Attribute of God's Blessedness in 1 Timothy 1:11 and 6:15
The attribute of God's blessedness is highlighted in 1 Timothy 1:11 and 6:15, where God is described as "the blessed God" and "the blessed and only Sovereign" respectively.
In 1 Timothy 1:11, Paul refers to "the good news of the glory of the blessed God, with which I was entrusted" (YLT) [1]. This verse connects the gospel message directly to the glory of God, who is characterized as "blessed" [1, 2]. one commentary tradition by Jamieson, Fausset & Brown notes that this "glorious gospel" manifests God's glory by accounting believers righteous through Christ, apart from the law [6]. This context follows Paul's discussion of the law's proper use, emphasizing that the gospel, entrusted to Paul, reveals God's blessed nature [6, 8]. The term "blessed" (Greek: makarios) here signifies God's inherent happiness, self-sufficiency, and supreme well-being.
Later, in 1 Timothy 6:15, Paul describes God as "the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords" [4]. This declaration occurs within a doxology, a passage of praise to God, following instructions regarding wealth and contentment [4]. The Tyndale House commentary suggests that this passage, particularly verses 15-16, might echo a baptismal confession and naturally leads into worship of God as Savior [7]. The description of God as "blessed" in this context underscores His ultimate authority and majesty, reinforcing His divine nature as the source of all good [7]. The attribute of blessedness is thus tied to God's sovereignty and His eternal purposes, including the salvation promised before the world began [7].
The concept of God's blessedness is intertwined with His other attributes, such as holiness and glory [3, 5]. God's holiness is incomparable and exhibited in His character, name, words, and works [3]. Similarly, glorifying God is commanded and due to Him for His holiness, mercy, truth, and wondrous works [5]. The blessedness of God, therefore, is not merely a descriptive term but an affirmation of His inherent perfection and the source of all good, which is revealed through the gospel and His sovereign rule [1, 6, 7].
Sources
- I Timothy “I Timothy 1:11 (YLT) — according to the good news of the glory of the blessed God, with which I was entrusted.”
- 1 Timothy “according to the Good News of the glory of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust. -- 1 Timothy 1:11”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Holiness of God, The — Is incomparable -- Ex 15:11; 1Sa 2:2. Exhibited in his Character. -- Ps 22:3; Joh 17:11. Name. -- Isa 57:15; Lu 1:49. Words. -- Ps 60:6; Jer 23:9. Works. -- Ps 145:17. Kingdom. -- Ps 47:8; Mt 13:41; Re 21:27; 1Co 6:9,10. Is pledged for the fulfilment of His promises. -- Ps 89:35. His judgments. -- Am 4:2. Saints are commanded to imitate -- Le 11:44; 1Pe 1:15,16. Saints should praise -- Ps 30:4. Should produce reverential fear -- Re 15:4. Requires holy service -- Jos 24:19; Ps 93:5. Heavenly hosts adore -- Isa 6:3; Re 4:8. Should be magnified --”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “1 Timothy 6:15 cross-references: Ezra 7:12, Psalms 47:2, Psalms 83:18, Psalms 136:3, Proverbs 8:15, Jeremiah 10:10, Jeremiah 46:18, Daniel 2:44, Daniel 4:34, Matthew 6:13, 1 Timothy 1:11, 1 Timothy 1:17, 1 Timothy 2:6, Revelation 17:14, Revelation 19:16”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Glorifying God — Commanded -- 1Ch 16:28; Ps 22:23; Isa 42:12. Due to him -- 1Ch 16:29. For his Holiness. -- Ps 99:9; Re 15:4. Mercy and truth. -- Ps 115:1; Ro 15:9. Faithfulness and truth. -- Isa 25:1. Wondrous works. -- Mt 15:31; Ac 4:21. Judgments. -- Isa 25:3; Eze 28:22; Re 14:7. Deliverance. -- Ps 50:15. Grace to others. -- Ac 11:18; 2Co 9:13; Ga 1:24. Obligation of saints to -- 1Co 6:20. Is acceptable through Christ -- Php 1:11; 1Pe 4:11. Christ, an example of -- Joh 17:4. Accomplished by Relying on his promises. -- Ro 4:20. Praising him. -- Ps 50:23. Doing all ”
- 1 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Timothy 1:11: According to the glorious gospel--The Christian's freedom from the law as a sanctifier, as well as a justifier, implied in the previous, Ti1 1:9-10, is what this Ti1 1:11 is connected with. This exemption of the righteous from the law, and assignment of it to the lawless as its true object, is "according to the Gospel of the glory (so the Greek, compare Note, see on Co2 4:4) of the blessed God." The Gospel manifests God's glory (Eph 1:17; Eph 3:16) in accounting "righteous" the believer, through the righteousness of Christ, without "the law" (Ti1 1:”
- 1 Timothy (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Timothy 6:15: 6:15-16 At just the right time (cp. 2:6), God will complete the salvation promised to us before the world began (2 Tim 1:9; Titus 1:2), which Christ enacted in his first appearance (1 Tim 2:6; Titus 1:3). The saving work of Christ is positioned within God’s sovereign and eternal purposes. This thought leads naturally into worship of God our Savior (cp. 1 Tim 1:17). • This material might be quoted from a baptismal confession (see study note on 6:12).”
- 1 Timothy (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Timothy 1:12: 1:12-17 This expression of gratitude is a parenthesis from Paul’s charge to Timothy (1:3-11, 18-20). Triggered by the mention of Paul’s role (1:11), it gives perspective on the source of Paul’s thankfulness and provides a model for its readers. When talking about his own work, Paul directs glory to God and makes it plain that he is doing God’s work (see also 2 Cor 1:21-22; 2:14-17; 3:4-6; 4:7; 12:9-10).”