not a new convert, lest being puffed up he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 6. Not a neophyte. Not one newly as it were planted, or newly instructed in the faith. Witham.—That is, one lately baptized, a young convert. Challoner.—He fall into the judgment and condemnation of the devil, by returning to his evil habits he has so lately quitted. Witham.—Devil; that is into the same punishment to which the devil is condemned; (Theodoret) or into the power of the devil, who will accuse him at the judgment. Calmet.—Or again, seeing himself so soon after his conversion raised to the first dignities of the Church, might imitate in his pride the devil, who could not bear the weight of glory in which God had created him. V.