Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
Not a novice - one just converted. This proves the church of Ephesus was established for some time. The absence of this rule in the letter to Titus accords with the recent planting of the church at Crete. Neophite-literally, a young plant: luxuriantly verdant (Romans 6:5; Romans 11:17; 1 Corinthians 3:6). The young convert has not yet been matured by afflictions and temptations. Contrast Acts 21:16, "an old disciple."
Lifted up with pride, х tufootheis (G5187), 'beclouded'] - wrapped in smoke; inflated with self-conceit, he cannot see himself or others in the true light (1 Timothy 6:4; 2 Timothy 3:4).
Condemnation of the devil - the same condemnation as Satan fell into (1 Timothy 3:7; 2 Timothy 2:26). Pride was Satan's condemnation (Job 38:15; Isaiah 14:12-15; John 12:31; John 16:11; 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 1:6). It cannot mean condemnation by the Devil. The Devil can bring men into reproach (1 Timothy 3:7). but not into condemnation, for he does not judge, but is judged (Bengel).