Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Timothy 3:16. It’s a really important and layered passage about God's relationship with us. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says that God’s way of showing up and working with us is incredibly powerful and meaningful. Let’s break it down word-by-word: “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness…” – This part suggests that God's goodness and righteousness aren’t just there , they’re present in a special way. “Controversy” means disagreement, arguments, or struggles. But this verse says it’s great because God is showing up in a good, positive way. “God was manifest in the flesh…” – This means God revealed Himself through a human being – Jesus Christ. Think of it like a spotlight shining on someone. God showed His presence and power by becoming human. “…justified in the Spirit…” – “Justified” means declared righteous or innocent before God. The Spirit is like a guiding force that helps us understand and believe what’s right. It's like having a helper to guide you toward good. “seen of angels…” – Angels are incredibly powerful beings in ancient times, often seen as messengers of God. This verse says that God’s presence was recognized by these angelic beings. “…preached unto the Gentiles…” – “Preached” means to teach or share something. The verse refers to Jesus' teachings and message – which extended out to everyone , not just Jewish people. It's about sharing a fundamental truth about God’s love and plan for humanity. “believed on in the world…” – This is about faith – believing in God and accepting Him as your savior. “…received up into glory.” – “Received” means to be lifted or brought higher. “Into glory” means to be made perfect, to achieve a higher state of being. It signifies God's ultimate triumph over evil and our salvation. Putting it all together: The verse is saying that God’s presence wasn’t just felt – He actively showed Himself in Jesus Christ, guided by the Holy Spirit, and ultimately revealed His love to everyone through his teachings. It’s a powerful message about God’s grace and the importance of faith and obedience to His will. Why is this important? It's saying that our faith (belief in God) should be a key part of how we live our lives, helping us to connect with God and follow His will. --- To help me explain it even better for you , could you tell me: What is your current understanding of these concepts? (Are you new to the Bible or do you have some background?) What are you hoping to get out of this explanation? (Do you want a simpler explanation, a deeper dive into a particular aspect, or something else?)