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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Timothy 3:9 They must hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_timothy/3-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/54_1Ti_03_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Timothy 3:9 - Qualifications for Deacons" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="They must hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience." /><script type="application/javascript" 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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_timothy/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_timothy/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_timothy/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />They must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed and must live with a clear conscience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_timothy/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_timothy/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />They must hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_timothy/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_timothy/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_timothy/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_timothy/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br /><i>but</i> holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_timothy/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_timothy/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br /><i>but</i> holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_timothy/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br /><i>but</i> holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_timothy/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />but upholding <i>and</i> fully understanding the mystery [that is, the true doctrine] of the [Christian] faith with a clear conscience [resulting from behavior consistent with spiritual maturity].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_timothy/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_timothy/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_timothy/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_timothy/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />And they must have a clear conscience and hold firmly to what God has shown us about our faith. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_timothy/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_timothy/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />They must have clear consciences about possessing the mystery of the Christian faith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_timothy/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />they should hold to the revealed truth of the faith with a clear conscience. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_timothy/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />They must hold firmly to the secret of the faith with clear consciences. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_timothy/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />They must hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_timothy/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_timothy/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_timothy/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_timothy/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />but holding the secret truths of the faith with a clear conscience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_timothy/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_timothy/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />having the secret of the faith in a pure conscience,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_timothy/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_timothy/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> having the secret of the faith in a pure conscience,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_timothy/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Having the mystery of faith in pure consciousness.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_timothy/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Holding the mystery of faith in a pure conscience. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_timothy/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />holding to the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_timothy/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />holding fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_timothy/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />they must hold fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_timothy/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But they must uphold the divine mystery of faith with a pure conscience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_timothy/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />But they should hold the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/1_timothy/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/1_timothy/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />having the testimony of faith in a pure conscience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/1_timothy/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/1_timothy/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />but by their integrity maintain the reverence due to the gospel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_timothy/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />but holding the secret truths of the faith with a clear conscience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/1_timothy/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/1_timothy/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_timothy/3-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EkcLX59OJyU?start=393" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_timothy/3.htm">Qualifications for Deacons</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8</span>Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued or given to much wine or greedy for money. <span class="reftext">9</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echontas (V-PPA-AMP) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">They must hold</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">to the</a> <a href="/greek/3466.htm" title="3466: mystērion (N-ANS) -- From a derivative of muo; a secret or mystery.">mystery</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/4102.htm" title="4102: pisteōs (N-GFS) -- Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. ">faith</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">with</a> <a href="/greek/2513.htm" title="2513: kathara (Adj-DFS) -- Clean.">a clear</a> <a href="/greek/4893.htm" title="4893: syneidēsei (N-DFS) -- The conscience, a persisting notion. From a prolonged form of suneido; co-perception, i.e. Moral consciousness.">conscience.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">10</span>Additionally, they must first be tested. Then, if they are above reproach, let them serve as deacons.