Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. 1 Timothy 3:14-15 NIV
Paul was writing to Timothy about the local church in Ephesus. He gives a beautiful description of God’s purpose for the local church. It is first of all a family, the household of God. The word “church” literally means “called out. This family is called out of the world and into a relationship with a God who is very much alive and wants to dwell among His people, unlike the pagan gods in the community around them. This called-out family is the edifice that is the “pillar and foundation” of the truth.
This Greek city had many examples of Hellenistic architecture in pagan temples and civic buildings. The pillars supported the stone roof on which the name of the “deity” could be engraved. They were often very tall, making this stone billboard visible from quite a distance. The foundation on which these columns stood had to be very strong and stable. The sheer weight of the stone roof was crushing. In addition, weather and seismic activity often made the ground itself unstable. Strong foundations were essential.
The image is of a stately building that provided a solid foundation upon which stood pillars of stone that held up the truth of the gospel for all to see. This truth was expressed in the next verse, which was probably a commonly repeated creed or hymn of the day:
Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory. 1 Timothy 3:16
These images would have resonated vividly with readers familiar with the great Hellenistic temples and civic architecture, contrasting the role of the church with pagan structures while emphasizing its responsibility to preserve, defend, and visibly proclaim God’s truth in a world of competing ideas and falsehoods.
Take a moment this week to remember who we are and why we exist. We are the temple, built not of stone, but of people. Being part of a local church is a very big deal. We have a job to do.
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