1 Timothy 3:6 - Printer Friendly

ESV: He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil.

NIV: He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.

NASB: and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into condemnation incurred by the devil.

CSB: He must not be a new convert, or he might become conceited and incur the same condemnation as the devil.

NLT: A church leader must not be a new believer, because he might become proud, and the devil would cause him to fall.

KJV: Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

NKJV: not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.

This verse adds one additional qualification to those given for elders in verses 1 through 7. New believers are not prepared to lead other believers. This involves more than just their spiritual knowledge. It also speaks to their spiritual maturity. As Paul warns, giving too much authority too early can result in arrogance. His phrasing indicates a believer who is too quickly placed into a position of leadership can become proud and fall into sin. Christians are not perfect and often continue to struggle with sinful habits after coming to faith in Christ.

Even the most mature believers wrestle with temptation (Romans 7:18–20). Even Jesus faced Satan's temptations (Matthew 4:1–11), though He never sinned (Hebrews 4:15). More mature believers are better equipped to teach and equip members of the church. They are also more experienced in dealing with the temptations and stresses of the Christian life. And, they are more aware of their own shortcomings, so they are less likely to become arrogant. For these reasons, a person who is new in their faith should not be given spiritual authority over others.

First Timothy 3:1–7 describes the requirements of church elders. Those who are placed in high leadership positions within the church are to be men of a good reputation, known for self-control and fairness, as well as have an ability to teach spiritual truths. They cannot be known as drunkards, bickerers, or prone to greed. Those who are married must demonstrate faithfulness to their wife and respectable control of their children. Paul also specifies that new converts cannot be elders: this presents a high risk of arrogance and failure.

First Timothy chapter 3 expresses requirements for two different levels of church leadership. The first are ''elders'' or ''overseers.'' These men are to be experienced Christians, respectable, capable teachers, with a good reputation and a well-ordered family life. The second group are ''servants,'' or ''deacons,'' who share many of the same expectations. Unlike elders, however, deacons are not necessarily called on to teach. And, they are expected to be ''tested'' prior to taking on their role.

Chapter 3 concludes Paul's general statements about church structure and behavior. In chapters 1, 2, and 3, he has laid out some broad concepts which Timothy needs to enforce in his congregation. This chapter specifically deals with the qualifications for leaders, including both elders and deacons. The next chapters will transition to Paul's warnings about certain dangers lurking around the Christian church.

First Timothy is one of Paul's three ''Pastoral Epistles.'' Paul's other letters, such as Romans, Ephesians, and Colossians, are meant for a broader audience. First Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus are written to specific people whom Paul is advising on how to best lead their local churches. These three letters present a close look at the form and function of church leadership. First Timothy, like 2 Timothy and Titus, is less formal and systematic, and more personal. This gives great insight into the way pastors, deacons, and elders ought to prioritize their time and energy.