How can an elder come under the same condemnation as the devil (1 Timothy 3:6)?

Response

First Timothy 3 provides the qualifications for overseers. “Elder” and “overseer” are two terms for the same role of church leader. One highlights the role (overseer), while the other emphasizes experience and wisdom (elder). One requirement for an elder is that he should “not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil” “Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.”, (1 Timothy 3:6, KJV).

In this passage, “novice” in the KJV simply means a “recent convert” (NIV, ESV). The implication is that promoting a recent convert could lead to pride, while a more seasoned believer might be less susceptible to this sin. The term “condemnation” in the KJV suggests that a church elder could commit an act that would result in facing the same ultimate condemnation as the devil—the lake of fire “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”, (Revelation 20:10).

The word translated as “condemnation” in the KJV actually means “judgment,” which in some contexts may imply final condemnation, but it does not necessarily carry that meaning. It could refer to other forms of judgment.

There are typically two interpretations of 1 Timothy 3:6, with the distinction lying in the interpretation of the phrase “of the devil.” The first view is that the “condemnation of the devil” is a judgment similar to what the devil will face. The second view is that the “condemnation of the devil” is a judgment carried out by the devil,Perhaps similar to what Paul means when he says that he hands an unrepentant man “over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh” «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. », (1 Corinthians 5:5).

The following outline seems to capture the various options for the meaning of 1 Timothy 3:6:

1. The elder commits the sin of pride in the same way as the devil, and he will be condemned to the lake of fire along with the devil. In this case either

a. The sin is so grievous that the elder loses his salvation OR

b. The elder was never a believer in the first place.

2. The elder sins in a way similar to the devil and will receive some sort of judgment for his pride, but it will fall short of the lake of fire, as the elder is a true believer and will ultimately be saved.

3. The elder will be “turned over to Satan” to receive the due consequences of his pride, but, since he is a true believer, he will ultimately be saved.

It is our firm conviction that Scripture promises that a true believer can never sin so grievously as to lose salvation; therefore, 1a is ruled out as contrary to the plain teaching of the Bible—Scripture will not contradict Scripture. If interpretation 1 is to be maintained, then 1b would be the only possible conclusion—the overweening pride of the elder would be a demonstration that he was not a true believer. However, interpretation 1b also seems suspect, as the passage describes him as a “new convert.” The thrust of the passage is that elevating a new believer too soon to a position of leadership makes him susceptible to pride. If he were an unbeliever, it is his unbelief that would condemn him along with the devil, whether he was proud or not. Thus, 1b, although possible, seems to be foreign to the context. If another interpretation fits well within the context, it should be considered.

Regarding the text, it is to be preferred.

Interpretation 2 is based on the idea that, as “judgment” can imply something other than final condemnation, it is conceivable for a genuine believer to face judgment. Due to his pride, the devil was removed from his role as a messenger of God and his duty of bringing honor to God. Undoubtedly, a prideful elder would also be ineligible for those responsibilities within the church. Therefore, interpretation 2 is a valid alternative that is consistent with the context.

Interpretation 3 is equally valid. The subsequent verse states that the overseer must have a good reputation; otherwise, he might fall into the devil’s trap “Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.”, (1 Timothy 3:7). This indicates that the devil is setting a trap for elders and seeks to exploit them whenever possible. The emphasis in verse 7 could lend support to interpretation 3—the context appears to involve the devil’s interaction with the overseer. Scholars who hold a different view highlight that in the New Testament, it is God, not the devil, who administers judgment.

Ultimately, both interpretations 2 and 3 have scholarly value, and to some extent, both may hold true—although interpretation 2 may be more plausible. If a new believer is swiftly promoted to a leadership role, they may become prideful and consequently disqualify themselves, akin to how the devil was disqualified.

Regardless, the lesson from 1 Timothy 3:6 remains consistent. An overseer should be a seasoned believer, not a recent convert, if only because it is unwise for a new believer to confront the inevitable temptations and spiritual assaults that come with being an elder.