those who are "qualified" for their work, and if a man has not the qualifications laid down by the inspired apostle, he had better seek some other calling.
5. The church is the guardian of the truth; Ti1 3:15. It is appointed to preserve it pure, and to transmit it to future ages. The world is dependent on it for any just views of truth. The church has the power, and is entrusted with the duty, of preserving on earth a just knowledge of God and of eternal things; of the way of salvation; of the requirements of pure morality: to keep up the knowledge of that truth which tends to elevate society and to save man. It is entrusted with the Bible, to preserve uncorrupted, and to transmit to distant ages and lands. It is bound to maintain and assert the truth in its creeds and confessions of faith. And it is to preserve the truth by the holy lives of its members, and to show in their walk what is the appropriate influence of truth on the soul. Whatever religious truth there is now on the earth, has been thus preserved and transmitted, and it still devolves on the church to bear the truth of God on to future times, and to diffuse it abroad to distant lands.
6. The closing verse of this chapter Ti1 3:16 gives us a most elevated view of the plan of salvation. and of its grandeur and glory. It would be difficult, if not impossible, to condense more interesting and sublime thought into so narrow a compass as this. The great mystery of the incarnation; the interest of angelic beings in the events of redemption; the effect of the gospel on the pagan world; the tendency of the Christian religion to break down every barrier among people, and to place all the race on a level; its power in overcoming the unbelief of mankind; and the re-ascension of the Son of God to heaven, present a series of most wonderful facts to our contemplation. These things are found in no other system of religion, and these are worthy of the profound attention of every human being. The manifestation of God in the flesh! What a thought! It was worthy of the deepest interest among the angels, and it "claims" the attention of people, for it was for human beings and not for angels that he thus appeared in human form; compare notes on Pe1 1:12.
7. How strange it is that "man" feels no more interest in these things! God was manifest in the flesh for his salvation, but he does not regard it Angels looked upon it with wonder: but man, for whom he came, feels little interest in his advent or his work! The Christian religion has broken down the barrier among nations, and has proclaimed that all people may be saved; yet the mass of people look on this with entire unconcern. The Redeemer ascended to heaven, having finished his great work; but how little interest do the mass of mankind feel in this! He will come again to judge the world; but the race moves on, regardless of this truth; unalarmed at the prospect of meeting him; feeling no interest in the assurance that he "has" come and died for sinners, and no apprehension in view of the fact that he will come again, and that they must stand at his bar. All heaven was moved with his first advent, and will be with his second; but the earth regards it with unconcern. Angelic beings look upon this with the deepest anxiety, though they have no personal interest in it; man, though all his great interests are concentrated on it, regards it as a fable, disbelieves it all, and treats it with contempt and scorn. Such is the difference between heaven and earth - angels and human beings! |
The Scofield Bible Commentary, by Cyrus Ingerson Scofield, [1917] |
mystery
(See Scofield) - (Mat 13:11).
angels
(See Scofield) - (Heb 1:4).
world
Greek, "kosmos", means "mankind".
(See Scofield) - (Mat 4:8). |
Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886] |
Without controversy (ὁμολογουμένως)
Lit. confessedly. N.T.o.
The mystery of godliness (τὸ τῆς εὐσεβείας μυστήριον)
(a) The connection of thought is with the truth (Ti1 3:15), and the words mystery of godliness are a paraphrase of that word. The church is the pillar and stay of the truth, and the truth constitutes the mystery of godliness. (b) The contents of this truth or mystery is Christ, revealed in the gospel as the Savior from ungodliness, the norm and inspiration of godliness, the divine life in man, causing him to live unto God as Christ did and does (Rom 6:10). See Ti1 1:15; Ti1 2:5; Col 1:26, Col 1:27. According to the Fourth Gospel, Christ is himself the truth (Joh 14:6). The mystery of godliness is the substance of piety = mystery of the faith (Ti1 3:9). (c) The truth is called a mystery because it was, historically, hidden, until revealed in the person and work of Christ; also because it is concealed from human wisdom, and apprehended only by faith in the revelation of God through Christ. (d) The genitive, of godliness, is possessive. The mystery of godliness is the truth which pertains or belongs to godliness. It is not the property of worldly wisdom. Great (μέγα) means important, weighty, as Eph 5:32.
God (Θεὸς)
But the correct reading is ὃς who. The antecedent of this relative is not mystery, as if Christ were styled "the mystery," but the relative refers to Christ as an antecedent; and the abruptness of its introduction may be explained by the fact that it and the words which follow were probably taken from an ancient credal hymn. In the earlier Christian ages it was not unusual to employ verse or rhythm for theological teaching or statement. The heretics propounded their peculiar doctrines in psalms. Clement of Alexandria wrote a hymn in honor of Christ for the use of catechumens, and Arius embodied his heresy in his Thalia, which was sung in the streets and taverns of Alexandria. The Muratorian Canon was probably composed in verse. In the last quarter of the fourth century, there are two metrical lists of Scripture by Amphilochius and Gregory Nazianzen.
Was manifest (ἐφανερώθη)
More correctly, was manifested. The verb is used Joh 1:2; Heb 9:26; Pe1 1:20; Jo1 3:5, Jo1 3:8, of the historical manifestation of Christ; and of the future coming of Christ in Col 3:4; Pe1 5:4; Jo1 3:2.
In the flesh (ἐν σαρκί)
Comp. Joh 1:14; Jo1 4:2; Jo2 1:7; Rom 1:3; Rom 8:3; Rom 9:5. Σάρξ flesh only here in Pastorals.
Justified in the Spirit (ἐδικαιώθη ἐν πνεύματι)
The verb δικαιοῦν, so familiar in Paul's writings, is found in the Pastorals only here and Tit 3:7. Its application to Christ as the subject of justification does not appear in Paul. Its meaning here is vindicated, indorsed, as Mat 11:19; Luk 10:29. Concerning the whole phrase it is to be said: (a) That the two clauses, manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, exhibit a contrast between two aspects of the life of Christ (b) That ἐν in must have the same meaning in both clauses (c) That meaning is not instrumental, by, nor purely modal, expressing the kind and manner of Christ's justification, but rather local with a shade of modality. It expresses in each case a peculiar condition which accompanied the justification; a sphere of life in which it was exhibited and which gave character to it. In the one condition or sphere (the flesh) he was hated, persecuted, and murdered. In the other (the Spirit) he was triumphantly vindicated. See further the additional note at the end of this chapter.
Seen of angels (ὤφθη ἀγγέλοις)
Better, appeared unto or showed himself to, as Mat 17:3; Luk 1:11; Act 7:2; Heb 9:28. The same verb is used of the appearance of the risen Christ to different persons or parties (Co1 15:5-8). The reference of the words cannot be determined with certainty. They seem to imply some great, majestic occasion, rather than the angelic manifestations during Jesus' earthly life. Besides, on these occasions, the angels appeared to him, not he to them. The reference is probably to his appearance in the heavenly world after his ascension, when the glorified Christ, having been triumphantly vindicated in his messianic work and trial, presented himself to the heavenly hosts. Comp. Phi 2:10; Eph 3:10, and, in the latter passage, note the connection with; "the mystery," Ti1 3:9.
Was preached unto the Gentiles (ἐκηρύχθη ἐν ἔθνεσιν)
Better, among the nations., There is no intention of emphasizing the distinction between the Jews and other nations.
Was believed on in the world (ἐπιστεύθη ἐν κόσμῳ)
For a similar construction see Th2 1:10. With Christ as subject this use of ἐπιστεύθη is unique.
Was received up into glory (ἀνελήμφθη ἐν δόξῃ)
Better, received or taken up in glory. Ἁναλαμβάνειν is the formal term to describe the ascension of Christ (see Act 1:2, Act 1:22), and the reference is most probably to that event. Comp. lxx, Kg2 2:11, of Elijah, and Sir. 49:14, of Enoch. Ἑν δόξῃ in glory: with attendant circumstances of pomp or majesty, as we say of a victorious general, the entered the city in triumph." This usage is common in N.T. See Mat 16:27; Mat 25:31; Mar 8:38; Luk 9:31; Luk 12:27; Co1 15:43; Co2 3:7, Co2 3:8, Co2 3:11.
Additional Note on Ti1 3:16
Christ's existence before his incarnation was purely spiritual (ἐν πνεύματι). He was in the form of God (Phi 2:6): He was the effulgence of God's glory and the express image of his substance (Heb 1:3), and God is spirit (Joh 4:24).
From this condition he came into manifestation in the flesh (ἐν σαρκί). He became man and entered into human conditions (Phi 2:7, Phi 2:8). Under these human conditions the attributes of his essential spiritual personality were veiled. He did not appear to men what he really was. He was not recognised by them as he who "was in the beginning with God" (Joh 1:1, Joh 1:2); as "the image of the invisible God" (Col 1:15); as one with God (Joh 10:30; Joh 14:9); as he who had all power in heaven and earth (Mat 28:18); who was "before all things and by whom all things consist" (Col 1:17); who was "the king of the ages" (Ti1 1:17). On the contrary, he was regarded as an impostor, a usurper, and a blasphemer. He was hated, persecuted, and finally murdered. He was poor, tempted, and tried, a man of sorrows.
