Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
a good report—Greek, "testimony." So Paul was influenced by the good report given of Timothy to choose him as his companion (Acts 16:2).
of them which are without—from the as yet unconverted Gentiles around (I Corinthians 5:12; Colossians 4:5; I Thessalonians 4:12), that they may be the more readily won to the Gospel (I Peter 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 (I Timothy 5:14) proving the occasion of his falling into the snare of the devil (I Timothy 6:9; Matthew 22:15; II Timothy 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 (Jeremiah 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 (I Timothy 4:14) and true faith, which he desires to be evidenced outwardly; also he requires qualifications in a bishop not so indispensable in others.
Other Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown entries containing 1 Timothy 3:7:
Acts 6:3
Acts 20:28
1 Timothy 3:6
1 Timothy 5:10
1 Timothy 5:14
1 Timothy 6:9
2 Timothy 2:26
DISCLAIMER: Church of the Great God (CGG) provides these resources to aid the individual in studying the Bible. However, it is up to the individual to "prove all things, and hold fast to that which is good" (I Thessalonians 5:21). The content of these resources does not necessarily reflect the views of CGG. They are provided for information purposes only.
