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Selected Verse: 1 Timothy 3:6 - King James
| Verse |
Translation |
Text |
| 1Ti 3:6 |
King James |
Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. |
Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse
| A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882] |
not a novice--one just converted. This proves the Church of Ephesus was established now for some time. The absence of this rule in the Epistle to Titus, accords with the recent planting of the Church at Crete. Greek, "neophyte," literally, "a young plant"; luxuriantly verdant (Rom 6:5; Rom 11:17; Co1 3:6). The young convert has not yet been disciplined and matured by afflictions and temptations. Contrast Act 21:16, "an old disciple."
lifted up with pride--Greek, literally, "wrapt in smoke," so that, inflated with self-conceit and exaggerated ideas of his own importance, he cannot see himself or others in the true light (Ti1 6:4; Ti2 3:4).
condemnation of the devil--into the same condemnation as Satan fell into (Ti1 3:7; Ti2 2:26). Pride was the cause of Satan's condemnation (Job 38:15; Isa 14:12-15; Joh 12:31; Joh 16:11; Pe2 2:4; Jde 1:6). It cannot mean condemnation or accusation on the part of the devil. The devil may bring a reproach on men (Ti1 3:7), but he cannot bring them into condemnation, for he does not judge, but is judged [BENGEL]. |
| Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834] |
Not a novice - Margin, "one newly come to the faith." The Greek word, which occurs nowhere else in the New Testament, means, properly, that which is "newly planted." Thus it would mean a plant that was not strong, or not fitted to bear the severity of storms; that had not as yet struck its roots deep, and could not resist the fierceness of a cold blast. Then the word comes to mean a new convert; one who has had little opportunity to test his own faith, or to give evidence to others that he would be faithful to the trust committed to him. The word does not refer so much to one who is young "in years," as one who is young "in faith." Still, all the reasons which apply against introducing a very recent convert into the ministry, will apply commonly with equal force against introducing one young in years.
Lest being lifted up with pride - We are not to suppose that this is the only reason against introducing a recent convert into the ministry, but it is a sufficient reason. He would be likely to be elated by being entrusted at once with the highest office in the church, and by the commendations and flattery which he might receive. No condition is wholly proof against this; but he is much less likely to be injured who has had much experience of the depravity of his own heart, and whose mind has been deeply imbued with the spirit of the gospel.
He fall into the condemnation of the devil - That is, the same kind of condemnation which the devil fell into; to wit, condemnation on account of pride. It is here intimated that the cause of the apostasy of Satan was pride - a cause which is as likely to have been the true one as any other. Who can tell but it may have been produced by some new honor which was conferred on him in heaven, and that his virtue was not found sufficient for the untried circumstances in which he was placed? Much of the apostasy from eminent virtue in this world, arises from this cause; and possibly the case of Satan may have been the most signal instance of this kind which has occurred in the universe. The idea of Paul is, that a young convert should not suddenly be raised to an exalted station in the church. Who can doubt the wisdom of this direction? The word rendered "lifted up" (τυφωθὲις tuphōtheis), is from a verb which means to smoke, to fume, to surround with smoke; then to "inflate" - as a bladder is with air; and then to be conceited or proud; that is, to be "like" a bladder filled, not with a solid substance, but with air. |
| Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886] |
Novice (νεόφυτον)
N.T.o. From νέος new and φυτόν a plant. Comp. Co1 3:6, Co1 3:7; Mat 15:13. Hence, a new convert, a neophyte. Comp. in lxx Job 14:9; Psa 127:3; Psa 143:12; Isa 5:7. Chrysostom explains it as newly catechised (νεοκατήχητος); but a neophyte differed from a catechumen in having received baptism. Better the ancient Greek interpreters, newly baptized (νεοβάπτιστος). After the ceremony of baptism the neophytes wore white garments for eight days, from Easter eve until the Sunday after Easter, which was called Dominica in albis, the Sunday in white. The Egyptian archives of Berlin give νεόφυτος a Fayum papyrus of the second century A. D., of newly-planted palm trees. Comp. lxx, Psa 127:3 : "Thy sons as νεόφυτα ἐλαιῶν plants of olives."
