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

A good report - Greek, testimony. So Paul was influenced by the good report of Timothy to choose him as his companion ().

Of them which are without - the as-yet-unconverted Gentiles around (; ; ), that they may be the more readily won to the Gospel (). Not even the former life of a bishop should be open to reproach.

Reproach (of men) and (consequently) the snare of the devil (; ; ). The reproach surrounding him for former sins might lead him into the snare of becoming as bad as his reputation. Despair of recovering reputation might lead into recklessness (). Only general moral qualities are specified, because he presupposes in candidates for a bishopric the special gifts of the Spirit () and faith, which he desires to be evidenced outwardly: also he requires qualifications in a bishop not so indispensable in others.

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