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
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