1 Timothy 3:7 (BSB)

Furthermore, he must have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the snare of the devil.

From 1 Timothy 3. Also in the ESV.

Commentary on 1 Timothy 3:7

  • John Calvin (Reformed), Calvin's Commentaries on 1 Timothy 3:1-16: CHAPTER 3 1 Timothy 3:1-7 1. This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 1. Certus sermo, si quis episcopatum appetit, praeclarum opus desiderat. 2. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 2.
  • Matthew Henry (Presbyterian), Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on 1 Timothy 3:1-7: The two epistles to Timothy, and that to Titus, contain a scripture-plan of church-government, or a direction to ministers. Timothy, we suppose, was an evangelist who was left at Ephesus, to take care of those whom the Holy Ghost had made bishops there, that is, the presbyters, as appears by Act 20:28, where the care of the church was committed to the presbyters, and they were called bishops.
  • John Gill (Reformed Baptist), Exposition of the Old and New Testaments on 1 Timothy 3:7: Moreover, he must have a good report of them which are without, That is, "without the church", as the Arabic version reads; for wicked men, though they dislike the principles and profession of godly ministers, and despise their office, yet cannot but speak well of their becoming life and conversation.
  • Albert Barnes (Presbyterian), Barnes' New Testament Notes on 1 Timothy 3:7: Verse 7. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without. Who are without the church; that is, of those who are not Christians. This includes, of course, all classes of those who are not Christians--heathens, infidels, Jews, moral men, and scoffers. The idea is, that he must have a fair reputation with them for integrity of character.