not a new convert, lest being puffed up he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.
14.    "Not a new [recent, NIV] convert" (Gr. neophutos, 1 Timothy 3:6) also requires a judgment call. How new? There should be evidence that he can function as an elder (teaching, leading, defending the faith, etc.) without becoming conceited. Conceit is what put Satan where he is, so the church should guard new converts from it by keeping them back from premature appointment as elders. The elders Paul appointed soon after he planted churches probably had backgrounds in the Old Testament.