1 Timothy 3:7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.

◄ 1 Timothy 3:7 ►

Parallel Verses

New International Version
He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.

English Standard Version
Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.

New American Standard Bible
And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

King James Bible
Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Furthermore, he must have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he does not fall into disgrace and the Devil's trap.

International Standard Version
He must be well thought of by outsiders, so he doesn't fall into disgrace and the trap set for him by the devil.

American Standard Version
Moreover he must have good testimony from them that are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

Douay-Rheims Bible
Moreover he must have a good testimony of them who are without: lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

Darby Bible Translation
But it is necessary that he should have also a good testimony from those without, that he may fall not into reproach and the snare of the devil.

Young's Literal Translation
and it behoveth him also to have a good testimony from those without, that he may not fall into reproach and a snare of the devil.

Cross References

Mark 4:11
And he said to them, To you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but to them that are without, all these things are done in parables:

2 Corinthians 8:21
Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

1 Timothy 3:6
Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

1 Timothy 6:9
But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

2 Timothy 2:26
And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

3 John 1:12
Demetrius has good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yes, and we also bear record; and you know that our record is true.

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Commentaries

Matthew Henry's Commentary

3:1-7 If a man desired the pastoral office, and from love to Christ, and the souls of men, was ready to deny himself, and undergo hardships by devoting himself to that service, he sought to be employed in a good work, and his desire should be approved, provided he was qualified for the office. A minister must give as little occasion for blame as can be, lest he bring reproach upon his office. He must be sober, temperate, moderate in all his actions, and in the use of all creature-comforts. Sobriety and watchfulness are put together in Scripture, they assist one the other. The families of ministers ought to be examples of good to all other families. We should take heed of pride; it is a sin that turned angels into devils. He must be of good repute among his neighbours, and under no reproach from his former life. To encourage all faithful ministers, we have Christ's gracious word of promise, Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world, Mt 28:20. And he will fit his ministers for their work, and carry them through difficulties with comfort, and reward their faithfulness.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown

7. a good report—Greek, "testimony." So Paul was influenced by the good report given of Timothy to choose him as his companion (Ac 16:2).

of them which are without—from the as yet unconverted Gentiles around (1Co 5:12; Col 4:5; 1Th 4:12), that they may be the more readily won to the Gospel (1Pe 2:12), and that the name of Christ may be glorified. Not even the former life of a bishop should be open to reproach [Bengel].

reproach and the snare of the devil—reproach of men (1Ti 5:14) proving the occasion of his falling into the snare of the devil (1Ti 6:9; Mt 22:15; 2Ti 2:26). The reproach continually surrounding him for former sins might lead him into the snare of becoming as bad as his reputation. Despair of recovering reputation might, in a weak moment, lead some into recklessness of living (Jer 18:12). The reason why only moral qualities of a general kind are specified is, he presupposes in candidates for a bishopric the special gifts of the Spirit (1Ti 4:14) and true faith, which he desires to be evidenced outwardly; also he requires qualifications in a bishop not so indispensable in others.