Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Timothy 3:9

"holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience." — 1 Timothy 3:9 (ASV)

Fifth, deacons must have a grasp of “the deep truths [lit., “mystery”; GK 3696 ]of the faith.” “The faith” must be taken in an objective sense, referring to the truths of the Christian religion, rather than as subjective, having to do with one’s personal faith in Christ. This letter has a strong emphasis on a pure “conscience” as well as a pure faith (cf. 1:5, 19). A “clear conscience” is one that has been cleansed by the blood of Christ (Heb. 10:22) and does not offend God or other people (Acts 24:16).