Qualifications for Church Leaders and the Mystery of Godliness
1 Timothy 3:1-16
1Tim.3.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Πιστος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- λογος·ει: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- τις: PRON,nom,sg,?
- επισκοπης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- ορεγεται: VERB,pres,mid,ind,3,sg
- καλου: ADJ,gen,sg,m
- εργου: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- επιθυμει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- Titus 1:5-9 (verbal): Both passages address the appointment and qualifications of an overseer/elder, using overlapping language and criteria for the office.
- 1 Timothy 3:2-7 (structural): Immediate continuation of 3:1 that furnishes the specific qualifications for anyone who aspires to be an overseer.
- Acts 20:28 (thematic): Paul’s charge to the Ephesian elders to ‘keep watch’ and ‘oversee’ the flock echoes the role and responsibilities attributed to overseers in 1 Tim 3:1.
- 1 Peter 5:1-4 (thematic): Peter exhorts elders to shepherd willingly and serve as overseers, framing the office as a noble, pastoral calling similar to the aspiration language in 1 Tim 3:1.
- 1 Timothy 1:15 (verbal): Shares the introductory formula “πιστός ὁ λόγος” (“the saying is trustworthy”), a common authoritative rubric used elsewhere in the Pastoral Epistles.
Alternative generated candidates
- This saying is trustworthy: if anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.
- The saying is trustworthy: if anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble work.
1Tim.3.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- δει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- ουν: CONJ
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- επισκοπον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- ανεπιλημπτον: ADJ,acc,sg,m
- ειναι: VERB,pres,act,inf
- μιας: NUM,gen,sg,f
- γυναικος: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- ανδρα: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- νηφαλιον: ADJ,acc,sg,m
- σωφρονα: ADJ,acc,sg,m
- κοσμιον: ADJ,acc,sg,m
- φιλοξενον: ADJ,acc,sg,m
- διδακτικον: ADJ,acc,sg,m
Parallels
- Titus 1:6-9 (verbal): Provides a very similar catalogue of elder/overseer qualifications—'one wife,' blameless, hospitable, self-controlled, and able to teach—using much of the same language and concerns as 1 Tim 3:2.
- 1 Timothy 3:12 (verbal): Applies the same 'husband of one wife' requirement to deacons, showing the shared ethical standard for church officers.
- 2 Timothy 2:24 (verbal): Says the Lord's servant 'must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach,' echoing the 'able to teach' qualification listed for an overseer.
- Acts 20:28-31 (thematic): Paul's charge to elders to 'keep watch' over the flock and guard it from wolves parallels the pastoral oversight and moral vigilance expected of an overseer in 1 Tim 3:2.
- 1 Peter 5:2-3 (thematic): Instructs elders to 'shepherd the flock' willingly and be examples rather than domineering—corresponding to the character and pastoral comportment required of overseers in 1 Tim 3:2.
Alternative generated candidates
- An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach.
- Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach.
1Tim.3.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- μη: PART
- παροινον: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- μη: PART
- πληκτην: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- αλλα: CONJ
- επιεικη: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- αμαχον: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- αφιλαργυρον: ADJ,nom,sg,m
Parallels
- Titus 1:7-8 (verbal): Qualifications for an overseer/elder closely parallel 1 Tim 3:2-3: explicitly forbids being a drunkard, violent/quick-tempered, and greedy, and lists gentleness, self-control, and good behavior.
- 2 Timothy 2:24-25 (verbal): Commands that the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone and patient in instructing opponents—echoing 1 Tim 3:3’s injunction against being contentious and its call to gentleness.
- Ephesians 4:31-32 (thematic): Contrasts bitterness, wrath, anger, and malice with kindness and tenderheartedness, paralleling 1 Tim 3:3’s emphasis on gentleness and absence of violent/abusive behavior.
- Proverbs 23:20-21 (thematic): Warns against joining with those who drink too much wine (drunkards) because of the ruin that follows—a wisdom parallel to 1 Tim 3:3’s prohibition of being a drunkard.