Being lifted up with pride (τυφωθεὶς)
Only in the Pastorals. See Ti1 6:4; Ti2 3:4. The verb means primarily to make a smoke: hence, metaphorically, to blind with pride or conceit. Neither A.V. nor Rev. puffed up, preserves the radical sense, which is the sense here intended - a beclouded and stupid state of mind as the result of pride.
Fall into condemnation (εἰς κρίμα ἐμπέσῃ)
Κρίμα in N.T. usually means judgment. The word for condemnation is κατάκριμα. See especially Rom 5:16, where the two are sharply distinguished. Comp. Mat 7:2; Act 24:25; Rom 2:2; Rom 5:18; Co1 6:7. However, κρίμα occasionally shades off into the meaning condemnation, as Rom 3:8; Jam 3:1. See on go to law, Co1 6:7, and see on Co1 11:29. Κρίμα is a Pauline word; but the phrase ἐμπιπτεῖν εἰς κρίμα to fall into judgment is found only here.
Of the devil (τοῦ διαβόλου)
See on Mat 4:1, and see on Satan, Th1 2:18. Paul uses διάβολος only twice, Eph 4:27; Eph 6:11. Commonly Satan. The use of διάβολος as an adjective is peculiar to the Pastorals (see Ti1 3:11; Ti2 3:3; Tit 2:3), and occurs nowhere else in N.T., and not in lxx. The phrase judgment of the devil probably means the accusing judgment of the devil, and not the judgment passed upon the devil. In Rev 12:10 Satan is called the accuser of the brethren. In Co1 5:5; Ti1 1:20, men are given over to Satan for judgment. In Ti1 3:7 the genitive διαβόλου is clearly subjective. In this chapter it appears that a Christian can fall into the reproach of the devil (comp. Jde 1:9; Pe2 2:11), the snare of the devil (comp. Ti2 2:26), and the judgment of the devil. |
| Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65] |
| Lest being puffed up - With this new honour, or with the applause which frequently follows it. He fall into the condemnation of the devil - The same into which the devil fell. |
| Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826 |
Fifteenth - It is required that he be not a novice - Νεοφυτον· Not a young plant, not recently ingrafted, that is, one not newly converted to the faith; (old MS. Bible); one who has been of considerable standing in the Christian Church, if he have the preceding qualifications, may be safely trusted with the government of that Church. It is impossible that one who is not long and deeply experienced in the ways of God can guide others in the way of life. Hence presbyters or elders were generally appointed to have the oversight of the rest, and hence presbyter and bishop seem to have been two names for the same office; yet all presbyters or elders certainly were not bishops, because all presbyters had not the qualifications marked above. But the apostle gives another reason: Lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. It is natural for man to think himself of more importance than his fellows when they are intrusted to his government. The apostle's term τυφωθεις, puffed up, inflated, is a metaphor taken from a bladder when filled with air or wind. It is a substance, has a certain size, is light, can be the sport of the wind, but has nothing in it but air. Such is the classical coxcomb; a mere puffball, a disgrace to his function, and despised by every intelligent man. Should we not say to those whom it may concern,
"From such apostles, O ye mitred heads,
Preserve the Church; and lay not careless hands
On skulls that cannot teach, and will not learn."
From these words of the apostle we are led to infer that pride or self-conceit was the cause of the devil's downfall. In Ecclus. 10 there are some excellent sayings concerning pride: "Pride is hurtful before God and man." "Why is earth and ashes proud?" "The beginning of pride is when one departeth from God." "For pride is the beginning of sin; and he that hath it shall pour out abomination." "Pride was not made for Men." See verses 7, 9, 12, 13, and 18, of the above chapter. |
7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;
11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
15 And from the wicked their light is withholden, and the high arm shall be broken.
26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
16 There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.
6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
17 And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;
5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.
9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.
5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
27 Neither give place to the devil.
18 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.
1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.
7 Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?
1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
8 And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.
7 Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?
18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.
25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
7 For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry.
12 And of thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul: for I am thy servant.
3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
9 Yet through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant.
13 But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.
7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.