1 Timothy 3:9
Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
Original Language Analysis
ἔχοντας
Holding
G2192
ἔχοντας
Holding
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
1 of 8
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μυστήριον
the mystery
G3466
μυστήριον
the mystery
Strong's:
G3466
Word #:
3 of 8
a secret or "mystery" (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
In the Greco-Roman world, 'mysteries' were secret religious rites restricted to initiates (Eleusinian mysteries, Mithraic mysteries). Paul uses the term but redefines it—the Christian 'mystery' is now revealed to all through the gospel. It's not esoteric knowledge for elites but saving truth offered freely. Deacons must understand and embody this revealed mystery, living with clear conscience.
Questions for Reflection
- What is 'the mystery of the faith'—what truth was hidden but is now revealed?
- How does 'pure conscience' relate to holding doctrinal truth—why link belief and behavior?
- Why do practical servants (deacons) need sound theology as much as teachers do?
Analysis & Commentary
Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience (ἔχοντας τὸ μυστήριον τῆς πίστεως ἐν καθαρᾷ συνειδήσει, echontas to mystērion tēs pisteōs en kathara syneidēsei)—'holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.' Mystērion means mystery—not something incomprehensible, but truth previously hidden now revealed in Christ (Ephesians 3:3-6). Katharos means clean, pure. Syneidēsis means conscience, moral awareness.
Deacons must hold gospel truth ('the mystery of the faith'—God's redemptive plan in Christ) with clear conscience. This means both sound doctrine and moral integrity—believing the truth and living consistently with it. No hypocrisy, no contradiction between confession and conduct. The gospel must be held both intellectually (right belief) and morally (right behavior).
The 'mystery' is the gospel itself—Christ in us, Jew and Gentile united in one body, salvation by grace through faith. Deacons must grasp this truth firmly and live it out purely. Those who serve practically must be as sound in theology and ethics as those who teach.