- 1 Peter 5:2-3 (thematic): Elders are instructed to shepherd willingly and not as domineering masters but as examples—reflecting 1 Tim 3:3’s rejection of violent, bullying, or domineering conduct in church leaders.
Alternative generated candidates
- He must not be given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
- He must not be a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
1Tim.3.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- ιδιου: ADJ,gen,sg,m
- οικου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- καλως: ADV
- προισταμενον: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,sg,m
- τεκνα: NOUN,acc,pl,neut
- εχοντα: VERB,pres,act,part,acc,pl,n
- εν: PREP
- υποταγη: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- μετα: PREP
- πασης: ADJ,gen,sg,f
- σεμνοτητος·: NOUN,gen,sg,f
Parallels
- Titus 1:6 (verbal): Gives the same household-based qualification for an elder—having faithful children not open to charge of debauchery or insubordination, paralleling the requirement that an overseer manage his own household.
- 1 Tim.3.5 (structural): Explicitly connects ability to manage one’s household with fitness to care for the church: if one cannot rule his own house, he cannot care for God’s church—developing the point of 3:4.
- 1 Tim.3.12 (verbal): Applies the same household-standard to deacons: they must be husbands of one wife and manage their children and households well, echoing the oversight requirement in 3:4.
- Colossians 3:20 (thematic): Commands children to obey parents, reflecting the household order and children’s submission that 1 Tim 3:4 expects as evidence of proper household rule.
- Ephesians 6:1-4 (thematic): Discusses children’s obedience to parents and parents’ responsibilities toward children, providing the broader ethical context for household discipline and respectful conduct referenced in 1 Tim 3:4.
Alternative generated candidates
- He must manage his own household well, keeping his children submissive and respectful in all things,
- He must manage his own household well, keeping his children submissive and dignified.
1Tim.3.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- δε: CONJ
- τις: PRON,nom,sg,?
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- ιδιου: ADJ,gen,sg,m
- οικου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- προστηναι: VERB,pres,act,inf
- ουκ: PART,neg
- οιδεν: VERB,perf,act,ind,3,sg
- πως: ADV
- εκκλησιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- επιμελησεται: VERB,fut,mid,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- 1 Timothy 3:4 (verbal): Immediate context: states the qualification that an overseer 'manages his own household well,' which is restated in 3:5 as the basis for caring for God's church.
- 1 Timothy 3:12 (verbal): Parallel requirement for deacons (and their households): mentions being 'husband of one wife' and managing children and households, echoing the household-management criterion for church leaders.
- 1 Timothy 5:8 (thematic): Affirms the broader duty to provide for and manage one’s household; failure to do so is presented as a serious moral failing, reinforcing the link between domestic responsibility and public ministry.
- Acts 6:1-4 (structural): Illustrates an early church solution to practical management so leaders could 'give attention to prayer and the ministry of the word,' reflecting the connection between competent household/administrative management and effective oversight of the church.
Alternative generated candidates
- for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for the church of God?
- For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for the church of God?
1Tim.3.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- μη: PART
- νεοφυτον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- ινα: CONJ
- μη: PART
- τυφωθεις: VERB,aor,pass,ptc,nom,sg,m
- εις: PREP
- κριμα: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- εμπεση: VERB,aor,act,subj,3,sg
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- διαβολου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- 1 Timothy 5:22 (structural): A parallel pastoral caution against hasty appointment/ordination of leaders (do not be quick to lay on hands), echoing the intent behind not appointing a recent convert.
- 2 Timothy 2:26 (verbal): Speaks of those captured by the devil and led into his snare/condemnation—language and motif closely echoing 'fall into the condemnation of the devil.'
- James 4:6 (thematic): God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble; links pride or being 'puffed up' with divine opposition and spiritual danger, as in the warning against a new convert becoming conceited.
