Without controversy, the mystery of godliness is great: God was revealed in the flesh, Justified in the spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the nations, Believed on in the world, And received up in glory.
Preached among the nations ... The alternate reading of this is "Preached among the Gentiles," which in context is far better (see the American Standard Version margin).  Paul mentioned again and again the fact that the inclusion of Gentiles was an essential part of the mystery  (Romans 16:26;  Ephesians 3:6), and thus it would be better to understand this as "preached among the Gentiles."  In this also is the fact of the preaching itself, not merely those receiving the preaching, being a vital element of the mystery. "It pleased God through the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe"  (1 Corinthians 1:21).  The great need of this age is preaching the word of God. Evil forces have battered down the outer doors and are assaulting the inner citadel of faith itself.  No such crisis in a millennium has confronted the church; the hour of her mortal decision is upon her.  She must forsake the evil philosophies of men and return to the faithful proclamation of what the word of God declares, if she is either to be saved herself or have the power to save others.  Let the church ring out the message "preached among the nations."