The justification or vindication of what he really was did not therefore come out of the fleshly sphere. He was not justified in the flesh. It came out of the sphere of his spiritual being. Glimpses of this pneumatic life (ἐν πνεύματι) flashed out during his life in the flesh. By his exalted and spotless character, by his works of love and power, by his words of authority, in his baptism and transfiguration, he was vindicated as being what he essentially was and what he openly claimed to be. These justifications were revelations, expressions, and witnesses of his original, essential spiritual and divine quality; of the native glory which he had with the Father before the world was. It was the Spirit that publicly indorsed him (Joh 1:32, Joh 1:33): the words which he spake were spirit and life (Joh 6:63): he cast out demons in the Spirit of God (Mat 12:28): his whole earthly manifestation was in demonstration of the Spirit. These various demonstrations decisively justified his claims in the eyes of many. His disciples confessed him as the Christ of God (Luk 9:20) some of the people said "this is the Christ" (Joh 7:41): others suspected that he was such (Joh 4:29). Whether or not men acknowledged his claims, they felt the power of his unique personality. They were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority (Mat 7:28, Mat 7:29).
Then followed the more decisive vindication in his resurrection from the dead. Here the work of the Spirit is distinctly recognised by Paul, Rom 1:4. See also Rom 8:11. In the period between his resurrection and ascension his pneumatic life came into clearer manifestation, and added to the vindication furnished in his life and resurrection. He seemed to live on the border-line between the natural and the spiritual world, and the powers of the spiritual world were continually crossing the line and revealing themselves in him.
In the apostolic preaching, the appeal to the vindication of Christ by the Spirit is clear and unequivocal. The spiritual nourishment of believers is "the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ" (Phi 1:19): the Holy Spirit is called "the Spirit of Christ" (Rom 8:9; Gal 4:6): Paul identifies Christ personally with the Spirit (Co2 3:17); and in Rom 8:9, Rom 8:10, "Spirit of God," "Spirit of Christ," and "Christ" are used as convertible terms. The indwelling of the Spirit of Christ is the test and vindication of belonging to Christ (Rom 8:9). Thus, though put to death in the flesh, in the Spirit Christ is vindicated as the Son of God, the Christ of God, the manifestation of God. |
Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65] |
The mystery of godliness - Afterwards specified in six articles, which sum up the whole economy of Christ upon earth. Is the pillar and ground - The foundation and support of all the truth taught in his church. God was manifest in the flesh - In the form of a servant, the fashion of a man, for three and thirty years. Justified by the Spirit - Publicly "declared to be the Son of God," by his resurrection from the dead. Seen - Chiefly after his resurrection. By angels - Both good and bad. Preached among the gentiles - This elegantly follows. The angels were the least, the gentiles the farthest, removed from him; and the foundation both of this preaching and of their faith was laid before his assumption. Was believed on in the world - Opposed to heaven, into which he was taken up. The first point is, He was manifested in the flesh; the last, He was taken up into glory. |
Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826 |
And, without controversy - Και ὁμολογουμενες· And confessedly, by general consent, it is a thing which no man can or ought to dispute; any phrase of this kind expresses the meaning of the original.
God was manifest in the flesh - If we take in the whole of the 14th, 15th, and 16th verses, we may make a consistent translation in the following manner, and the whole paragraph will stand thus: Hoping to see thee shortly; but should I tarry long, these things I now write unto thee, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the Church of the living God. The mystery of godliness, which is the pillar and ground of the truth, is, without controversy, a great thing. And then he proceeds to show what this mystery of godliness is, which he sums up in the six following particulars:
1. God was manifest in the flesh;
2. Justified in the Spirit;
3. Seen of angels;
4. Preached unto the Gentiles;
5. Believed on in the world;
6. Received up into glory.
Though all this makes a very plain and consistent sense, yet we are perplexed by various readings on the first clause, Θεος εφανερωθη εν σαρκι, God was manifest in the flesh; for instead of Θεος, God, several MSS., versions, and fathers, have ὁς or ὁ, who or which. And this is generally referred to the word mystery; Great is the mystery of godliness, Which was manifest in the flesh.
The insertion of, Θεος for ὁς, or ὁς for Θεος, may be easily accounted for. In ancient times the Greek was all written in capitals, for the common Greek character is comparatively of modern date. In these early times words of frequent recurrence were written contractedly, thus: for πατηρ, πρ; Θεος, θς; Κυριος, κς· Ιησους, ιης, etc. This is very frequent in the oldest MSS., and is continually recurring in the Codex Bexae, and Codex Alexandrinus. If, therefore, the middle stroke of the Θ, in ΘΣ, happened to be faint, or obliterated, and the dash above not very apparent, both of which I have observed in ancient MSS., then ΘΣ, the contraction for Θεος, God, might be mistaken for ΟΣ, which or who; and vice versa. This appears to have been the case in the Codex Alexandrinus, in this passage. To me there is ample reason to believe that the Codex Alexandrinus originally read ΘΣ, God, in this place; but the stroke becoming faint by length of time and injudicious handling, of which the MS. in this place has had a large proportion, some person has supplied the place, most reprehensibly, with a thick black line. This has destroyed the evidence of this MS., as now it can neither be quoted pro or con, though it is very likely that the person who supplied the ink line, did it from a conscientious conviction that ΘΣ was the original reading of this MS. I examined this MS. about thirty years ago, and this was the conviction that rested then on my mind. I have seen the MS. several times since, and have not changed my opinion. The enemies of the Deity of Christ have been at as much pains to destroy the evidence afforded by the common reading in support of this doctrine as if this text were the only one by which it can be supported; they must be aware that Joh 1:1, and Joh 1:14, proclaim the same truth; and that in those verses there is no authority to doubt the genuineness of the reading. We read, therefore, God was manifested in the flesh, and I cannot see what good sense can be taken out of, the Gospel was manifested in the flesh; or, the mystery of godliness was manifested in the flesh. After seriously considering this subject in every point of light, I hold with the reading in the commonly received text.
Justified in the Spirit - By the miracles which were wrought by the apostle in and through the name of Jesus; as well as by his resurrection from the dead, through the energy of the Holy Ghost, by which he was proved to be the Son of God with power. Christ was, justified from all the calumnies of the Jews, who crucified him as an impostor. All these miracles, being wrought by the power of God, were a full proof of his innocence; for, had he not been what he professed to be, God would not have borne such a decisive testimony to his Messiahship.
Seen of angels - By αγγελοι here, some understand not those celestial or infernal beings commonly called angels, but apostles and other persons who became messengers, to carry far and wide and attest the truth of his resurrection from the dead. If, however, we take the word seen, in its Jewish acceptation, for made known, we may here retain the term angels in its common acceptation; for it is certain that previously to our Lord's ascension to heaven, these holy beings could have little knowledge of the necessity, reasons, and economy of human salvation; nor of the nature of Christ as God and man. St. Peter informs us that the angels desire to look into these things, Pe1 1:12. And St. Paul says the same thing, Eph 3:9, Eph 3:10, when speaking of the revelation of the Gospel plan of salvation, which he calls the mystery, which From the Beginning of the World had been Hid in God; and which was now published, that unto the Principalities and Powers in heavenly places might be Made Known, by the Church, the manifold wisdom of God. Even those angelic beings have got an accession to their blessedness, by an increase of knowledge in the things which concern Jesus Christ, and the whole scheme of human salvation, through his incarnation, passion, death, resurrection, ascension, and glorification.
Preached unto the Gentiles - This was one grand part of the mystery which had been hidden in God, that the Gentiles should be made fellow heirs with the Jews, and be admitted into the kingdom of God. To the Gentiles, therefore, he was proclaimed as having pulled down the middle wall of partition between them and the Jews; that, through him, God had granted unto them repentance unto life; and that they also might have redemption in his blood, the forgiveness of sins.
Believed on in the world - Was received by mankind as the promised Messiah, the Anointed of God, and the only Savior of fallen man. This is a most striking part of the mystery of godliness, that one who was crucified as a malefactor, and whose kingdom is not of this world, and whose doctrines are opposed to all the sinful propensities of the human heart, should, wherever his Gospel is preached, be acknowledged as the only Savior of sinners, and the Judge of quick and dead! But some would restrict the meaning to the Jews, whose economy is often denominated עולם הזה olam hazzeh, this world, and which words both our Lord and the apostles often use in the same sense. Notwithstanding their prejudices, many even of the Jews believed on him; and a great company of the priests themselves, who were his crucifiers, became obedient to the faith. Act 6:7. This was an additional proof of Christ's innocence.
Received up into glory - Even that human nature which he took of the Virgin Mary was raised, not only from the grave, but taken up into glory, and this in the most visible and palpable manner. This is a part of the mystery of godliness which, while we have every reasonable evidence to believe, we have not powers to comprehend. His reception into glory is of the utmost consequence to the Christian faith; as, in consequence, Jesus Christ in his human nature ever appears before the throne as our sacrifice and as our Mediator.
1. The directions given in this chapter concerning bishops and deacons should be carefully weighed by every branch of the Christian Church. Not only the offices which are of Divine appointment, such as bishop, presbyter, and deacon, should be most religiously preserved in the Church; but, that they may have their full effect, the persons exercising them should be such as the apostle prescribes. Religion will surely suffer, when religious order is either contemned or neglected; and even the words of God will be treated with contempt, if ministered by unholy persons. Let order, therefore, be duly observed; and let those who fill these orders be not only wholly irreprehensible in their conduct, but also able ministers of the new covenant. A wicked man can neither have, nor communicate, authority to dispense heavenly mysteries; and a fool, or a blockhead, can never teach others the way of salvation. The highest abilities are not too great for a preacher of the Gospel; nor is it possible that he can have too much human learning. But all is nothing unless he can bring the grace and Spirit of God into all his ministrations; and these will never accompany him unless he live in the spirit of prayer and humility, fearing and loving God, and hating covetousness.
