S – And most certainly, the mystery of godliness is great: He was manifested in the flesh, 

vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, 

taken up in glory. 

1 Timothy 3:16 CSB

O – Commentary:

The six elements of the excerpt are as follows: (1) Appeared in a body refers to the Incarnation of Christ. (2) Was vindicated by the Spirit refers to God’s demonstration through the Resurrection (cf. Acts 2:24–36), by the Holy Spirit (cf. Rom. 8:11), that the crucified Jesus is Lord and Messiah. (3) Was seen by angels refers to His exaltation before the heavenly realm (cf. Phil. 2:9–11; Col. 2:15; Heb. 1:6). (4) Was preached among the nations (cf. Col. 1:23) and (5) was believed on in the world refer to the progressive fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan through His preordained means (cf. 1 Cor. 1:18–2:5). (6) Was taken up in glory refers to the Ascension (Eph. 4:10).

“1 Timothy,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – Paul unpacks the “mystery” of God’s plan for Jesus as the Savior of the world.  What is known world wide today was being revealed to the early church.  Even thousands of years later and with much evidence, people still struggle with some or all of these concepts.  We must activate faith to believe that this is true.

R—Heavenly Father, we are grateful for your Son. Jesus is central to the gospel of faith, which allows us to have a relationship with you. Help us continue to grow in our trust and reliance on you.