He who was revealed in the flesh, was vindicated in the Spirit,
beheld by angels, proclaimed among the nations,
believed on in the world, taken up in glory.
1 Timothy 3:16 (NASB)
I have been attending a church where we sing hymns—all the verses—every Sunday. Singing hymns has reminded me that praising Jesus has been a part of the heritage of the church since its inception. Have you ever wondered what public worship was like in the first century? In 1 Timothy 3:16, we get an accurate peek. Paul quotes the words of a well-known first century hymn.
This hymn is profoundly simple but inclusive of the whole gospel. It was written to remind the church of the perfect life and mission of Jesus Christ. Because everyone could memorize—it was sung in unison during worship services—much like the Doxology is today.
Even though the melody of this early hymn is lost, this confession of faith has been preserved for us. Notice the powerful words. Jesus, our Good Shepherd, is:
revealed in the flesh to be comprehended,
vindicated by the Spirit to be endorsed,
beheld by angels to be observed,
proclaimed among nations to be shared,
believed upon in the world to be trusted,
taken up in glory to be worshipped.
Today, we sing the Doxology in unison together in the same way as early Christians did in the first century! Notice these powerful words, as well.
Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.*
When I am grateful—when I acknowledge God as my Creator—when He is above all things—when I am praising Him in His fullness—I am joining a vast chorus of singers who have confessed their faith down through the ages. God, You make our hearts sing!
*Words: Thomas Ken, 1674. Music: Old 100th, Genevan Psalter, 1551, attributed to Louis Bourgeois (MIDI, score).