2. It is well known that almost every Church supposes itself to be The true Church; and some consider themselves the only Church, and deny salvation to all who are not of their communion. To such a Church the two last verses in this chapter have been confidently self-applied, as being the pillar and ground of the truth - the possessor and dispenser of all the mysteries of God. But, supposing that the words in Ti1 3:15 are spoken of the Church, it is the Christian Church, as defined under article the third above, that must be meant; and we may see from this the vanity of applying the words to any particular Church, as if it had all the truth without error, and none else could pretend either to truth or ecclesiastical authority. The Christian Church is a widely different thing; it is the whole system of Christianity as laid down in the New Testament; it is built on the great foundation of prophets and apostles, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone. It is composed of all who hold the doctrines of Christianity; who acknowledge Jesus as their Teacher, Redeemer, and only Advocate; of all who love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength, and their neighbor as themselves; or who are labouring after this conformity to the mind and command of their Creator. It is not known by any particular name; it is not distinguished by any particular form in its mode of worship; it is not exclusively here or there. It is the house of God - it is where God's Spirit dwells, where his precepts are obeyed, and where pure, unadulterated love to God and man prevails. It is not in the creed or religious confessions of any denomination of Christians; for, as all who hold the truth and live a holy life, acknowledging Jesus alone as the head of the Church and Savior of the world, are members of his mystical body; (and such may be found in all sects and parties); so the Church of Christ may be said to be everywhere, and to be confined nowhere; i.e. in whatever place Christianity is credited and acknowledged. The wicked of all sorts, no matter what their profession may be, and all persecutors of religious people, who differ from them, are without the pale of this Church. Essentially must their spirit and conduct be changed, before the living Head of this spiritual building can acknowledge them as members of the heavenly family.
This text, therefore, will never apply to the Romish Church, till that Church be, both in doctrine and discipline, what the Christian Church should be. When it is the established religion of any country it gives no toleration to those who differ from it; and in Protestant countries its cry for toleration and secular authority is loud and long. I wish its partisans the full and free exercise of their religion, even to its superstitions and nonsense; but how can they expect toleration who give none? The Protestant Church tolerates it fully; it persecutes the Protestants to bonds and death when it has power; which then is the true Church of Christ? |
11 Which [3739] also [2532] said [2036], Ye men [435] of Galilee [1057], why [5101] stand ye [2476] gazing up [1689] into [1519] heaven [3772]? this same [3778] Jesus [2424], which [3588] is taken up [353] from [575] you [5216] into [1519] heaven [3772], shall [2064] so [3779] come [2064] in like manner as [3739] [5158] ye have seen [2300] him [846] go [4198] into [1519] heaven [3772].
51 And [2532] it came to pass [1096], while [1722] he [846] blessed [2127] them [846], he was parted [1339] from [575] them [846], and [2532] carried up [399] into [1519] heaven [3772].
19 So [3303] then [3767] after [3326] the Lord [2962] had spoken [2980] unto them [846], he was received up [353] into [1519] heaven [3772], and [2532] sat [2523] on [1537] the right hand [1188] of God [2316].
14 How [4459] then [3767] shall they call on [1941] him in [1519] whom [3739] they have [4100] not [3756] believed [4100]? and [1161] how [4459] shall they believe in [4100] him of whom [3739] they have [191] not [3756] heard [191]? and [1161] how [4459] shall they hear [191] without [5565] a preacher [2784]?
16 For [1063] God [2316] so [3779] loved [25] the world [2889], that [5620] he gave [1325] his [846] only begotten [3439] Son [5207], that [2443] whosoever [3956] believeth [4100] in [1519] him [846] should [622] not [3361] perish [622], but [235] have [2192] everlasting [166] life [2222].
17 For [1063] God [2316] sent [649] not [3756] his [846] Son [5207] into [1519] the world [2889] to [2443] condemn [2919] the world [2889]; but [235] that [2443] the world [2889] through [1223] him [846] might be saved [4982].
19 And we know [1492] that [3754] we are [2070] of [1537] God [2316], and [2532] the whole [3650] world [2889] lieth [2749] in [1722] wickedness [4190].
15 Love [25] not [3361] the world [2889], neither [3366] the things that are in [1722] the world [2889]. If [1437] any man [5100] love [25] the world [2889], the love [26] of the Father [3962] is [2076] not [3756] in [1722] him [846].
17 And [2532] came [2064] and preached [2097] peace [1515] to you [5213] which [3588] were afar off [3112], and [2532] to them that were nigh [1451].
20 And [2532], having made peace [1517] through [1223] the blood [129] of his [846] cross [4716], by [1223] him [846] to reconcile [604] all things [3956] unto [1519] himself [846]; by [1223] him [846], I say, whether [1535] they be things in [1909] earth [1093], or [1535] things in [1722] heaven [3772].
16 For [3754] by [1722] him [846] were [2936] all things [3956] created [2936], that are in [1722] heaven [3772], and [2532] that are in [1909] earth [1093], visible [3707] and [2532] invisible [517], whether [1535] they be thrones [2362], or [1535] dominions [2963], or [1535] principalities [746], or [1535] powers [1849]: all things [3956] were created [2936] by [1223] him [846], and [2532] for [1519] him [846]:
12 Unto whom [3739] it was revealed [601], that [3754] not [3756] unto themselves [1438], but [1161] unto us [2254] they did minister [1247] the things [846], which [3739] are [312] now [3568] reported [312] unto you [5213] by [1223] them that have preached the gospel [2097] unto you [5209] with [1722] the Holy [40] Ghost [4151] sent down [649] from [575] heaven [3772]; which things [3739] the angels [32] desire [1937] to look [3879] into [1519].
10 To the intent that [2443] now [3568] unto the principalities [746] and [2532] powers [1849] in [1722] heavenly [2032] places might be known [1107] by [1223] the church [1577] the manifold [4182] wisdom [4678] of God [2316],
8 Unto me [1698], who am less than the least [1647] of all [3956] saints [40], is [1325] this [3778] grace [5485] given [1325], that I should preach [2097] among [1722] the Gentiles [1484] the unsearchable [421] riches [4149] of Christ [5547];
25 Now [1161] to him that is of power [1410] to stablish [4741] you [5209] according [2596] to my [3450] gospel [2098], and [2532] the preaching [2782] of Jesus [2424] Christ [5547], according [2596] to the revelation [602] of the mystery [3466], which was kept secret [4601] since the world began [5550] [166],
26 But [1161] now [3568] is made manifest [5319], and [5037] by [1223] the scriptures [1124] of the prophets [4397], according [2596] to the commandment [2003] of the everlasting [166] God [2316], made known [1107] to [1519] all [3956] nations [1484] for [1519] the obedience [5218] of faith [4102]:
19 Go ye [4198] therefore [3767], and teach [3100] all [3956] nations [1484], baptizing [907] them [846] in [1519] the name [3686] of the Father [3962], and [2532] of the Son [5207], and [2532] of the Holy [40] Ghost [4151]:
4 And declared [3724] to be the Son [5207] of God [2316] with [1722] power [1411], according [2596] to the spirit [4151] of holiness [42], by [1537] the resurrection [386] from the dead [3498]:
33 God [2316] hath fulfilled [1603] the same [5026] unto us [2254] their [846] children [5043], in that he hath raised up [450] Jesus [2424] again [450]; as [5613] it is [1125] also [2532] written [1125] in [1722] the second [1208] psalm [5568], Thou [4771] art [1488] my [3450] Son [5207], this day [4594] have I [1473] begotten [1080] thee [4571].
5 While he [846] yet [2089] spake [2980], behold [2400], a bright [5460] cloud [3507] overshadowed [1982] them [846]: and [2532] behold [2400] a voice [5456] out of [1537] the cloud [3507], which said [3004], This [3778] is [2076] my [3450] beloved [27] Son [5207], in [1722] whom [3739] I am well pleased [2106]; hear ye [191] him [846].
17 And [2532] lo [2400] a voice [5456] from [1537] heaven [3772], saying [3004], This [3778] is [2076] my [3450] beloved [27] Son [5207], in [1722] whom [3739] I am well pleased [2106].
2 The same [3778] came [2064] to [4314] Jesus [2424] by night [3571], and [2532] said [2036] unto him [846], Rabbi [4461], we know [1492] that [3754] thou art [2064] a teacher [1320] come [2064] from [575] God [2316]: for [1063] no man [3762] can [1410] do [4160] these [5023] miracles [4592] that [3739] thou [4771] doest [4160], except [3362] God [2316] be [5600] with [3326] him [846].
11 This [5026] beginning [746] of miracles [4592] did [4160] Jesus [2424] in [1722] Cana [2580] of Galilee [1056], and [2532] manifested forth [5319] his [846] glory [1391]; and [2532] his [846] disciples [3101] believed [4100] on [1519] him [846].
46 The officers [5257] answered [611], Never [3763] man [444] spake [3779] [2980] like [5613] this [3778] man [444].
29 For [1063] he taught [1321] [2258] them [846] as [5613] one having [2192] authority [1849], and [2532] not [3756] as [5613] the scribes [1122].
27 Howbeit [235] we know [1492] this man [5126] whence [4159] he is [2076]: but [1161] when [3752] Christ [5547] cometh [2064], no man [3762] knoweth [1097] whence [4159] he is [2076].
41 The Jews [2453] then [3767] murmured [1111] at [4012] him [846], because [3754] he said [2036], I [1473] am [1510] the bread [740] which [3588] came down [2597] from [1537] heaven [3772].
4 God forbid [3361] [1096]: yea [1161], let [1096] God [2316] be [1096] true [227], but [1161] every [3956] man [444] a liar [5583]; as [2531] it is written [1125], That [3704] thou mightest [302] be justified [1344] in [1722] thy [4675] sayings [3056], and [2532] mightest overcome [3528] when [1722] thou [4571] art judged [2919].