- 1 Peter 5:5-6 (thematic): Calls for humility ('clothe yourselves with humility'), warns against pride and urges resistance to the devil—connecting humility/pride dynamics with vulnerability to satanic defeat.
- Proverbs 16:18 (thematic): 'Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall'—ancient wisdom parallel to the warning that conceit leads to a fall (here, into the devil's condemnation).
Alternative generated candidates
- He must not be a recent convert, lest being puffed up he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.
- He must not be a recent convert, lest, being puffed up, he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
1Tim.3.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- δει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- δε: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- μαρτυριαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- καλην: ADJ,acc,sg,f
- εχειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- απο: PREP
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- εξωθεν: ADV
- ινα: CONJ
- μη: PART
- εις: PREP
- ονειδισμον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- εμπεση: VERB,aor,act,subj,3,sg
- και: CONJ
- παγιδα: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- διαβολου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Titus 1:7 (verbal): Gives the same qualification for an overseer/elder — must have a good testimony among those outside; closely parallels wording and concern for reputation.
- Acts 6:3 (verbal): Selection of deacons requires 'men of honest report' (good reputation) among the community, echoing the requirement that leaders be well spoken of by outsiders.
- 1 Timothy 3:2 (structural): Earlier in the same passage listing qualifications for a bishop/overseer, including being 'blameless' — part of the same evaluative framework that leads to concern for outside reputation in v.7.
- 1 Timothy 3:10 (thematic): On qualifications for deacons: they must first be tested and found blameless, reflecting the same theme of proven character and reputation required for church officers.
- 1 Peter 2:12 (thematic): Urges Christians to maintain honorable conduct before non‑believers so their good works may commend the faith — parallels the pastoral concern that leaders have a good report among outsiders to avoid reproach.
Alternative generated candidates
- Moreover he must have a good testimony from those outside, so that he may not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
- He must also have a good testimony from those outside, so that he may not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
1Tim.3.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Διακονους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- ωσαυτως: ADV
- σεμνους: ADJ,acc,pl,m
- μη: PART
- διλογους: ADJ,acc,pl,m
- μη: PART
- οινω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- πολλω: ADV
- προσεχοντας: VERB,pres,act,part,acc,pl,m
- μη: PART
- αισχροκερδεις: ADJ,nom,pl,m
Parallels
- 1 Timothy 3:2-3 (verbal): Qualifications for overseers use parallel vocabulary and vice/virtue contrasts (above reproach, not a drunkard, not a lover of money), showing a shared schema for church officers' character.
- Titus 1:7 (verbal): Describes overseers/household stewards with near-identical prohibitions (not given to wine, not pursuing dishonest gain), echoing the moral criteria applied to deacons.
- Acts 6:3 (structural): The appointment of the seven deacons calls for 'men of good repute' and practical qualifications for service—an early precedent for the character standards 1 Tim 3:8 prescribes.
- 1 Timothy 3:10 (structural): Immediate contextual parallel: after listing deacons' qualifications (3:8–9), 3:10 prescribes testing them first—showing how character criteria are applied in practice.
- 1 Peter 5:2-3 (thematic): Elders are urged to shepherd willingly as examples rather than domineering—a thematic parallel emphasizing integrity and respectable conduct in church leaders.
Alternative generated candidates
- Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain.
- Likewise deacons must be dignified, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain.
1Tim.3.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- εχοντας: VERB,pres,act,ptc,acc,pl,m
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- μυστηριον: NOUN,nom,sg,n
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- πιστεως: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- εν: PREP
- καθαρα: ADJ,nom,pl,neut
- συνειδησει: NOUN,dat,sg,f
Parallels
- 1 Timothy 3:16 (verbal): Uses 'mystery' language—'mystery of faith' in 3:9 parallels 'mystery of godliness' (3:16), linking confessed creed/truth with ministry.
- Acts 24:16 (verbal): Paul's desire to 'have a clear conscience' before God and people echoes the requirement of holding the mystery 'with a clear conscience.'
