Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Timothy 3:6

"not a novice, lest being puffed up he fall into the condemnation of the devil." — 1 Timothy 3:6 (ASV)

The overseer must not be “a recent convert” (GK 3745), for there is the danger that such a person might “become conceited” (GK 5605) or puffed up with pride. When this happens, the person will “fall under the same judgment as the devil.” We believe that only God is uncreated, that he created all life, and that he pronounced everything he created as “good.” Satan was therefore created by God as a good creature. At some time in history he fell, and the cause of his fall was pride. All proud people are subject to the same judgment as he is .