35 But [2532] wisdom [4678] is justified [1344] of [575] all [3956] her [846] children [5043].
19 The Son [5207] of man [444] came [2064] eating [2068] and [2532] drinking [4095], and [2532] they say [3004], Behold [2400] a man [444] gluttonous [5314], and [2532] a winebibber [3630], a friend [5384] of publicans [5057] and [2532] sinners [268]. But [2532] wisdom [4678] is justified [1344] of [575] her [846] children [5043].
3 Concerning [4012] his [846] Son [5207] Jesus [2424] Christ [5547] our [2257] Lord [2962], which [3588] was made [1096] of [1537] the seed [4690] of David [1138] according [2596] to the flesh [4561];
4 And declared [3724] to be the Son [5207] of God [2316] with [1722] power [1411], according [2596] to the spirit [4151] of holiness [42], by [1537] the resurrection [386] from the dead [3498]:
1 My [3450] little children [5040], these things [5023] write I [1125] unto you [5213], that [3363] ye sin [264] not [3363]. And [2532] if [1437] any man [5100] sin [264], we have [2192] an advocate [3875] with [4314] the Father [3962], Jesus [2424] Christ [5547] the righteous [1342]:
1 Forasmuch then as [3767] Christ [5547] hath suffered [3958] for [5228] us [2257] in the flesh [4561], arm [3695] yourselves [5210] likewise [2532] with the same [846] mind [1771]: for [3754] he that hath suffered [3958] in [1722] the flesh [4561] hath ceased [3973] from sin [266];
18 For [3754] Christ [5547] also [2532] hath once [530] suffered [3958] for [4012] sins [266], the just [1342] for [5228] the unjust [94], that [2443] he might bring [4317] us [2248] to God [2316], being put to death [2289] [3303] in the flesh [4561], but [1161] quickened [2227] by the Spirit [4151]:
28 So [3779] Christ [5547] was once [530] offered [4374] to [1519] bear [399] the sins [266] of many [4183]; and unto them that look [553] for him [846] shall he appear [3700] [1537] the second time [1208] without [5565] sin [266] unto [1519] salvation [4991].
10 For [3739] [1063] in that he died [599], he died [599] unto sin [266] once [2178]: but [1161] in that [3739] he liveth [2198], he liveth [2198] unto God [2316].
7 For [1063] he that is dead [599] is freed [1344] from [575] sin [266].
25 Who [3739] was delivered [3860] for [1223] our [2257] offences [3900], and [2532] was raised again [1453] for [1223] our [2257] justification [1347].
14 And [1161] he said [2036], The God [2316] of our [2257] fathers [3962] hath chosen [4400] thee [4571], that thou shouldest know [1097] his [846] will [2307], and [2532] see [1492] that Just One [1342], and [2532] shouldest hear [191] the voice [5456] of [1537] his [846] mouth [4750].
10 Of [4012] [1161] righteousness [1343], because [3754] I go [5217] to [4314] my [3450] Father [3962], and [2532] ye see [2334] me [3165] no more [3765];
8 He is near [07138] that justifieth [06663] me; who will contend [07378] with me? let us stand [05975] together [03162]: who is mine adversary [01167] [04941]? let him come near [05066] to me.
16 Let [1774] the word [3056] of Christ [5547] dwell [1774] in [1722] you [5213] richly [4146] in [1722] all [3956] wisdom [4678]; teaching [1321] and [2532] admonishing [3560] one another [1438] in psalms [5568] and [2532] hymns [5215] and [2532] spiritual [4152] songs [5603], singing [103] with [1722] grace [5485] in [1722] your [5216] hearts [2588] to the Lord [2962].
19 Speaking [2980] to yourselves [1438] in psalms [5568] and [2532] hymns [5215] and [2532] spiritual [4152] songs [5603], singing [103] and [2532] making melody [5567] in [1722] your [5216] heart [2588] to the Lord [2962];
32 This [5124] is [2076] a great [3173] mystery [3466]: but [1161] I [1473] speak [3004] concerning [1519] Christ [5547] and [1519] [2532] the church [1577].
18 May be able [1840] to comprehend [2638] with [4862] all [3956] saints [40] what [5101] is the breadth [4114], and [2532] length [3372], and [2532] depth [899], and [2532] height [5311];
19 And [5037] to know [1097] the love [26] of Christ [5547], which passeth [5235] knowledge [1108], that [2443] ye might be filled [4137] with [1519] all [3956] the fulness [4138] of God [2316].
6 For unto us a child [03206] is born [03205], unto us a son [01121] is given [05414]: and the government [04951] shall be upon his shoulder [07926]: and his name [08034] shall be called [07121] Wonderful [06382], Counsellor [03289], The mighty [01368] God [0410], The everlasting [05703] Father [01], The Prince [08269] of Peace [07965].
7 But [235] we speak [2980] the wisdom [4678] of God [2316] in [1722] a mystery [3466], even the hidden [613] wisdom, which [3739] God [2316] ordained [4309] before [4253] the world [165] unto [1519] our [2257] glory [1391]:
8 Which [3739] none [3762] of the princes [758] of this [5127] world [165] knew [1097]: for [1487] [1063] had they known [1097] it, they [302] would [4717] not [3756] have crucified [4717] the Lord [2962] of glory [1391].
9 But [235] as [2531] it is written [1125], [3739] Eye [3788] hath [1492] not [3756] seen [1492], nor [2532] [3756] ear [3775] heard [191], neither [2532] [3756] have entered [305] into [1909] the heart [2588] of man [444], the things which [3739] God [2316] hath prepared [2090] for them that love [25] him [846].
10 But [1161] God [2316] hath revealed [601] them unto us [2254] by [1223] his [846] Spirit [4151]: for [1063] the Spirit [4151] searcheth [2045] all things [3956], yea [2532], the deep things [899] of God [2316].
11 For [1063] what [5101] man [444] knoweth [1492] the things [3588] of a man [444], save [1508] the spirit [4151] of man [444] which [3588] is in [1722] him [846]? even [2532] so [3779] the things [3588] of God [2316] knoweth [1492] no man [3762], but [1508] the Spirit [4151] of God [2316].
12 Now [1161] we [2249] have received [2983], not [3756] the spirit [4151] of the world [2889], but [235] the spirit [4151] which [3588] is of [1537] God [2316]; that [2443] we might know [1492] the things that are freely given [5483] to us [2254] of [5259] God [2316].
13 Which things [3739] also [2532] we speak [2980], not [3756] in [1722] the words [3056] which man's [442] wisdom [4678] teacheth [1318], but [235] which the Holy [40] Ghost [4151] teacheth [1722] [1318]; comparing [4793] spiritual things [4152] with spiritual [4152].
14 But [1161] the natural [5591] man [444] receiveth [1209] not [3756] the things [3588] of the Spirit [4151] of God [2316]: for [1063] they are [2076] foolishness [3472] unto him [846]: neither [2532] [3756] can [1410] he know [1097] them, because [3754] they are spiritually [4153] discerned [350].
9 Holding [2192] the mystery [3466] of the faith [4102] in [1722] a pure [2513] conscience [4893].
2 Speaking lies [5573] in [1722] hypocrisy [5272]; having [2743] their [2398] conscience [4893] seared with a hot iron [2743];
3 If any man [1536] teach otherwise [2085], and [2532] consent [4334] not [3361] to wholesome [5198] words [3056], even the words of our [2257] Lord [2962] Jesus [2424] Christ [5547], and [2532] to the doctrine [1319] which is according [2596] to godliness [2150];
7 But [1161] refuse [3868] profane [952] and [2532] old wives [1126]' fables [3454], and [1161] exercise [1128] thyself [4572] rather unto [4314] godliness [2150].
1 Now [1161] the Spirit [4151] speaketh [3004] expressly [4490], that [3754] in [1722] the latter [5306] times [2540] some [5100] shall depart from [868] the faith [4102], giving heed [4337] to seducing [4108] spirits [4151], and [2532] doctrines [1319] of devils [1140];
10 But [235] (which [3739] becometh [4241] women [1135] professing [1861] godliness [2317]) with [1223] good [18] works [2041].
27 To whom [3739] God [2316] would [2309] make known [1107] what [5101] is the riches [4149] of the glory [1391] of this [5127] mystery [3466] among [1722] the Gentiles [1484]; which [3739] is [2076] Christ [5547] in [1722] you [5213], the hope [1680] of glory [1391]:
8 He that committeth [4160] sin [266] is [2076] of [1537] the devil [1228]; for [3754] the devil [1228] sinneth [264] from [575] the beginning [746]. For [1519] this purpose [5124] the Son [5207] of God [2316] was manifested [5319], that [2443] he might destroy [3089] the works [2041] of the devil [1228].
5 And [2532] ye know [1492] that [3754] he [1565] was manifested [5319] to [2443] take away [142] our [2257] sins [266]; and [2532] in [1722] him [846] is [2076] no [3756] sin [266].
4 But [1161] after [3753] that the kindness [5544] and [2532] love [5363] of God [2316] our [2257] Saviour [4990] toward man [5363] appeared [2014],
11 For [1063] the grace [5485] of God [2316] that bringeth salvation [4992] hath appeared [2014] to all [3956] men [444],
10 But [1161] is [5319] now [3568] made manifest [5319] by [1223] the appearing [2015] of our [2257] Saviour [4990] Jesus [2424] Christ [5547], who [3303] hath abolished [2673] death [2288], and [1161] hath brought [5461] life [2222] and [2532] immortality [861] to light [5461] through [1223] the gospel [2098]:
26 Even the mystery [3466] which [3588] hath been hid [613] from [575] ages [165] and [2532] from [575] generations [1074], but [1161] now [3570] is made manifest [5319] to his [846] saints [40]:
25 Now [1161] to him that is of power [1410] to stablish [4741] you [5209] according [2596] to my [3450] gospel [2098], and [2532] the preaching [2782] of Jesus [2424] Christ [5547], according [2596] to the revelation [602] of the mystery [3466], which was kept secret [4601] since the world began [5550] [166],
26 But [1161] now [3568] is made manifest [5319], and [5037] by [1223] the scriptures [1124] of the prophets [4397], according [2596] to the commandment [2003] of the everlasting [166] God [2316], made known [1107] to [1519] all [3956] nations [1484] for [1519] the obedience [5218] of faith [4102]:
14 And [2532] the Word [3056] was made [1096] flesh [4561], and [2532] dwelt [4637] among [1722] us [2254], (and [2532] we beheld [2300] his [846] glory [1391], the glory [1391] as [5613] of the only begotten [3439] of [3844] the Father [3962],) full [4134] of grace [5485] and [2532] truth [225].