- 1 Peter 3:16 (thematic): Speaks of maintaining a good/clear conscience alongside faithful witness—connects conscience and credible Christian conduct.
- 2 Timothy 1:14 (allusion): Calls to 'guard the deposit' entrusted to Timothy parallel holding the 'mystery of the faith'—both emphasize preserving entrusted truth.
- Titus 1:9 (structural): Elder qualification to 'hold firmly to the trustworthy word' parallels 1 Tim 3:9's demand that leaders possess and retain the faith's mystery.
Alternative generated candidates
- They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
- They must hold the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience.
1Tim.3.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- ουτοι: PRO,nom,pl,m
- δε: CONJ
- δοκιμαζεσθωσαν: VERB,aor,pass,imp,3,pl
- πρωτον: ADV
- ειτα: ADV
- διακονειτωσαν: VERB,pres,act,imp,3,pl
- ανεγκλητοι: ADJ,acc,pl,m
- οντες: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,pl,m
Parallels
- 1 Timothy 3:2 (verbal): Uses the same qualification language for overseers ('above reproach' / ἀνέγκλητος) and sets a similar moral standard as the tested deacons in v.10.
- 1 Timothy 3:8 (verbal): Immediate parallel within the same chapter: lists the qualifications for deacons (serious, not double-tongued, etc.), directly relating to why they must be tested first.
- Titus 1:6 (verbal): Instruction about appointing elders includes the same Greek term ἀνέγκλητος ('above reproach'), reflecting the same expectation of blameless character for church officers.
- Acts 6:3 (structural): Narrative precedent for selecting deacons: the apostles command choosing men of good repute and Spirit/wisdom—an early example of vetting/appointing servants for ministry.
- 1 Timothy 5:22 (thematic): Warning against hastiness in laying on hands when appointing leaders; thematically connected to the requirement here that candidates be tested before serving.
Alternative generated candidates
- And let them first be tested; then, if they prove blameless, let them serve as deacons.
- Let them first be tested; then if they prove blameless, let them serve as deacons.
1Tim.3.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- γυναικας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- ωσαυτως: ADV
- σεμνας: ADJ,acc,pl,f
- μη: PART
- διαβολους: ADJ,acc,pl,m
- νηφαλιους: ADJ,acc,pl,m
- πιστας: ADJ,acc,pl,f
- εν: PREP
- πασιν: ADJ,dat,pl,m
Parallels
- Titus 2:3 (verbal): Almost identical wording and instruction — older women 'likewise' to be reverent, not slanderers, sober-minded (νηφαλιους) — a close verbal parallel to 1 Tim 3:11.
- 1 Tim.3:8 (structural): The preceding qualifications for deacons use similar vocabulary and structure (dignified, not double‑tongued, sober, faithful), showing parallel lists of virtues applied in the same household/church context.
- 1 Pet.3:5-6 (thematic): Commends holy women of old (e.g. Sarah) whose behavior—submission, reverent conduct, trustworthiness—models respectable, faithful conduct for wives.
- 1 Tim.2:9-10 (thematic): Paul's instruction about women's dress and adornment emphasizes modesty, self‑control/sobriety (σωφροσύνη) and good works—complementary virtues to being 'reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things.'
- Prov.31:11-12 (thematic): The virtuous/worthy wife is described as one in whom her husband's heart trusts and who does him good rather than harm, echoing the ideal of a faithful, respectable woman.
Alternative generated candidates
- Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things.
- Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers but self-controlled, faithful in all things.
1Tim.3.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- διακονοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- εστωσαν: VERB,pres,act,imp,3,pl
- μιας: NUM,gen,sg,f
- γυναικος: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- ανδρες: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- τεκνων: NOUN,gen,pl,neut
- καλως: ADV
- προισταμενοι: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- ιδιων: ADJ,gen,pl,m
- οικων·: NOUN,gen,pl,m
Parallels
- 1 Timothy 3:2 (verbal): Uses the same qualification 'husband of one wife' for church leaders (overseers), echoing the marital requirement in 3:12.
