“Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.”
Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace and into a snare of the devil — the episkopos's reputation (marturia) among non-Christians (exōthen) protects both the gospel's credibility and the leader from satanic entrapment. External testimony validates internal character.
Church Fathers on 1 Timothy 3:7
This is rightly said, as he was certain to be reproached by them, and for the same reason perhaps he said, “the husband of one wife,” though elsewhere he says, “I would that all men were even as I myself!” 1 Corinthians 7:7, that is, practicing continency. That he may not therefore confine them within too narrow a limit, by requiring an over-strict conversation, he is satisfied to prescribe moderate virtue. For it was necessary to appoint one to preside in every city, as he…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS
Publish a reflection on this verse
No reflections on this verse yet. Be the first to write one!