1 Timothy 3:9 - Printer Friendly

ESV: They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.

NIV: They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.

NASB: but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.

CSB: holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.

NLT: They must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed and must live with a clear conscience.

KJV: Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.

NKJV: holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience.

In addition to the character qualifications given in verse 8, deacons must be those who hold faithfully to the foundational truths of the gospel. "Mystery of the faith" is a phrase unique to this verse. However, the more general concept of "mystery" is mentioned in verse 16. This is a common theme in Paul's writings. Paul's use of it has more to do with the progressive revelation of God, not some elite secret (Romans 16:25). Paul often spoke of the revelation of Jesus Christ, as the resurrected Messiah, as a revealed mystery. Deacons were to hold to this foundational truth.

The concept of a "clear conscience" is also given great importance in this verse. Paul mentioned the importance of "conscience" or "consciences" several times in this letter (1 Timothy 1:5, 19; 4:2) and often in his other letters. Paul said he had a clear conscience as well (2 Timothy 1:3). It is important for church leaders to be those who follow their conscience, as guided by God. Those who struggle to "do the right thing," violating their conscience, should not be considered for leadership. This seems to be supported by Paul's comments about "testing" in the next verse.

First Timothy 3:8–13 gives qualifications for those who wish to serve as ''deacons,'' or ''servants,'' within the church. Many of these are duplicates of the requirements given for elders, including a good reputation and a respectable control over their own homes. Deacons are also prohibited from being those with a reputation for being two-faced, greedy, or prone to addiction. Unlike elders, who have probably already been ''tested,'' Paul says deacons should submit to a time of testing and be installed when they prove themselves ''blameless.''

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.