- 1 Timothy 3:4-5 (structural): States the requirement to 'manage his own household well' and govern children—same criterion applied to assess suitability for church office.
- Titus 1:6 (verbal): Lists 'a husband of one wife, having believing children not accused of dissipation' as a qualification for elders—closely parallels the domestic qualifications in 1 Tim 3:12.
- 1 Timothy 5:8 (thematic): Emphasizes the obligation to provide for and care for one's household, underscoring family responsibility as integral to Christian duty and leadership.
- Ephesians 5:25-29 (thematic): Portrays the husband's role of sacrificial care and provision for his wife and family, aligning with the expectation that leaders govern and nurture their households.
Alternative generated candidates
- Deacons must be husbands of one wife, and must manage their children and their households well.
- Let deacons be husbands of one wife, managing their children and their own households well.
1Tim.3.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- γαρ: PART
- καλως: ADV
- διακονησαντες: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,pl,m
- βαθμον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- εαυτοις: PRON,dat,pl,m
- καλον: ADJ,nom/acc,sg,neut
- περιποιουνται: VERB,pres,mid,ind,3,pl
- και: CONJ
- πολλην: ADJ,acc,sg,f
- παρρησιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- εν: PREP
- πιστει: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- εν: PREP
- Χριστω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- Ιησου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Acts 6:3-5 (thematic): Appointment of servants/deacons to serve the needs of the community—emphasis on good standing, reputation, and faithful service.
- Ephesians 3:12 (verbal): Speaks of having 'boldness and access with confidence' through faith in Christ—close verbal/theological parallel to 'much boldness in the faith in Christ Jesus.'
- Hebrews 10:19-22 (verbal): Uses the language of boldness/confidence (parrhesia) to describe access to God through Christ, echoing the notion of confident standing that faithful service secures.
- Matthew 25:21 (thematic): The reward pronounced on the faithful servant ('Well done, good and faithful servant') parallels the promised good standing and benefit of faithful ministry.
- 1 Timothy 3:7 (structural): Immediate parallel within the same pastoral context—concerns about reputation and standing before outsiders, complementing verse 13's promise that faithful service secures a good position.
Alternative generated candidates
- For those who serve well gain for themselves a good standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
- For those who serve well as deacons gain for themselves a good standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
1Tim.3.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Ταυτα: PRON,nom,pl,n
- σοι: PRON,dat,sg,2
- γραφω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- ελπιζων: PART,pres,act,nom,sg,m
- ελθειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- προς: PREP
- σε: PRON,acc,sg,2
- εν: PREP
- ταχει: ADV
Parallels
- Romans 1:11-12 (thematic): Paul expresses his desire and hope to come to the recipients so he may impart a spiritual gift and be mutually encouraged—parallel motivation and hope to visit soon.
- 1 Corinthians 4:19 (verbal): Paul says, 'I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will,' closely matching the language and immediate expectation of a forthcoming visit.
- Philippians 2:24 (verbal): Paul writes that he hopes in the Lord to send Timothy shortly to the Philippians—similar wording of hope and imminent travel for pastoral purpose.
- 2 Timothy 4:9 (thematic): Paul urges someone to 'do thy diligence to come shortly unto me,' reflecting the reciprocal expectation and urgency around near visits found in 1 Tim 3:14.
Alternative generated candidates
- I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you soon;
- I write these things, hoping to come to you soon.
