The transforming truth of Jesus Christ is certain, supreme, clear and relevant to our lives (1 Tim. 3:16a). In this verse, the Holy Spirit emphasizes six pivotal elements of this truth to help us appreciate the magnitude of Jesus Christ and His plan for us, including the great incarnation and the great vindication.
Third, Paul emphasizes the great Exaltation: “He was seen by angels.”
What does that mean? The word “angels” comes from the Greek word angelos—you can see the English word “angel” in the Greek word. The word means both “angel” (i.e., a transcendent power sent to carry out various tasks for God) and “messenger” (i.e., a human messenger serving as an envoy). While some have been inclined to understand the word in this verse as human messengers, it seems better contextually to take it just as the translations have it—angels sent forth by God. When one reads the life of Christ, there are many occasions when angels are present. They are not merely there to observe, but they are captivated by and closely involved in the life and work of Jesus, having been sent forth to minister to and on behalf of the Son of God. Consider these occasions when angels of heaven served our Savior.
Angels foretold the birth of Jesus Christ. The angel Gabriel told Mary that she would bring forth the Son of God (Luke 1:26-38), and then an angel told Joseph that the baby was of the Holy Spirit (Matt. 1:18-25).
Angels announced the birth of Jesus to shepherds who were in the fields (Luke 2:8-15).
Angels ministered to Jesus after He triumphed over the temptations of the devil (Matt. 4:11).
Angels strengthened Jesus while He was agonizing in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:43).
Angels announced the resurrection of Jesus from the dead (Matt. 28:1-7; Luke 24:4-7).
Angels promised that Jesus would come again, as He was ascending (Acts 1:9-11).
Even now and in the future, angels serve in various capacities to fulfill the will of God. While He is on the throne, angels “are subject to” Jesus (1 Pet. 3:22). “Many angels” are “around the throne” worshiping Jesus right now (Rev. 5:11-14). When Jesus comes again, “all the holy angels” will come with Him (Matt. 25:31).
This indisputable truth ought to transform our lives toward godliness! As the Lord’s church, we are “the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Tim. 3:15). We must know it! We must teach it! We must defend it! (more next week)