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/1-26.htm">Colossians 1:26-27</a></span><br />the mystery that was hidden for ages and generations but is now revealed to His saints. / To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/4-7.htm">2 Corinthians 4:7</a></span><br />Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/3-8.htm">Ephesians 3:8-9</a></span><br />Though I am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, / and to illuminate for everyone the stewardship of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/16-25.htm">Romans 16:25-26</a></span><br />Now to Him who is able to strengthen you by my gospel and by the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery concealed for ages past / but now revealed and made known through the writings of the prophets by the command of the eternal God, in order to lead all nations to the obedience that comes from faith—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-7.htm">1 Corinthians 2:7</a></span><br />No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/1-13.htm">2 Timothy 1:13-14</a></span><br />Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching you have heard from me, with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. / Guard the treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/titus/1-9.htm">Titus 1:9</a></span><br />He must hold firmly to the faithful word as it was taught, so that he can encourage others by sound teaching and refute those who contradict it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/6-1.htm">Hebrews 6:1-2</a></span><br />Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith in God, / instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-1.htm">1 Corinthians 4:1-2</a></span><br />So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. / Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/1-12.htm">2 Corinthians 1:12</a></span><br />For this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in relation to you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God—not in worldly wisdom, but in the grace of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-15.htm">1 Peter 3:15</a></span><br />But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/13-11.htm">Matthew 13:11</a></span><br />He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/8-10.htm">Luke 8:10</a></span><br />He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, ‘though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/2-1.htm">Proverbs 2:1-5</a></span><br />My son, if you accept my words and hide my commandments within you, / if you incline your ear to wisdom and direct your heart to understanding, / if you truly call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/3-5.htm">Proverbs 3:5-6</a></span><br />Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; / in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.</p><p class="hdg">Holding.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_timothy/1-5.htm">1 Timothy 1:5,19</a></b></br> Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and <i>of</i> a good conscience, and <i>of</i> faith unfeigned: … </p><p class="hdg">the mystery.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_timothy/3-16.htm">1 Timothy 3:16</a></b></br> And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_john/1-9.htm">2 John 1:9,10</a></b></br> Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_timothy/1-19.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-19.htm">Conscience</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/1-5.htm">Deep</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-15.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-3.htm">Free</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-1.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-14.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-19.htm">Holding</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-4.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-7.htm">Mystery</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-5.htm">Pure</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-7.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-6.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-19.htm">Truths</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_timothy/3-15.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-2.htm">Conscience</a> <a href="/revelation/2-24.htm">Deep</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-13.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-13.htm">Free</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-15.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-16.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-8.htm">Holding</a> <a href="/2_timothy/1-4.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-16.htm">Mystery</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-22.htm">Pure</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-25.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-20.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-20.htm">Truths</a><div class="vheading2">1 Timothy 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_timothy/3-1.htm">How bishops, deacons, and their wives should be qualified;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_timothy/3-14.htm">and to what end Paul wrote to Timothy of these things.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_timothy/3-15.htm">Of the church, and the blessed truth therein taught and professed.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_timothy/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_timothy/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_timothy/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>They must hold to the mystery of the faith</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the importance of maintaining a firm grasp on the core tenets of Christian doctrine, which are often referred to as the "mystery" because they were once hidden but are now revealed through Christ. The "mystery of the faith" includes the incarnation, death, and resurrection of Jesus, as well as the salvation offered to both Jews and Gentiles. This aligns with <a href="/ephesians/3-4.htm">Ephesians 3:4-6</a>, where Paul speaks of the mystery of Christ being revealed to the apostles and prophets by the Spirit. The term "mystery" in the biblical context often refers to divine truths that were previously concealed but are now made known through the gospel. This underscores the responsibility of church leaders to understand and teach these truths accurately.<p><b>with a clear conscience</b><br>A clear conscience is essential for those in leadership, as it reflects a life lived in accordance with the teachings of Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This concept is echoed in <a href="/acts/24-16.htm">Acts 24:16</a>, where Paul speaks of striving to maintain a clear conscience before God and man. A clear conscience involves integrity, sincerity, and moral purity, which are crucial for leaders who are to be examples to the flock. The conscience acts as an internal witness to one's actions and thoughts, and a clear conscience indicates alignment with God's will. This phrase also suggests the importance of repentance and forgiveness, as maintaining a clear conscience requires ongoing self-examination and confession of sin.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a></b><br>- The apostle who authored the letter to Timothy, providing guidance on church leadership and conduct.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/timothy.htm">Timothy</a></b><br>- A young pastor and protégé of Paul, stationed in Ephesus, tasked with organizing the church and appointing leaders.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/d/deacons.htm">Deacons</a></b><br>- Church leaders mentioned in this passage, responsible for serving the congregation and supporting the elders.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/e/ephesus.htm">Ephesus</a></b><br>- The city where Timothy was ministering, known for its diverse population and challenges to the early church.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/m/mystery_of_the_faith.htm">Mystery of the Faith</a></b><br>- A term used by Paul to describe the revealed truth of the Gospel, once hidden but now made known through Christ.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_the_mystery_of_the_faith.htm">Understanding the Mystery of the Faith</a></b><br>The "mystery of the faith" refers to the Gospel, which was once hidden but is now revealed through Jesus Christ. Believers are called to understand and cherish this profound truth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/m/maintaining_a_clear_conscience.htm">Maintaining a Clear Conscience</a></b><br>A clear conscience is essential for effective ministry. It involves living in alignment with God's truth and being free from guilt or hypocrisy.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_deacons.htm">The Role of Deacons</a></b><br>Deacons are called to serve with integrity and faithfulness. Their role is crucial in supporting the church's mission and ensuring the practical needs of the congregation are met.