“He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil.” (1 Timothy 3:6 (ESV)
Puritan and biblical commentator Matthew Henry writes, “The more ignorant men are the prouder they are.”
There is a difference between a new convert, and a mature believer. The mature believer knows what he doesn’t know and where to find the answers, while the new believer doesn’t even know the questions. Therefore, it is imperative a new believer in Christ should not serve as an overseer, elder or pastor.
The Apostle Paul clearly stated an elder must not be a recent convert (νεόφυτον; neophyton). The phrase literally refers to a new or young plant. The English word neophyte, meaning a novice, beginner, recruit, and trainee, comes from this Greek word.
If such an individual assumes the office of overseer, he may become puffed up with conceit (τυφωθεὶς; typhotheis). This metaphorically means to be wrapped up in the smoke of pride and his own self-importance. When young converts are in positions of church leadership, their immaturity becomes apparent to everyone but themselves.
“Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” (Proverbs 26:12 (ESV)
“The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly.” (Proverbs 26:16 (ESV)
“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.” (Romans 12:16 (ESV)
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3 (ESV)
Putting a new convert into a leadership role would tempt him to pride. Elders, therefore, are to be drawn from the spiritually mature men of the congregation,” explains Dr. John MacArthur.
Paul explains such conceit could cause the young believer to “fall into the condemnation of the devil.” One commentator writes, “Lest being proud of his degree he be likewise condemned as the devil was for lifting up himself by pride.[1]
In his book Biblical Eldership, author Alexander Strauch writes, “Scripture prohibits a ‘new convert’ from serving as an elder. A new convert is a beginner in the faith, a baby Christian, a recent convert. No matter how spiritual, zealous, knowledgeable, or talented a new convert may be, he is not spiritually mature. Maturity requires time and experience for which there is no substitute, so a new convert is simply not ready for the arduous task of shepherding God’s flock.”
“The position of elder (especially in a large, well-established church such as the one in Ephesus) carries considerable honor and authority. For a recent convert, the temptation of pride would be too great. Pride would destroy the man, causing personal disgrace, loss, exposure, divine chastisement, and possibly wrecking his faith. It would also hurt the church. So, Paul warns against appointing a new convert as an elder.”
“Today’s passage warns the church not to ordain new converts as elders (1 Tim. 3:6). Without seasoning and maturation, men are ill-equipped to deal with the complexities that confront the church and the discipline of its members. Overestimating their own wisdom, they may deal poorly with people, lording their authority over God’s flock instead of shepherding with lovingkindness (1 Peter 5:1–5),” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.
“Not having faced the Christian’s unique trials and temptations, they can split churches when they value their way over “the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3), refusing to compromise when Scripture permits it. Lacking knowledge of the church’s history and confessions, they can in their pride wander after heresies long ago refuted. New converts may exalt themselves and if so, may also endure the casting down that the Devil experienced, revealing their profession of faith to be false (1 Tim. 3:6).”
Much care is to be taken when a church calls a man to be an overseer, elder, and/or pastor. Popularity, presence, and persuasiveness must not be the characteristics the church looks for in the man who ministers from the pulpit.
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8 (ESV)
May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
[1] Geneva Bible: Notes, vol. 2 (Geneva: Rovland Hall, 1560), 98.
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