1Tim.3.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- εαν: CONJ
- δε: CONJ
- βραδυνω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- ινα: CONJ
- ειδης: VERB,aor,act,subj,2,sg
- πως: ADV
- δει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- εν: PREP
- οικω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- αναστρεφεσθαι: VERB,pres,mid,inf
- ητις: PRON,rel,nom,sg,f
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- εκκλησια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- ζωντος: VERB,pres,act,part,gen,sg,m
- στυλος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- εδραιωμα: NOUN,nom,sg,n
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- αληθειας·: NOUN,gen,sg,f
Parallels
- Ephesians 2:19-22 (structural): Describes the people of God as household/household-members and a building founded on the apostles with Christ as cornerstone — parallels 1 Tim 3:15's 'household of God' and building metaphors (pillar/ground of truth).
- 1 Peter 2:4-5 (thematic): Calls believers 'living stones' being built into a 'spiritual house' and a 'holy priesthood' — echoes 'church of the living God' and the image of the church as God's living house.
- 1 Corinthians 3:11-17 (structural): Speaks of Christ as the only foundation and the community as God's temple/ God's building (with God's Spirit dwelling in it), resonating with 'pillar and ground of the truth' and the church-as-house imagery.
- Hebrews 3:6 (verbal): States that Christ is faithful over God's house and that 'we are his house' if we hold fast — a close verbal/allusive parallel to the 'household of God' language in 1 Tim 3:15.
- Acts 20:28 (verbal): Urges elders to shepherd 'the church of God, which he purchased with his own blood' — shares the designation 'church of God' and the concern for proper order and conduct within God's household implied in 1 Tim 3:15.
Alternative generated candidates
- but if I am delayed, that you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God—that is, the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
- But if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
1Tim.3.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- ομολογουμενως: ADV
- μεγα: ADJ,acc,sg,n
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- ευσεβειας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- μυστηριον·Ος: NOUN,nom,sg,n
- εφανερωθη: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,sg
- εν: PREP
- σαρκι: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- εδικαιωθη: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,sg
- εν: PREP
- πνευματι: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- ωφθη: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,sg
- αγγελοις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
- εκηρυχθη: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,sg
- εν: PREP
- εθνεσιν: NOUN,dat,pl,n
- επιστευθη: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,sg
- εν: PREP
- κοσμω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- ανελημφθη: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,sg
- εν: PREP
- δοξη: NOUN,dat,sg,f
Parallels
- Philippians 2:6-11 (thematic): Parallel sequence of incarnation, humiliation, vindication/exaltation — Christ's coming 'in the flesh' and subsequent exaltation correspond to 1 Tim 3:16's manifest–vindicate–taken up pattern.
- John 1:14 (verbal): Direct verbal/thematic parallel: 'The Word became flesh' echoes 'He was manifested in the flesh.'
- Romans 1:4 (verbal): Paul's language that Jesus was 'declared/appointed Son of God in power... by the Spirit' parallels 'vindicated in the Spirit' (ἐδικαιώθη ἐν πνεύματι).
- Acts 1:9-11 (structural): The ascension account ('he was taken up' into heaven) parallels the closing clause 'taken up in glory' (ἀνελήμφθη ἐν δόξῃ).
- 1 Peter 3:18-22 (allusion): Themes of Christ's suffering, being made alive in/ by the Spirit and proclamation (to spirits/declare) resonate with 1 Tim 3:16's 'vindicated in the Spirit' and 'preached/believed in the world.'
Alternative generated candidates
- Beyond all question, great indeed is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed in throughout the world, taken up in glory.
- Beyond question, great is the mystery of godliness: he was revealed in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, and taken up in glory.
The saying is trustworthy: if anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble work. Now an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach.
He must not be a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
He must manage his own household well, having children who are submissive with all dignity.
For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for the church of God?
He must not be a recent convert, lest, being puffed up, he fall under the condemnation of the devil.
Moreover he must have a good testimony from outsiders, so that he may not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
Likewise deacons must be dignified, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain;
holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove blameless.
Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, sober-minded, faithful in all things.
Let deacons be husbands of one wife, who manage their children and their own households well.
For those who serve well as deacons gain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
I write these things hoping to come to you soon. But if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
Great indeed is the mystery of godliness: he was manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed in throughout the world, and taken up in glory.