1 In [1722] the beginning [746] was [2258] the Word [3056], and [2532] the Word [3056] was [2258] with [4314] God [2316], and [2532] the Word [3056] was [2258] God [2316].
2 Hereby [1722] [3739] [5129] know ye [1097] the Spirit [4151] of God [2316]: Every [3956] spirit [4151] that confesseth [3670] that Jesus [2424] Christ [5547] is come [2064] in [1722] the flesh [4561] is [2076] of [1537] God [2316]:
2 (For [2532] the life [2222] was manifested [5319], and [2532] we have seen [3708] it, and [2532] bear witness [3140], and [2532] shew [518] unto you [5213] that eternal [166] life [2222], which [3748] was [2258] with [4314] the Father [3962], and [2532] was manifested [5319] unto us [2254];)
7 But [235] made [2758] himself [1438] of no reputation [2758], and took upon him [2983] the form [3444] of a servant [1401], and was made [1096] in [1722] the likeness [3667] of men [444]:
14 And [2532] the Word [3056] was made [1096] flesh [4561], and [2532] dwelt [4637] among [1722] us [2254], (and [2532] we beheld [2300] his [846] glory [1391], the glory [1391] as [5613] of the only begotten [3439] of [3844] the Father [3962],) full [4134] of grace [5485] and [2532] truth [225].
13 Looking for [4327] that blessed [3107] hope [1680], and [2532] the glorious [1391] appearing [2015] of the great [3173] God [2316] and [2532] our [2257] Saviour [4990] Jesus [2424] Christ [5547];
15 But [1161] if [1437] I tarry long [1019], that [2443] thou mayest know [1492] how [4459] thou oughtest [1163] to behave thyself [390] in [1722] the house [3624] of God [2316], which [3748] is [2076] the church [1577] of the living [2198] God [2316], the pillar [4769] and [2532] ground [1477] of the truth [225].
12 Unto whom [3739] it was revealed [601], that [3754] not [3756] unto themselves [1438], but [1161] unto us [2254] they did minister [1247] the things [846], which [3739] are [312] now [3568] reported [312] unto you [5213] by [1223] them that have preached the gospel [2097] unto you [5209] with [1722] the Holy [40] Ghost [4151] sent down [649] from [575] heaven [3772]; which things [3739] the angels [32] desire [1937] to look [3879] into [1519].
16 And [2532] without controversy [3672] great [3173] is [2076] the mystery [3466] of godliness [2150]: God [2316] was manifest [5319] in [1722] the flesh [4561], justified [1344] in [1722] the Spirit [4151], seen [3700] of angels [32], preached [2784] unto [1722] the Gentiles [1484], believed on [4100] in [1722] the world [2889], received up [353] into [1722] glory [1391].
15 But [1161] if [1437] I tarry long [1019], that [2443] thou mayest know [1492] how [4459] thou oughtest [1163] to behave thyself [390] in [1722] the house [3624] of God [2316], which [3748] is [2076] the church [1577] of the living [2198] God [2316], the pillar [4769] and [2532] ground [1477] of the truth [225].
2 A bishop [1985] then [3767] must [1163] be [1511] blameless [423], the husband [435] of one [3391] wife [1135], vigilant [3524], sober [4998], of good behaviour [2887], given to hospitality [5382], apt to teach [1317];
3 Not [3361] given to wine [3943], no [3361] striker [4131], not [3361] greedy of filthy lucre [146]; but [235] patient [1933], not a brawler [269], not covetous [866];
4 One that ruleth [4291] well [2573] his own [2398] house [3624], having [2192] his children [5043] in [1722] subjection [5292] with [3326] all [3956] gravity [4587];
5 (For [1161] if a man [1536] know [1492] not [3756] how [1492] to rule [4291] his own [2398] house [3624], how [4459] shall he take care of [1959] the church [1577] of God [2316]?)
6 Not [3361] a novice [3504], lest [3363] being lifted up with pride [5187] he fall [1706] into [1519] the condemnation [2917] of the devil [1228].
7 Moreover [1161] [2532] he [846] must [1163] have [2192] a good [2570] report [3141] of [575] them which are without [1855]; lest [3363] he fall [1706] into [1519] reproach [3680] and [2532] the snare [3803] of the devil [1228].
2 A bishop [1985] then [3767] must [1163] be [1511] blameless [423], the husband [435] of one [3391] wife [1135], vigilant [3524], sober [4998], of good behaviour [2887], given to hospitality [5382], apt to teach [1317];
3 Not [3361] given to wine [3943], no [3361] striker [4131], not [3361] greedy of filthy lucre [146]; but [235] patient [1933], not a brawler [269], not covetous [866];
4 One that ruleth [4291] well [2573] his own [2398] house [3624], having [2192] his children [5043] in [1722] subjection [5292] with [3326] all [3956] gravity [4587];
5 (For [1161] if a man [1536] know [1492] not [3756] how [1492] to rule [4291] his own [2398] house [3624], how [4459] shall he take care of [1959] the church [1577] of God [2316]?)
6 Not [3361] a novice [3504], lest [3363] being lifted up with pride [5187] he fall [1706] into [1519] the condemnation [2917] of the devil [1228].
7 Moreover [1161] [2532] he [846] must [1163] have [2192] a good [2570] report [3141] of [575] them which are without [1855]; lest [3363] he fall [1706] into [1519] reproach [3680] and [2532] the snare [3803] of the devil [1228].
9 And [2532] when he had spoken [2036] these things [5023], while they [846] beheld [991], he was taken up [1869]; and [2532] a cloud [3507] received [5274] him [846] out of [575] their [846] sight [3788].
5 And [2532] now [3568], O Father [3962], glorify [1392] thou [4771] me [3165] with [3844] thine own self [4572] with the glory [1391] which [3739] I had [2192] with [3844] thee [4671] before [4253] the world [2889] was [1511].
11 For [1063] the scripture [1124] saith [3004], Whosoever [3956] believeth [4100] on [1909] him [846] shall [2617] not [3756] be ashamed [2617].
12 For [1063] there is [2076] no [3756] difference [1293] between [5037] the Jew [2453] and [2532] the Greek [1672]: for [1063] the same [846] Lord [2962] over all [3956] is rich [4147] unto [1519] all [3956] that call upon [1941] him [846].
13 For [3956] [1063] whosoever [3739] [302] shall call upon [1941] the name [3686] of the Lord [2962] shall be saved [4982].
14 How [4459] then [3767] shall they call on [1941] him in [1519] whom [3739] they have [4100] not [3756] believed [4100]? and [1161] how [4459] shall they believe in [4100] him of whom [3739] they have [191] not [3756] heard [191]? and [1161] how [4459] shall they hear [191] without [5565] a preacher [2784]?
15 And [1161] how [4459] shall they preach [2784], except [3362] they be sent [649]? as [2531] it is written [1125], How [5613] beautiful [5611] are the feet of them [4228] that preach the gospel [2097] of peace [1515], and bring glad tidings [2097] of good things [18]!
16 But [235] they have [5219] not [3756] all [3956] obeyed [5219] the gospel [2098]. For [1063] Esaias [2268] saith [3004], Lord [2962], who [5101] hath believed [4100] our [2257] report [189]?
17 So then [686] faith [4102] cometh by [1537] hearing [189], and [1161] hearing [189] by [1223] the word [4487] of God [2316].
18 But [235] I say [3004], Have [191] they not [3378] heard [191]? Yes verily [3304], their [846] sound [5353] went [1831] into [1519] all [3956] the earth [1093], and [2532] their [846] words [4487] unto [1519] the ends [4009] of the world [3625].
19 But [235] I say [3004], Did [1097] not [3378] Israel [2474] know [1097]? First [4413] Moses [3475] saith [3004], I [1473] will provoke [3863] you [5209] to jealousy [3863] by [1909] them that are no [3756] people [1484], and by [1909] a foolish [801] nation [1484] I will anger [3949] you [5209].
20 But [1161] Esaias [2268] is very bold [662], and [2532] saith [3004], I was found [2147] of them that sought [2212] me [1691] not [3361]; I was made [1096] manifest [1717] unto them that asked [1905] not [3361] after [1905] me [1691].
22 Even [1161] the righteousness [1343] of God [2316] which is by [1223] faith [4102] of Jesus [2424] Christ [5547] unto [1519] all [3956] and [2532] upon [1909] all [3956] them that believe [4100]: for [1063] there is [2076] no [3756] difference [1293]:
14 For [1063] he [846] is [2076] our [2257] peace [1515], who [3588] hath made [4160] both [297] one [1520], and [2532] hath broken down [3089] the middle wall [3320] of partition [5418] between us;
15 Having abolished [2673] in [1722] his [846] flesh [4561] the enmity [2189], even the law [3551] of commandments [1785] contained in [1722] ordinances [1378]; for to [2443] make [2936] in [1722] himself [1438] of twain [1417] one [1519] [1520] new [2537] man [444], so making [4160] peace [1515];
21 And [2532] he said [2036] unto [4314] me [3165], Depart [4198]: for [3754] I [1473] will send [1821] thee [4571] far hence [3112] unto [1519] the Gentiles [1484].