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_stewardship.htm">Faithfulness in Stewardship</a></b><br>Holding to the mystery of the faith requires diligent stewardship. Believers must guard the truth of the Gospel and live it out in their daily lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_character_in_leadership.htm">The Importance of Character in Leadership</a></b><br>Church leaders must exemplify godly character, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel in their lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_timothy_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Timothy 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_constitutes_the_mystery_of_faith.htm">What constitutes the mystery of faith?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_do_deacons_do_in_church.htm">What are deacons' responsibilities in the church?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_a_christian_minister.htm">What defines a Christian minister?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'for_conscience_sake'_mean.htm">What does "For Conscience Sake" mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_timothy/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(9) <span class= "bld">Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.</span>--The thought again comes to the surface--mere orthodoxy without the Christ-life was an empty, useless characteristic feature in any one; but <span class= "ital">here</span> the man of God, writing to his dear son these solemn warnings respecting fit and proper persons to be chosen for their Master's work, has besides in these words another end in view. He had been dwelling with great earnestness on the <span class= "ital">outward</span> characteristics which a deacon of the Church should possess--the high and stainless name--the generous respect which his old way of living had won for him among unbelievers as well as with believers; but, in addition to these things, it was absolutely necessary for one occupying such a post to know something of the deeper spiritual life--<span class= "ital">he must hold the mystery of the faith.</span> Now what does St. Paul mean by the mystery? He speaks of it as "a treasure" which must be held in the casket of a pure conscience. This mystery was what was sometimes hidden, but which was now revealed by the advent of St. Paul's Master, and comprehended the truths of the redemption, the atonement, and mighty cleansing powers of the precious blood of Christ. These--the master truths of Christianity--must the appointed teacher firmly grasp; and the true deacon, whose office it was rather <span class= "ital">to administer</span> than <span class= "ital">to preach</span> to the people, must also be especially careful to show that he lived the life he professed to teach; or, in St. Paul's own simile, must preserve the casket in which the precious mystery was shrined, holy and undefiled before men--<span class= "ital">he must hold the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.</span><p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_timothy/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 9.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.</span> <span class="greek">Μυστήριον</span>, a mystery, is that which, having been long hidden, is at length disclosed, either to men generally or to elect disciples. It is derived from <span class="greek">μυέω</span>, to initiate, of which the passive <span class="greek">μυέομαι</span>, to be instructed or initiated, is found in <a href="/philippians/4-12.htm">Philippians 4:12</a>, and is common in classical Greek, being itself derived from <span class="greek">μύω</span>, "to close the lips as in pronouncing the syllable <span class="greek">μῦ</span>," whence also <span class="accented">taurus</span>. The idea is of something <span class="accented">secret</span>, which might not be spoken cf. In the New Testament we have "the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven" (<a href="/matthew/13-11.htm">Matthew 13:11</a>; <a href="/luke/8-10.htm">Luke 8:10</a>; <a href="/mark/4-11.htm">Mark 4:11</a>); and St. Paul brings out the full force of the word when he speaks (<a href="/romans/16-25.htm">Romans 16:25</a>) of "the mystery which was <span class="accented">kept secret</span> (<span class="greek">σεσιγημένου</span>) since the world began... but is now made known to all nations for the obedience of faith" (see too <a href="/ephesians/3-3.htm">Ephesians 3:3-6</a>; <a href="/colossians/2.htm">Colossians 2</a>:26, etc.). "The faith" is equivalent to "the gospel," or "the kingdom of heaven," or the "godliness" of ver. 16 (where see note); and "the mystery of the faith" might be paraphrased by "the revealed truth of Christianity". What is added, "in a pure conscience," teaches us that orthodoxy without personal holiness is little worth. Holding "the truth in unrighteousness" is severely condemned by St. Paul (<a href="/romans/1-18.htm">Romans 1:18</a>). He says of himself (<a href="/acts/23-1.htm">Acts 23:1</a>), "I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day" (comp. <a href="/acts/24-16.htm">Acts 24:16</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/1-12.htm">2 Corinthians 1:12</a>; <a href="/1_timothy/1-5.htm">1 Timothy 1:5, 19</a>, etc.). It is much to be observed how St. Paul, the great teacher of the doctrine of g-race, lays constant stress upon the functions of the conscience, and the necessity of having a pure conscience. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_timothy/3-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">They must hold</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔχοντας</span> <span class="translit">(echontas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> </span><span class="str2">To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the</span><br /><span class="grk">τὸ</span> <span class="translit">(to)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">mystery</span><br /><span class="grk">μυστήριον</span> <span class="translit">(mystērion)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3466.htm">Strong's 3466: </a> </span><span class="str2">From a derivative of muo; a secret or 'mystery'.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the</span><br /><span class="grk">τῆς</span> <span class="translit">(tēs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Genitive Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">faith</span><br /><span class="grk">πίστεως</span> <span class="translit">(pisteōs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4102.htm">Strong's 4102: </a> </span><span class="str2">Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">with</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a clear</span><br /><span class="grk">καθαρᾷ</span> <span class="translit">(kathara)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2513.htm">Strong's 2513: </a> </span><span class="str2">Clean.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">conscience.</span><br /><span class="grk">συνειδήσει</span> <span class="translit">(syneidēsei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4893.htm">Strong's 4893: </a> </span><span class="str2">The conscience, a persisting notion. From a prolonged form of suneido; co-perception, i.e. Moral consciousness.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_timothy/3-9.htm">1 Timothy 3:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_timothy/3-9.htm">1 Timothy 3:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_timothy/3-9.htm">1 Timothy 3:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_timothy/3-9.htm">1 Timothy 3:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_timothy/3-9.htm">1 Timothy 3:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_timothy/3-9.htm">1 Timothy 3:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_timothy/3-9.htm">1 Timothy 3:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_timothy/3-9.htm">1 Timothy 3:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_timothy/3-9.htm">1 Timothy 3:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_timothy/3-9.htm">1 Timothy 3:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_timothy/3-9.htm">NT Letters: 1 Timothy 3:9 Holding the mystery of the faith (1 Tim. 1Ti iTi 1tim i Tm) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_timothy/3-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Timothy 3:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Timothy 3:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_timothy/3-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Timothy 3:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Timothy 3:10" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>