In the flesh (€v capxié). Comp. J.i.14; 1J.iv. 2; 23.7; Rom. i. 8; vill. 38; ix. 5. Lap& flesh only here in Pastorals.
Justified in the Spirit (éd:car@On év mvevuarr). The verb d:cacodv, so familiar in Paul’s writings, is found in the Past- orals only here and Tit. iii. 7. Its application to Christ as the subject of justification does not appear in Paul. Its meaning here is vindicated, indorsed, as Matt. xi. 19; L.x. 29. Concerning the whole phrase it is to be said: (@) That the two clauses, manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, exhibit a contrast between two aspects of the life of Christ. (6) That év in must have the same meaning in both clauses. (ce) That meaning is not instrumental, by, nor purely modal, expressing the kind and manner of Christ’s justification, but rather local with a shade of modality. It expresses in each
* See J. B. Lightfoot, S. Clement of Rome, Vol. II., p. 405 ff.
Cu. III] THE FIRST EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY. 241
case a peculiar condition which accompanied the justification ; a sphere of life in which it was exhibited and which gave character to it. In the one condition or sphere (the flesh) he was hated, persecuted, and murdered. In the other (the Spirit) he was triumphantly vindicated. See further the additional note at the end of this chapter.
Seen of angels (wh0y ayyéAros). Better, appeared unto or showed himself to, as Matt. xvii. 3; L. i. 11; Acts vii. 2; Heb. ix. 28. The same verb is used of the appearance of the risen Christ to different persons or parties (1 Cor. xv. 5-8). The reference of the words cannot be determined with certainty. They seem to imply some great, majestic occasion, rather than the angelic manifestations during Jesus’ earthly life. Besides, on these occasions, the angels appeared to him, not he to them. The reference is probably to his appearance in the heavenly world after his ascension, when the glorified Christ, having been triumphantly vindi- cated in his messianic work and trial, presented himself to the heavenly hosts. Comp. Philip. ii. 10; Eph. iii. 10, and, in the latter passage, note the connection with “the mys- tery,” ver. 9.
Was preached unto the Gentiles (éxnpiyOn év eOvecir). Better, among the nations. There is no intention of emphas- ising the distinction between the Jews and other nations.
Was believed on in the world (émvcrevOn év kdopm). For a similar construction see 2 Th. i. 10. With Christ as sub- ject this use of érictev@n is unique.
Was received up into glory (aveAnupOn év ddEn). Better, received or taken up in glory. ’AvadapSdveyv is the formal term to describe the ascension of Christ (see Acts i. 2, 22), and the reference is most probably to that event. Comp. EX, 2Ke ie dl,: of Hlijah, and Sir xliv914, of} Enoch. "Ev d0&y in glory: with attendant circumstances of pomp or majesty, as we say of a victorious general, “he entered the
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242 WORD STUDIES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT. (Cz. IL
city in triumph.” This usage is common in N.T. See Matt. xvi. 27; xxv. 31; Mk. viii. 88; L. ix. 31; xii. 27; 1 Cor. xv. 4332 Cormaiieye 6, 11%
ADDITIONAL Note on III. 16.
Christ’s existence before his incarnation was purely spiritual (év rvev- part). He was in the form of God (Philip. ii. 6): He was the effulgence of God’s glory and the express image of his substance (Heb. i. 3), and God is spirit (J. iv. 24).
From this condition he came into manifestation in the flesh (év capxc). He became man and entered into human conditions (Philip. ii. 7, 8), Under these human conditions the attributes of his essential spiritual per- sonality were veiled. He did not appear to men what he really was. He was not recognised by them as he who “ was in the beginning with God” (J.i. 1, 2); as “the image of the invisible God” (Col.i.15); as one with God (J. x. 30; xiv. 9); as he who had all power in heaven and earth (Matt. xxviii. 18); who was “before all things and by whom all things consist ” (Col. i. 17) ; who was “the king of the ages” (1 Tim.i.17). On the contrary, he was regarded as an impostor, a usurper, and a blasphemer. He was hated, persecuted, and finally murdered. He was poor, tempted, and tried, a man of sorrows.