3 Withal [260] praying [4336] also [2532] for [4012] us [2257], that [2443] God [2316] would open [455] unto us [2254] a door [2374] of utterance [3056], to speak [2980] the mystery [3466] of Christ [5547], for [1223] which [3739] I am [1210] also [2532] in bonds [1210]:
26 Even the mystery [3466] which [3588] hath been hid [613] from [575] ages [165] and [2532] from [575] generations [1074], but [1161] now [3570] is made manifest [5319] to his [846] saints [40]:
27 To whom [3739] God [2316] would [2309] make known [1107] what [5101] is the riches [4149] of the glory [1391] of this [5127] mystery [3466] among [1722] the Gentiles [1484]; which [3739] is [2076] Christ [5547] in [1722] you [5213], the hope [1680] of glory [1391]:
19 And [2532] for [5228] me [1700], that [2443] utterance [3056] may be given [1325] unto me [3427], that I may open [1722] [457] my [3450] mouth [4750] boldly [1722] [3954], to make known [1107] the mystery [3466] of the gospel [2098],
12 Unto whom [3739] it was revealed [601], that [3754] not [3756] unto themselves [1438], but [1161] unto us [2254] they did minister [1247] the things [846], which [3739] are [312] now [3568] reported [312] unto you [5213] by [1223] them that have preached the gospel [2097] unto you [5209] with [1722] the Holy [40] Ghost [4151] sent down [649] from [575] heaven [3772]; which things [3739] the angels [32] desire [1937] to look [3879] into [1519].
11 Then [5119] the devil [1228] leaveth [863] him [846], and [2532], behold [2400], angels [32] came [4334] and [2532] ministered [1247] unto him [846].
6 And [1161] again [3825], when [3752] he bringeth in [1521] the firstbegotten [4416] into [1519] the world [3625], he saith [3004], And [2532] let [4352] all [3956] the angels [32] of God [2316] worship [4352] him [846].
4 And [2532] it came to pass [1096], as [1722] they [846] were much perplexed [1280] thereabout [4012] [5127], [2532] behold [2400], two [1417] men [435] stood by [2186] them [846] in [1722] shining [797] garments [2067]:
43 And [1161] there appeared [3700] an angel [32] unto him [846] from [575] heaven [3772], strengthening [1765] him [846].
9 And [2532], lo [2400], the angel [32] of the Lord [2962] came upon [2186] them [846], and [2532] the glory [1391] of the Lord [2962] shone round about [4034] them [846]: and [2532] they were sore [3173] afraid [5399] [5401].
10 And [2532] the angel [32] said [2036] unto them [846], Fear [5399] not [3361]: for [1063], behold [2400], I bring [2097] you [5213] good tidings [2097] of great [3173] joy [5479], which [3748] shall be [2071] to all [3956] people [2992].
11 For [3754] unto you [5213] is born [5088] this day [4594] in [1722] the city [4172] of David [1138] a Saviour [4990], which [3739] is [2076] Christ [5547] the Lord [2962].
12 And [2532] this [5124] shall be a sign [4592] unto you [5213]; Ye shall find [2147] the babe [1025] wrapped in swaddling clothes [4683], lying [2749] in [1722] a manger [5336].
13 And [2532] suddenly [1810] there was [1096] with [4862] the angel [32] a multitude [4128] of the heavenly [3770] host [4756] praising [134] God [2316], and [2532] saying [3004],
33 Therefore [3767] being [5312] by the right hand [1188] of God [2316] exalted [5312], and [5037] having received [2983] of [3844] the Father [3962] the promise [1860] of the Holy [40] Ghost [4151], he hath shed forth [1632] this [5124], which [3739] ye [5210] now [3568] see [991] and [2532] hear [191].
34 For [1063] he whom [3739] God [2316] hath sent [649] speaketh [2980] the words [4487] of God [2316]: for [1063] God [2316] giveth [1325] not [3756] the Spirit [4151] by [1537] measure [3358] unto him.
28 But [1161] if [1487] I [1473] cast out [1544] devils [1140] by [1722] the Spirit [4151] of God [2316], then [686] the kingdom [932] of God [2316] is come [5348] unto [1909] you [5209].
8 And [2532] when he is come [2064], he [1565] will reprove [1651] the world [2889] of [4012] sin [266], and [2532] of [4012] righteousness [1343], and [2532] of [4012] judgment [2920]:
9 Of [4012] sin [266], [3303] because [3754] they believe [4100] not [3756] on [1519] me [1691];
16 And [2532] Jesus [2424], when he was baptized [907], went up [305] straightway [2117] out of [575] the water [5204]: and [2532], lo [2400], the heavens [3772] were opened [455] unto him [846], and [2532] he saw [1492] the Spirit [4151] of God [2316] descending [2597] like [5616] a dove [4058], and [2532] lighting [2064] upon [1909] him [846]:
3 Concerning [4012] his [846] Son [5207] Jesus [2424] Christ [5547] our [2257] Lord [2962], which [3588] was made [1096] of [1537] the seed [4690] of David [1138] according [2596] to the flesh [4561];
14 And [2532] the Word [3056] was made [1096] flesh [4561], and [2532] dwelt [4637] among [1722] us [2254], (and [2532] we beheld [2300] his [846] glory [1391], the glory [1391] as [5613] of the only begotten [3439] of [3844] the Father [3962],) full [4134] of grace [5485] and [2532] truth [225].
23 Behold [2400], a virgin [3933] shall be with child [1722] [1064] [2192], and [2532] shall bring forth [5088] a son [5207], and [2532] they shall call [2564] his [846] name [3686] Emmanuel [1694], which [3739] being interpreted [3177] is [2076], God [2316] with [3326] us [2257].
26 Even the mystery [3466] which [3588] hath been hid [613] from [575] ages [165] and [2532] from [575] generations [1074], but [1161] now [3570] is made manifest [5319] to his [846] saints [40]:
7 But [235] we speak [2980] the wisdom [4678] of God [2316] in [1722] a mystery [3466], even the hidden [613] wisdom, which [3739] God [2316] ordained [4309] before [4253] the world [165] unto [1519] our [2257] glory [1391]:
8 Again [3825], the devil [1228] taketh [3880] him [846] up [3880] into [1519] an exceeding [3029] high [5308] mountain [3735], and [2532] sheweth [1166] him [846] all [3956] the kingdoms [932] of the world [2889], and [2532] the glory [1391] of them [846];
4 Being made [1096] so much [5118] better than [2909] the angels [32], as [3745] he hath by inheritance obtained [2816] a more excellent [1313] name [3686] than [3844] they [846].
11 He answered [611] and [1161] said [2036] unto them [846], Because [3754] it is given [1325] unto you [5213] to know [1097] the mysteries [3466] of the kingdom [932] of heaven [3772], but [1161] to them [1565] it is [1325] not [3756] given [1325].
9 But [1161] ye [5210] are [2075] not [3756] in [1722] the flesh [4561], but [235] in [1722] the Spirit [4151], if so be [1512] that the Spirit [4151] of God [2316] dwell [3611] in [1722] you [5213]. Now [1161] if any man [1536] have [2192] not [3756] the Spirit [4151] of Christ [5547], he [3778] is [2076] none [3756] of his [846].
10 And [1161] if [1487] Christ [5547] be in [1722] you [5213], the body [4983] [3303] is dead [3498] because [1223] of sin [266]; but [1161] the Spirit [4151] is life [2222] because [1223] of righteousness [1343].
9 But [1161] ye [5210] are [2075] not [3756] in [1722] the flesh [4561], but [235] in [1722] the Spirit [4151], if so be [1512] that the Spirit [4151] of God [2316] dwell [3611] in [1722] you [5213]. Now [1161] if any man [1536] have [2192] not [3756] the Spirit [4151] of Christ [5547], he [3778] is [2076] none [3756] of his [846].
17 Now [1161] the Lord [2962] is [2076] that Spirit [4151]: and [1161] where [3757] the Spirit [4151] of the Lord [2962] is, there [1563] is liberty [1657].
6 And [1161] because [3754] ye are [2075] sons [5207], God [2316] hath sent forth [1821] the Spirit [4151] of his [846] Son [5207] into [1519] your [5216] hearts [2588], crying [2896], Abba [5], Father [3962].
9 But [1161] ye [5210] are [2075] not [3756] in [1722] the flesh [4561], but [235] in [1722] the Spirit [4151], if so be [1512] that the Spirit [4151] of God [2316] dwell [3611] in [1722] you [5213]. Now [1161] if any man [1536] have [2192] not [3756] the Spirit [4151] of Christ [5547], he [3778] is [2076] none [3756] of his [846].
19 For [1063] I know [1492] that [3754] this [5124] shall turn [576] to [1519] my [3427] salvation [4991] through [1223] your [5216] prayer [1162], and [2532] the supply [2024] of the Spirit [4151] of Jesus [2424] Christ [5547],
11 But [1161] if [1487] the Spirit [4151] of him that raised up [1453] Jesus [2424] from [1537] the dead [3498] dwell [3611] in [1722] you [5213], he that raised up [1453] Christ [5547] from [1537] the dead [3498] shall [2227] also [2532] quicken [2227] your [5216] mortal [2349] bodies [4983] by [1223] his [846] Spirit [4151] that dwelleth [1774] [1774] in [1722] you [5213].
