Verse 16
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.
The mystery of godliness — Afterwards specified in six articles, which sum up the whole economy of Christ upon earth.
Is the pillar and ground — The foundation and support of all the truth taught in his church.
God was manifest in the flesh — In the form of a servant, the fashion of a man, for three and thirty years.
Justified by the Spirit — Publicly "declared to be the Son of God," by his resurrection from the dead.
Seen — Chiefly after his resurrection.
By angels — Both good and bad.
Preached among the gentiles — This elegantly follows. The angels were the least, the gentiles the farthest, removed from him; and the foundation both of this preaching and of their faith was laid before his assumption.
Was believed on in the world — Opposed to heaven, into which he was taken up. The first point is, He was manifested in the flesh; the last, He was taken up into glory.
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