1 Timothy 3:6

6 He must not be a new believer, because he might become puffed up with pride and thus fall under the same judgment as did the Adversary.

1 Timothy 3:6 Meaning and Commentary

1 Timothy 3:6

Not a novice
Or one newly planted, the Arabic version adds, "in the faith"; meaning not a young man, for so was Timothy himself; but a young professor and church member; one that is lately come to the knowledge of the truth, and has just embraced and professed it, and become a member of a church, a new plant there: so the Hebrew word (ejn) , "a plant", is by the Septuagint in ( Job 14:9 ) rendered by this very word. The reason why such a person should not be a bishop, elder, or pastor of a church, is,

lest being lifted up with pride;
through the dignity of the office he is advanced to, and the high opinion of men he stands in, and the great gifts qualifying him for such a place, he is supposed to have: for pride on account of these is apt to creep in, and swell and elate the minds of young professors especially; so that there is danger

that he fall into the condemnation of the devil;
or "of the slanderer", as the word is rendered in ( 1 Timothy 3:11 ) and the sense then is, lest he should be censured and condemned by such who are given to calumny and detraction, and are glad of any opportunity to reproach and vilify the ministers of the word: but it is better to understand it of Satan; and then the meaning is, either lest such an one fall under the censure and condemnation of the accuser of the brethren; or rather lest he fall into the same condemnation and punishment the devil is fallen into, their crimes being alike. For it seems from hence, that pride was the first sin of the devil, and the cause of his apostasy from God; being elated with his own knowledge, strength, and dignity; and not being able to bear it, that the human nature should be advanced above that of angels.

1 Timothy 3:6 In-Context

4 He must manage his own household well, having children who obey him with all proper respect;

5 for if a man can't manage his own household, how will he be able to care for God's Messianic Community?

6 He must not be a new believer, because he might become puffed up with pride and thus fall under the same judgment as did the Adversary.

7 Furthermore, he must be well regarded by outsiders, so that he won't fall into disgrace and into the Adversary's trap.

8 Likewise, the shammashim must be of good character, people whose word can be trusted. They must not give themselves to excessive drinking or be greedy for dishonest gain.