4 And declared [3724] to be the Son [5207] of God [2316] with [1722] power [1411], according [2596] to the spirit [4151] of holiness [42], by [1537] the resurrection [386] from the dead [3498]:
29 For [1063] he taught [1321] [2258] them [846] as [5613] one having [2192] authority [1849], and [2532] not [3756] as [5613] the scribes [1122].
28 And [2532] it came to pass [1096], when [3753] Jesus [2424] had ended [4931] these [5128] sayings [3056], the people [3793] were astonished [1605] at [1909] his [846] doctrine [1322]:
29 Come [1205], see [1492] a man [444], which [3739] told [2036] me [3427] all things [3956] that ever [3745] I did [4160]: is [2076] not [3385] this [3778] the Christ [5547]?
41 Others [243] said [3004], This [3778] is [2076] the Christ [5547]. But [1161] some [243] said [3004], [1063] Shall [3361] Christ [5547] come [2064] out of [1537] Galilee [1056]?
20 [1161] He said [2036] unto them [846], But [1161] whom [5101] say [3004] ye [5210] that I [3165] am [1511]? [1161] Peter [4074] answering [611] said [2036], The Christ [5547] of God [2316].
28 But [1161] if [1487] I [1473] cast out [1544] devils [1140] by [1722] the Spirit [4151] of God [2316], then [686] the kingdom [932] of God [2316] is come [5348] unto [1909] you [5209].
63 It is [2076] the spirit [4151] that quickeneth [2227]; the flesh [4561] [3756] profiteth [5623] nothing [3762]: the words [4487] that [3739] I [1473] speak [2980] unto you [5213], they are [2076] spirit [4151], and [2532] they are [2076] life [2222].
33 And I [2504] knew [1492] him [846] not [3756]: but [235] he that sent [3992] me [3165] to baptize [907] with [1722] water [5204], the same [1565] said [2036] unto me [3427], Upon [1909] whom [3739] [302] thou shalt see [1492] the Spirit [4151] descending [2597], and [2532] remaining [3306] on [1909] him [846], the same [3778] is [2076] he which baptizeth [907] with [1722] the Holy [40] Ghost [4151].
32 And [2532] John [2491] bare record [3140], saying [3004], [3754] I saw [2300] the Spirit [4151] descending [2597] from [1537] heaven [3772] like [5616] a dove [4058], and [2532] it abode [3306] upon [1909] him [846].
17 Now [1161] unto the King [935] eternal [165], immortal [862], invisible [517], the only [3441] wise [4680] God [2316], be honour [5092] and [2532] glory [1391] for [1519] ever [165] and ever [165]. Amen [281].
17 And [2532] he [846] is [2076] before [4253] all things [3956], and [2532] by [1722] him [846] all things [3956] consist [4921].
18 And [2532] Jesus [2424] came [4334] and spake [2980] unto them [846], saying [3004], All [3956] power [1849] is given [1325] unto me [3427] in [1722] heaven [3772] and [2532] in [1909] earth [1093].
9 Jesus [2424] saith [3004] unto him [846], Have I been [1510] so long [5118] time [5550] with [3326] you [5216], and yet [2532] hast thou [1097] not [3756] known [1097] me [3165], Philip [5376]? he that hath seen [3708] me [1691] hath seen [3708] the Father [3962]; and [2532] how [4459] sayest [3004] thou [4771] then, Shew [1166] us [2254] the Father [3962]?
30 I [1473] and [2532] my Father [3962] are [2070] one [1520].
15 Who [3739] is [2076] the image [1504] of the invisible [517] God [2316], the firstborn [4416] of every [3956] creature [2937]:
2 The same [3778] was [2258] in [1722] the beginning [746] with [4314] God [2316].
1 In [1722] the beginning [746] was [2258] the Word [3056], and [2532] the Word [3056] was [2258] with [4314] God [2316], and [2532] the Word [3056] was [2258] God [2316].
8 And [2532] being found [2147] in fashion [4976] as [5613] a man [444], he humbled [5013] himself [1438], and became [1096] obedient [5255] unto [3360] death [2288], even [1161] the death [2288] of the cross [4716].
7 But [235] made [2758] himself [1438] of no reputation [2758], and took upon him [2983] the form [3444] of a servant [1401], and was made [1096] in [1722] the likeness [3667] of men [444]:
24 God [2316] is a Spirit [4151]: and [2532] they that worship [4352] him [846] must [1163] worship [4352] him in [1722] spirit [4151] and [2532] in truth [225].
3 Who [3739] being [5607] the brightness [541] of his glory [1391], and [2532] the express image [5481] of his [846] person [5287], and [5037] upholding [5342] all things [3956] by the word [4487] of his [846] power [1411], when he had [4160] [2512] by [1223] himself [1438] purged [4160] [2512] our [2257] sins [266], sat down [2523] on [1722] the right hand [1188] of the Majesty [3172] on [1722] high [5308];
6 Who [3739], being [5225] in [1722] the form [3444] of God [2316], thought it [2233] not [3756] robbery [725] to be [1511] equal [2470] with God [2316]:
16 And [2532] without controversy [3672] great [3173] is [2076] the mystery [3466] of godliness [2150]: God [2316] was manifest [5319] in [1722] the flesh [4561], justified [1344] in [1722] the Spirit [4151], seen [3700] of angels [32], preached [2784] unto [1722] the Gentiles [1484], believed on [4100] in [1722] the world [2889], received up [353] into [1722] glory [1391].
11 For [1063] if [1487] that which is done away [2673] was glorious [1223] [1391], much [4183] more [3123] that which remaineth [3306] is glorious [1722] [1391].
8 How [4459] shall [1248] not [3780] the ministration [1248] of the spirit [4151] be [2071] rather [3123] [1722] glorious [1391]?
7 But [1161] if [1487] the ministration [1248] of death [2288], written [1722] [1121] and engraven [1795] in [1722] stones [3037], was [1096] glorious [1722] [1391], so [5620] that the children [5207] of Israel [2474] could [1410] not [3361] stedfastly behold [816] the face [1519] [4383] of Moses [3475] for [1223] the glory [1391] of his [846] countenance [4383]; which [3588] glory was to be done away [2673]:
43 It is sown [4687] in [1722] dishonour [819]; it is raised [1453] in [1722] glory [1391]: it is sown [4687] in [1722] weakness [769]; it is raised [1453] in [1722] power [1411]:
27 Consider [2657] the lilies [2918] how [4459] they grow [837]: they toil [2872] not [3756], they spin [3514] not [3761]; and yet [1161] I say [3004] unto you [5213], that Solomon [4672] in [1722] all [3956] his [846] glory [1391] was [4016] not [3761] arrayed [4016] like [5613] one [1520] of these [5130].
31 Who [3739] appeared [3700] in [1722] glory [1391], and spake [3004] of his [846] decease [1841] which [3739] he should [3195] accomplish [4137] at [1722] Jerusalem [2419].
38 Whosoever [3739] [302] therefore [1063] shall be ashamed [1870] of me [3165] and [2532] of my [1699] words [3056] in [1722] this [5026] adulterous [3428] and [2532] sinful [268] generation [1074]; of him [846] also [2532] shall [1870] the Son [5207] of man [444] be ashamed [1870], when [3752] he cometh [2064] in [1722] the glory [1391] of his [846] Father [3962] with [3326] the holy [40] angels [32].
31 When [1161] [3752] the Son [5207] of man [444] shall come [2064] in [1722] his [846] glory [1391], and [2532] all [3956] the holy [40] angels [32] with [3326] him [846], then [5119] shall he sit [2523] upon [1909] the throne [2362] of his [846] glory [1391]:
27 For [1063] the Son [5207] of man [444] shall [3195] come [2064] in [1722] the glory [1391] of his [846] Father [3962] with [3326] his [846] angels [32]; and [2532] then [5119] he shall reward [591] every man [1538] according [2596] to his [846] works [4234].
11 And it came to pass, as they still [01980] went on [01980], and talked [01696], that, behold, there appeared a chariot [07393] of fire [0784], and horses [05483] of fire [0784], and parted [06504] them both [08147] asunder [0996]; and Elijah [0452] went up [05927] by a whirlwind [05591] into heaven [08064].
22 Beginning [756] from [575] the baptism [908] of John [2491], unto [2193] that same day [2250] that [3739] he was taken up [353] from [575] us [2257], must [1163] one [1520] be ordained [1096] to be a witness [3144] with [4862] us [2254] of his [846] resurrection [386].
2 Until [891] the day [2250] in which [3739] he was taken up [353], after that he through [1223] the Holy [40] Ghost [4151] had given commandments [1781] unto the apostles [652] whom [3739] he had chosen [1586]:
10 When [3752] he shall come [2064] to be glorified [1740] in [1722] his [846] saints [40], and [2532] to be admired [2296] in [1722] all [3956] them that believe [4100] (because [3754] our [2257] testimony [3142] among [1909] you [5209] was believed [4100] in [1722] that [1565] day [2250].
9 Holding [2192] the mystery [3466] of the faith [4102] in [1722] a pure [2513] conscience [4893].
10 To the intent that [2443] now [3568] unto the principalities [746] and [2532] powers [1849] in [1722] heavenly [2032] places might be known [1107] by [1223] the church [1577] the manifold [4182] wisdom [4678] of God [2316],
10 That [2443] at [1722] the name [3686] of Jesus [2424] every [3956] knee [1119] should bow [2578], of things in heaven [2032], and [2532] things in earth [1919], and [2532] things under the earth [2709];
5 And [2532] that [3754] he was seen [3700] of Cephas [2786], then [1534] of the twelve [1427]:
6 After that [1899], he was seen [3700] of above [1883] five hundred [4001] brethren [80] at once [2178]; of [1537] whom [3739] the greater part [4119] remain [3306] unto [2193] this present [737], but [1161] some [5100] [2532] are fallen asleep [2837].
