3:14-15
This gives us the reason for Paul writing this letter, and tells us something about the importance of the church. Paul may have been forced to leave Timothy in Ephesus at rather short notice, hence his writing to give these instructions, or maybe to confirm and expand on instructions given verbally. We should also note that Paul my well have felt compelled to write. He would obviously be concerned about the church at that time, God knew that the letters that Paul wrote would have both an immediate relevance, but would also be relevant for the church throughout history.
There is a way in which people “ought to conduct themselves” in God’s household. This is what the church is, and it matters how we live. The church is God’s house, not our house.
The phrase “pillar and foundation of the truth” has caused some problems as it could give a wrong importance to the church, making the church the source of truth. The church is not the source of truth, Christ is the source of the truth. But the church is very important, and it is God’s prime means of working in the world.
3:16
The “mystery” means the “revealed truth”. It is not a hidden mystery, but an open revelation to the world now. The inability to see is purely a result of spiritual blindness. This verse sums up much of the gospel. Jesus appeared in the flesh (see 1 John 4), He came as a man. The Spirit helped Jesus in His ministry, and now the Spirit bears witness to who Christ is and what He has done. “Seen by angels” could be demonic spirits receiving judgement, or “good” angels seeing Him in glory.
The gospel is preached to all the world, and is received by peoples from all nations. Jesus ascended to glory. The resurrection was not a resuscitation. Jesus ascended to the glory He had before He came to earth.
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