6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.
6 Not a novice,
6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil.
6 He must not be a new believer, lest the position go to his head and the Devil trip him up.
6 not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.
6 An elder must not be a new believer, because he might become proud, and the devil would cause him to fall.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Timothy 3:6
Commentary on 1 Timothy 3:1-7
(Read 1 Timothy 3:1-7)
If a man desired the pastoral office, and from love to Christ, and the souls of men, was ready to deny himself, and undergo hardships by devoting himself to that service, he sought to be employed in a good work, and his desire should be approved, provided he was qualified for the office. A minister must give as little occasion for blame as can be, lest he bring reproach upon his office. He must be sober, temperate, moderate in all his actions, and in the use of all creature-comforts. Sobriety and watchfulness are put together in Scripture, they assist one the other. The families of ministers ought to be examples of good to all other families. We should take heed of pride; it is a sin that turned angels into devils. He must be of good repute among his neighbours, and under no reproach from his former life. To encourage all faithful ministers, we have Christ's gracious word of promise, Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world, Matthew 28:20. And he will fit his ministers for their work, and carry them through difficulties with comfort, and reward their faithfulness.