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1 Timothy 3:16 – The Gospel in Six “Verses”
The Gospel in Six “Verses”
Many believe 1 Timothy 3:16 is an example of a 1st century gospel song. Paul included it in his letter to Timothy. It can be understood as describing Jesus’s Birth to Ascension or Jesus’s Rebirth (Resurrection) to Ascension.
Here is 1 Timothy 3:16 in chiastic form. Notice the beautiful symmetry:
A – EARTHLY ENTRANCE: He was manifested in the flesh,
B – HEAVENLY AUTHENTICATION: vindicated by the Spirit,
C – HEAVENLY WITNESSING: seen by angels,
C’ – EARTHLY WITNESSING: proclaimed among the nations,
B’ – EARTHLY AUTHENTICATION: believed on in the world,
A’ – HEAVENLY ENTRANCE: taken up in glory.
As Paul introduces this song we can see his appreciation for the gospel revealed: “And most certainly, the mystery of godliness is great”. And I say, “Amen”.
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