7 After that [1899], he was seen [3700] of James [2385]; then [1534] of all [3956] the apostles [652].
8 And [1161] last [2078] of all [3956] he was seen [3700] of me also [2504], as [5619] of one born out of due time [1626].
28 So [3779] Christ [5547] was once [530] offered [4374] to [1519] bear [399] the sins [266] of many [4183]; and unto them that look [553] for him [846] shall he appear [3700] [1537] the second time [1208] without [5565] sin [266] unto [1519] salvation [4991].
2 And [1161] he said [5346], Men [435], brethren [80], and [2532] fathers [3962], hearken [191]; The God [2316] of glory [1391] appeared [3700] unto our [2257] father [3962] Abraham [11], when he was [5607] in [1722] Mesopotamia [3318], before [4250] [2228] he [846] dwelt [2730] in [1722] Charran [5488],
11 And [1161] there appeared [3700] unto him [846] an angel [32] of the Lord [2962] standing [2476] on [1537] the right side [1188] of the altar [2379] of incense [2368].
3 And [2532], behold [2400], there appeared [3700] unto them [846] Moses [3475] and [2532] Elias [2243] talking [4814] with [3326] him [846].
29 But [1161] he, willing [2309] to justify [1344] himself [1438], said [2036] unto [4314] Jesus [2424], And [2532] who [5101] is [2076] my [3450] neighbour [4139]?
19 The Son [5207] of man [444] came [2064] eating [2068] and [2532] drinking [4095], and [2532] they say [3004], Behold [2400] a man [444] gluttonous [5314], and [2532] a winebibber [3630], a friend [5384] of publicans [5057] and [2532] sinners [268]. But [2532] wisdom [4678] is justified [1344] of [575] her [846] children [5043].
7 That [2443] being justified by [1344] his [1565] grace [5485], we should be made [1096] heirs [2818] according to [2596] the hope [1680] of eternal [166] life [2222].
5 Whose [3739] are the fathers [3962], and [2532] of [1537] whom [3739] as concerning [2596] the flesh [4561] Christ [5547] came, who [5607] is over [1909] all [3956], God [2316] blessed [2128] for [1519] ever [165]. Amen [281].
3 For [1063] what the law [3551] could not do [102], in [1722] that [3739] it was weak [770] through [1223] the flesh [4561], God [2316] sending [3992] his own [1438] Son [5207] in [1722] the likeness [3667] of sinful [266] flesh [4561], and [2532] for [4012] sin [266], condemned [2632] sin [266] in [1722] the flesh [4561]:
3 Concerning [4012] his [846] Son [5207] Jesus [2424] Christ [5547] our [2257] Lord [2962], which [3588] was made [1096] of [1537] the seed [4690] of David [1138] according [2596] to the flesh [4561];
7 For [3754] many [4183] deceivers [4108] are entered [1525] into [1519] the world [2889], who [3588] confess [3670] not [3361] that Jesus [2424] Christ [5547] is come [2064] in [1722] the flesh [4561]. This [3778] is [2076] a deceiver [4108] and [2532] an antichrist [500].
2 Hereby [1722] [3739] [5129] know ye [1097] the Spirit [4151] of God [2316]: Every [3956] spirit [4151] that confesseth [3670] that Jesus [2424] Christ [5547] is come [2064] in [1722] the flesh [4561] is [2076] of [1537] God [2316]:
14 And [2532] the Word [3056] was made [1096] flesh [4561], and [2532] dwelt [4637] among [1722] us [2254], (and [2532] we beheld [2300] his [846] glory [1391], the glory [1391] as [5613] of the only begotten [3439] of [3844] the Father [3962],) full [4134] of grace [5485] and [2532] truth [225].
2 Beloved [27], now [3568] are we [2070] the sons [5043] of God [2316], and [2532] it doth [5319] not yet [3768] appear [5319] what [5101] we shall be [2071]: but [1161] we know [1492] that [3754], when [1437] he shall appear [5319], we shall be [2071] like [3664] him [846]; for [3754] we shall see [3700] him [846] as [2531] he is [2076].
4 And [2532] when the chief Shepherd [750] shall appear [5319], ye shall receive [2865] a crown [4735] of glory [1391] that fadeth not away [262].
4 When [3752] Christ [5547], who is our [2257] life [2222], shall appear [5319], then [5119] shall [5319] ye [5210] also [2532] appear [5319] with [4862] him [846] in [1722] glory [1391].
8 He that committeth [4160] sin [266] is [2076] of [1537] the devil [1228]; for [3754] the devil [1228] sinneth [264] from [575] the beginning [746]. For [1519] this purpose [5124] the Son [5207] of God [2316] was manifested [5319], that [2443] he might destroy [3089] the works [2041] of the devil [1228].
5 And [2532] ye know [1492] that [3754] he [1565] was manifested [5319] to [2443] take away [142] our [2257] sins [266]; and [2532] in [1722] him [846] is [2076] no [3756] sin [266].
20 Who verily [3303] was foreordained [4267] before [4253] the foundation [2602] of the world [2889], but [1161] was manifest [5319] in [1909] these last [2078] times [5550] for [1223] you [5209],
26 For then [1893] must [1163] he [846] often [4178] have suffered [3958] since [575] the foundation [2602] of the world [2889]: but [1161] now [3568] once [530] in [1909] the end [4930] of the world [165] hath he appeared [5319] to [1519] put away [115] sin [266] by [1223] the sacrifice [2378] of himself [846].
2 The same [3778] was [2258] in [1722] the beginning [746] with [4314] God [2316].
32 This [5124] is [2076] a great [3173] mystery [3466]: but [1161] I [1473] speak [3004] concerning [1519] Christ [5547] and [1519] [2532] the church [1577].
9 Holding [2192] the mystery [3466] of the faith [4102] in [1722] a pure [2513] conscience [4893].
6 Jesus [2424] saith [3004] unto him [846], I [1473] am [1510] the way [3598], [2532] the truth [225], and [2532] the life [2222]: no man [3762] cometh [2064] unto [4314] the Father [3962], but [1508] by [1223] me [1700].
27 To whom [3739] God [2316] would [2309] make known [1107] what [5101] is the riches [4149] of the glory [1391] of this [5127] mystery [3466] among [1722] the Gentiles [1484]; which [3739] is [2076] Christ [5547] in [1722] you [5213], the hope [1680] of glory [1391]:
26 Even the mystery [3466] which [3588] hath been hid [613] from [575] ages [165] and [2532] from [575] generations [1074], but [1161] now [3570] is made manifest [5319] to his [846] saints [40]:
5 For [1063] there is one [1520] God [2316], and [2532] one [1520] mediator [3316] between God [2316] and [2532] men [444], the man [444] Christ [5547] Jesus [2424];
15 This is a faithful [4103] saying [3056], and [2532] worthy [514] of all [3956] acceptation [594], that [3754] Christ [5547] Jesus [2424] came [2064] into [1519] the world [2889] to save [4982] sinners [268]; of whom [3739] I [1473] am [1510] chief [4413].
10 For [3739] [1063] in that he died [599], he died [599] unto sin [266] once [2178]: but [1161] in that [3739] he liveth [2198], he liveth [2198] unto God [2316].
15 But [1161] if [1437] I tarry long [1019], that [2443] thou mayest know [1492] how [4459] thou oughtest [1163] to behave thyself [390] in [1722] the house [3624] of God [2316], which [3748] is [2076] the church [1577] of the living [2198] God [2316], the pillar [4769] and [2532] ground [1477] of the truth [225].
15 But [1161] if [1437] I tarry long [1019], that [2443] thou mayest know [1492] how [4459] thou oughtest [1163] to behave thyself [390] in [1722] the house [3624] of God [2316], which [3748] is [2076] the church [1577] of the living [2198] God [2316], the pillar [4769] and [2532] ground [1477] of the truth [225].
7 And [2532] the word [3056] of God [2316] increased [837]; and [2532] the number [706] of the disciples [3101] multiplied [4129] in [1722] Jerusalem [2419] greatly [4970]; and [5037] a great [4183] company [3793] of the priests [2409] were obedient [5219] to the faith [4102].
10 To the intent that [2443] now [3568] unto the principalities [746] and [2532] powers [1849] in [1722] heavenly [2032] places might be known [1107] by [1223] the church [1577] the manifold [4182] wisdom [4678] of God [2316],
9 And [2532] to make [5461] all [3956] men see [5461] what [5101] is the fellowship [2842] of the mystery [3466], which [3588] from [575] the beginning of the world [165] hath been hid [613] in [1722] God [2316], who [3588] created [2936] all things [3956] by [1223] Jesus [2424] Christ [5547]:
12 Unto whom [3739] it was revealed [601], that [3754] not [3756] unto themselves [1438], but [1161] unto us [2254] they did minister [1247] the things [846], which [3739] are [312] now [3568] reported [312] unto you [5213] by [1223] them that have preached the gospel [2097] unto you [5209] with [1722] the Holy [40] Ghost [4151] sent down [649] from [575] heaven [3772]; which things [3739] the angels [32] desire [1937] to look [3879] into [1519].
14 And [2532] the Word [3056] was made [1096] flesh [4561], and [2532] dwelt [4637] among [1722] us [2254], (and [2532] we beheld [2300] his [846] glory [1391], the glory [1391] as [5613] of the only begotten [3439] of [3844] the Father [3962],) full [4134] of grace [5485] and [2532] truth [225].
1 In [1722] the beginning [746] was [2258] the Word [3056], and [2532] the Word [3056] was [2258] with [4314] God [2316], and [2532] the Word [3056] was [2258] God [2316].