A note from our Pastor:

“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.”

1 Timothy 3:16

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

This week we continue to study the great truths contained in our study verse which are the mysteries of God. Mysteries in this context are not problems to be solved, but rather great wonders which bring awe and joy to the heart and soul. In previous writings, we have examined God being manifest in the flesh and Jesus being justified by the Spirit.

Great is the mystery of godliness: seen of angels

As with the prior two items in this verse, the reference centers around Jesus – his life, ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension. There are numerous examples in scripture and certainly countless ones which were not recorded. In this study, we consider just a few of them to aid in understanding what the Apostle was teaching.

The first time the angels looked upon Jesus in his incarnate form was at his birth. The angels had known Jesus in heaven in his spirit form, but now see him in his incarnate form. The angels are intrigued by the work Jesus is going to perform to accomplish salvation for the elect and his birth is the beginning of that work. They are observers of his perfection, of the virgin birth, and of the fulfillment of prophecy around his birth.

The second observation is after the temptation of the devil. Jesus has been through many different circumstances as the devil tempts him. In each instance, he endures the trials and tribulations without falling into sinful behavior or using his divinity to escape the temptation. Not using his divinity includes not calling upon the angels to minister to him which they immediately would have done if called upon. Finally, as recorded in Matthew 4:11, when the temptations were completed the devil left him and the angels came and ministered to him. Thus, the angels once again looked upon him in sinless perfection as he continued his mission toward the salvation of his people.

The final observation we will include here in this study was after his death. The angels looked upon him as he rose from the grave — rolling away the stone and testifying to Mary of his resurrection, they looked upon him during his time on earth after his resurrection, and they were with his apostles as he ascended back into heaven. In each instance, they were observers of the redemption story. Furthermore, they have observed death, burial, resurrection, and ascension and, thus, when called upon can bring comfort and hope to the children of God.

He was seen of angels, not for their salvation, but for knowledge of our salvation so they might comfort his people.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah