1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels… I. THE SPIRIT VINDICATED THE SAVIOUR BY DEMONSTRATING THE GODHEAD WHICH HE PROFESSED. The evidence is spread over a wide field, but it is clear and decisive. The Spirit testified of Him in the prophets, foretelling His Divine character, as well as sufferings and subsequent glory. Amid His lowest forms of abasement and reproach the prophet seers recognise in Him the full majesty of the Godhead, and all the prerogatives of the Infinite. Not less clear and decisive are the inspired statements of the New Testament. His Godhead is announced without faltering or hesitation. And that nothing might be wanting to the demonstration, the Spirit raised Him from the dead. II. THE SPIRIT VINDICATED THE SAVIOUR BY ATTESTING HIS RIGHT TO THE CLAIMS WHICH HE PUT FORTH. These claims were of the most lofty character, embracing, in fact, the office of the Messiah, and all the prerogatives and perfections of the Most High God. He claimed to be the Light and Life of the world, the authorized Teacher of the will of God, the Head and Sovereign of the Church, and the Creator, Ruler, and Judge of all men. He challenged as His right the government and homage of the universe. These lofty claims the Spirit solemnly attested and justified. III. THE SPIRIT VINDICATED THE SAVIOUR BY CLEARING HIM FROM ALL THE ASPERSIONS WITH WHICH HIS ENEMIES CALUMINIATED HIS PERSON AND CHARACTER. IV. THE SPIRIT VINDICATED THE SAVIOUR BY COMPLETING THE REVELATION WHICH HE HIMSELF COMMENCED. By new or fuller revelations He finished the Divine system of truth which had already been largely unfolded by the personal teaching and history of Christ. V. The spirit has vindicated the Saviour by bestowing the blessings which He professed to have purchased. He not only revealed the truth which Christ left partially or wholly unrevealed: but also communicated the blessings which He claimed to have procured for man by His sufferings and death. VI. The Spirit vindicated the Saviour by displaying His glory. He has lifted and removed the veil which shrouded him, and shown us the awful splendour of the August One who tabernacled in the likeness of sinful flesh in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. To unfold the Redeemer's mantled glory was one great object of the revelation which the Spirit inspired. It illuminated the deepest depths of His humiliation and reproach, and shone through the darkest eclipse of His Divinity. The prophets saw the Redeemer as Jehovah of hosts, with His train of ineffable glory filling the temple, and shining through heaven and earth. The Spirit, in short, led them to a height of vision whence they saw eternity and immensity filled with the majesty of His infinite Being, and flaming with the brightness of His immeasurable perfections. Then again, how did the Spirit display the Redeemer's glory through the stupendous miracles which He wrought! (S. Lucas.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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