9 Revealing God’s purpose at his appointed time is a difficult expression without clear connection to the preceding, literally “a testimony at the proper time.” This may allude to testimony about Christ’s atoning work given by Paul and others (as v. 7 mentions). But it seems more likely to identify Christ’s death itself as a testimony to God’s gracious character (as vv. 3–4 describe). This testimony was planned from all eternity, but now has come to light at the time God intended, in the work of Christ. See 2 Tim 1:9–10; Titus 2:11–14; 3:4–7 for similar ideas.

In other versions

who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.

who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.

who gave himself as a ransom for all, a testimony at the proper time.

He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time.

who gave himself a ransom for all, the testimony at the proper time,

Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

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