1 Timothy 3:6
1 Timothy 3:6 in Multiple Translations
He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same condemnation as the devil.
Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
not a novice, lest being puffed up he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
Not one newly taken into the church, for fear that, through his high opinion of himself, he may come into the same sin as the Evil One.
He should not be a new believer, in case he gets so full of himself that he falls under the same condemnation as the devil.
He may not be a yong scholer, lest he being puffed vp fall into the condemnation of the deuill.
not a new convert, lest having been puffed up he may fall to a judgment of the devil;
not a new convert, lest being puffed up he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.
Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
Not a neophyte: lest being puffed up with pride, he fall into the judgment of the devil.
He must not be one who has just recently trusted in Jesus, because if you choose a man like that, he might become conceited/proud because you chose him so soon. As a result of his being conceited/proud, God will condemn him like he condemned the devil because he was conceited/proud.
He has to be a man that has been a Christian for a long time, not a new Christian. A new Christian might start to think he is smart, and God might have to throw him out, like he threw the devil out after the devil thought he was smart. That devil is now the boss over the bad spirits. –
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Timothy 3:6
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1 Timothy 3:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Greek Word Reference — 1 Timothy 3:6
Study Notes — 1 Timothy 3:6
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Timothy 3:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Timothy 3:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Timothy 3:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Timothy 3:6
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Timothy 3:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Timothy 3:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Timothy 3:6
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Timothy 3:6
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Timothy 3:6
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Timothy 3:6
- Sermons on 1 Timothy 3:6
Context — Qualifications for Overseers
6He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same condemnation as the devil.
7Furthermore, he must have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the snare of the devil. 8Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued or given to much wine or greedy for money.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Timothy 6:4 | he is conceited and understands nothing. Instead, he has an unhealthy interest in controversies and semantics, out of which come envy, strife, abusive talk, evil suspicions, |
| 2 | Hebrews 5:12–13 | Although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to reteach you the basic principles of God’s word. You need milk, not solid food! For everyone who lives on milk is still an infant, inexperienced in the message of righteousness. |
| 3 | 1 Peter 2:2 | Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, |
| 4 | 1 Peter 5:5 | Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” |
| 5 | 2 Corinthians 12:7 | or because of these surpassingly great revelations. So to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. |
| 6 | 1 Corinthians 4:6–8 | Brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us not to go beyond what is written. Then you will not take pride in one man over another. For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not? Already you have all you want. Already you have become rich. Without us, you have become kings. How I wish you really were kings, so that we might be kings with you! |
| 7 | 1 Corinthians 8:1 | Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. |
| 8 | Isaiah 14:12–14 | How you have fallen from heaven, O day star, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the ground, O destroyer of nations. You said in your heart: “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God. I will sit on the mount of assembly, in the far reaches of the north. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” |
| 9 | 1 Corinthians 3:1 | Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual, but as worldly—as infants in Christ. |
| 10 | Isaiah 2:12 | For the Day of the LORD of Hosts will come against all the proud and lofty, against all that is exalted— it will be humbled— |
1 Timothy 3:6 Summary
[This verse is saying that someone who has only recently become a Christian should not be put into a leadership position in the church, because they may become too full of themselves and forget to stay humble, as warned in Proverbs 16:18. This is important because church leaders need to be examples of humility and servant-heartedness, as seen in Matthew 20:26-28. By waiting for someone to demonstrate spiritual maturity, we can help protect them and the church from the dangers of pride and arrogance. This is in line with the teaching in 1 Peter 5:2-3, which emphasizes the importance of humble leadership in the church.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for someone to be a 'recent convert' in 1 Timothy 3:6?
A recent convert refers to someone who has recently come to faith in Jesus Christ, as seen in Acts 2:41, and may not have had time to mature in their faith and develop the necessary character to lead in the church.
Why is it important for a church leader not to be a recent convert?
As 1 Timothy 3:6 warns, a recent convert may become conceited and fall under the same condemnation as the devil, highlighting the importance of humility and spiritual maturity in church leadership, as also emphasized in 1 Peter 5:2-3.
How does the condemnation of the devil in 1 Timothy 3:6 relate to church leaders?
The devil's condemnation, as seen in Isaiah 14:12-15, was due to his pride and arrogance, and similarly, a church leader who becomes conceited may fall into the same trap, emphasizing the need for humility and a servant-hearted attitude, as taught in Matthew 20:26-28.
Can a recent convert never become a church leader?
While 1 Timothy 3:6 advises against it, it does not rule out the possibility entirely, but rather cautions against the dangers of pride and immaturity, emphasizing the importance of waiting for a person to demonstrate spiritual maturity and a servant-hearted attitude, as seen in 1 Timothy 3:1-13.
Reflection Questions
- What are some signs of conceit and pride in a person's life, and how can we guard against them in our own lives?
- How can we balance the need for spiritual maturity in church leaders with the importance of giving new believers opportunities to serve and grow?
- What are some ways that church leaders can cultivate humility and a servant-hearted attitude, and how can we as a church body support and encourage them in this?
- How does the example of the devil's condemnation in 1 Timothy 3:6 serve as a warning to us today, and what are some practical steps we can take to avoid falling into the same trap?
- In what ways can we prioritize spiritual maturity and character development in our own lives, and how can we encourage others to do the same?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Timothy 3:6
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Timothy 3:6
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Timothy 3:6
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Timothy 3:6
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Timothy 3:6
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Timothy 3:6
Cambridge Bible on 1 Timothy 3:6
Barnes' Notes on 1 Timothy 3:6
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Timothy 3:6
Sermons on 1 Timothy 3:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
One Thing I Desire by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher starts by acknowledging his attempts to help others but is confronted with the realization that he was given resources to keep life turning and protect |
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Self-Exaltation and Humility by Bob Jennings | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of humility and serving others. He encourages the congregation to have a humble attitude and to be willing to serve, rather t |
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Heaven and Hell by Sadhu Sundar Singh | Sadhu Sundar Singh preaches about the concepts of heaven and hell, emphasizing that they are states in the spiritual realm originating in the heart of man. He explains that true pe |
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The Call and Qualifications for the Ministry by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot delves into the importance of a divine call and necessary qualifications for the Gospel ministry. He emphasizes that a true call to the ministry involves a deep inward |
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I. the Origin of the Tempter by Watchman Nee | Watchman Nee explores the origin of the tempter, revealing that he was once a beautiful and wise creature who fell from grace by aspiring to be equal with God. This pride led to hi |
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Pastor's Perspective by Robert S. Rayburn | Robert S. Rayburn preaches on the destructive nature of pride, highlighting how it leads to self-worship, dishonesty, and a lack of appreciation for God's grace. He emphasizes that |
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Qualification's for Leadership by Keith Malcomson | Keith Malcomson preaches on the qualifications of being 'Blameless' according to 1 Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:6-7, emphasizing the importance of being un-rebukeable, un-accused, and a |







