They must hold
The phrase "they must hold" implies a firm grasp or adherence to something of great importance. In the Greek, the word used is "ἔχοντες" (echontes), which conveys the idea of possessing or retaining. This suggests a continuous and active engagement with the subject at hand. In the context of church leadership, it emphasizes the necessity for deacons to maintain a steadfast commitment to their beliefs, not merely as a passive possession but as an active, living faith that influences their daily lives and decisions.

the mystery
The term "mystery" in Greek is "μυστήριον" (mystērion), which refers to something that was once hidden but is now revealed. In the New Testament, this often pertains to the divine truths of the Gospel that were previously concealed but have been made known through Christ. The use of "mystery" here underscores the profound and divine nature of the Christian faith, which transcends human understanding and requires divine revelation. It calls for a deep reverence and awe for the truths of God that leaders are entrusted to uphold and communicate.

of the faith
"Of the faith" refers to the body of Christian doctrine and belief. The Greek word "πίστις" (pistis) encompasses not only belief but also trust and fidelity. This phrase indicates that the mystery being referred to is central to the Christian faith, encompassing the core tenets of belief in Jesus Christ, His death, resurrection, and the salvation He offers. It is a reminder that the faith is not merely a set of doctrines but a living, dynamic relationship with God that leaders must embody and exemplify.

with a clear conscience
The phrase "with a clear conscience" highlights the moral and ethical integrity required of church leaders. The Greek word for conscience is "συνείδησις" (syneidēsis), which refers to an inner awareness or moral compass that discerns right from wrong. A "clear" or "pure" conscience, "καθαρός" (katharos), suggests a state of being untainted by guilt or hypocrisy. This implies that leaders must not only understand and teach the mysteries of the faith but also live them out authentically, ensuring that their actions align with their beliefs. It is a call to integrity, where one's inner convictions are reflected in outward behavior, serving as a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel.

(9) Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.--The thought again comes to the surface--mere orthodoxy without the Christ-life was an empty, useless characteristic feature in any one; but here 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 outward 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--he must hold the mystery of the faith. 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 to administer than to preach 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--he must hold the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.

Verse 9. - Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. Μυστήριον, 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 μυέω, to initiate, of which the passive μυέομαι, to be instructed or initiated, is found in Philippians 4:12, and is common in classical Greek, being itself derived from μύω, "to close the lips as in pronouncing the syllable μῦ," whence also taurus. The idea is of something secret, which might not be spoken cf. In the New Testament we have "the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 13:11; Luke 8:10; Mark 4:11); and St. Paul brings out the full force of the word when he speaks (Romans 16:25) of "the mystery which was kept secret (σεσιγημένου) since the world began... but is now made known to all nations for the obedience of faith" (see too Ephesians 3:3-6; Colossians 2:26, 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 (Romans 1:18). He says of himself (Acts 23:1), "I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day" (comp. Acts 24:16; 2 Corinthians 1:12; 1 Timothy 1:5, 19, 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.

Parallel Commentaries ...


They must hold
ἔχοντας (echontas)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

to the
τὸ (to)
Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

mystery
μυστήριον (mystērion)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3466: From a derivative of muo; a secret or 'mystery'.

of the
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

faith
πίστεως (pisteōs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4102: Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness.

with
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

a clear
καθαρᾷ (kathara)
Adjective - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2513: Clean.

conscience.
συνειδήσει (syneidēsei)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4893: The conscience, a persisting notion. From a prolonged form of suneido; co-perception, i.e. Moral consciousness.


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NT Letters: 1 Timothy 3:9 Holding the mystery of the faith (1 Tim. 1Ti iTi 1tim i Tm)