He… was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world… 1 Timothy 3:16 (NIV)
- Jesus was vindicated by the Spirit. This happened supremely in Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. God’s seal was placed on him in the resurrection. “Through the Spirit of holiness [he] was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead” (Rom. 1:4).
- Jesus was believed on in the world. This triumphant affirmation of Jesus in heaven is echoed on earth. He is vindicated by the Spirit and believed on in the world. God’s seal is upon him and our faith is in him. Christ is exalted by the Father in heaven, and he is exalted by people from every nation who trust him on earth.
- Jesus was preached among the nations and seen by the angels. Christ is the theme of the angels in heaven. In the book of Revelation, we have a glimpse of how they never stop worshiping the Lamb. But Christ is also the theme of the church on earth. He is preached among the nations. Paul says, “We proclaim him!” (Col. 1:28).
So what we have here is a marvelous celebration of Jesus Christ. He came to us and ascended for us. He was declared to be the Son of God by the Father through his resurrection, and he is worshiped as the Son of God by believers all over the world. He is the praise of the angels in heaven and the hope of the nations on earth.
Which one of these truths about Jesus do you find most encouraging today? Why?