1 Timothy 3:7

Translations

Modern

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

Traditional

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

Literal

And it is necessary for him also to have a good testimony from those outside, so that he might not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

Latin

Oportet autem illum et testimonium habere bonum ab iis qui foris sunt, ut non in opprobrium incidat, et in laqueum diaboli.

Original

Greek

English

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

Notes

1 Timothy 3:7

Paul wanted Christians to live in a way that others outside the church could respect (see also 6:1; Titus 2:5–10).
snare of the devil: might relate to the false teachers (see 1 Timothy 1:20; 5:14–15; 6:9; 2 Timothy 2:26).

1 Timothy 3:1–13

The topic shifts to church leadership by overseers and deacons (3:1–7; 8–13). Timothy’s role in the appointments is less plain than that of Titus (see 5:17–22; Titus 1:5). This may be because the church in Ephesus was more mature and better able to manage the process (see Acts 6:2–6).

The criteria listed here focus on character rather than function. It partly responds to the local false teachers and their followers. Reading this letter in the churches would make the criteria public and show that the false teachers were not qualified for leadership.

1 Timothy 2:1–3:13

Paul addresses how false teachers influenced behavior in God's household, the church (3:15). Corruption had influenced worship, roles related to gender, and leadership within this community (2:1–15; 3:1–13).

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Church Leaders The Church as a Living, Active Body

Related verses

2 Corinthians 8:21
For we are taking great care to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord, but also in the eyes of men.
Colossians 4:5
Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time.
2 Timothy 2:26
Then they will come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, who has taken them captive to his will.
Titus 2:8
…and wholesome speech that is above reproach, so that anyone who opposes us will be ashamed, having nothing bad to say about us.
1 Timothy 6:9
Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.
2 Corinthians 6:3
We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no one can discredit our ministry.
Acts 6:3
Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them
1 Thessalonians 4:12
Then you will behave properly toward outsiders, without being dependent on anyone.
1 Corinthians 10:32
Do not become a stumbling block, whether to Jews or Greeks or the church of God—
1 Thessalonians 5:22
Abstain from every form of evil.
Titus 2:5
…to be self-controlled, pure, managers of their households, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be discredited.
1 Samuel 2:24
No, my sons; it is not a good report I hear circulating among the LORD’s people.

Parallels

Titus 1:5–9 1 Peter 5:1–4

People

Satan: The adversary, the devil, the tempter of humanity

Glossary

Bishop Ordain, Ordination Timothy, First Letter to Titus, Letter to Wine

Topics

Bishop: (An Overseer, a Supervisor) Christian Minister: Character and Attributes of Christian Minister: Charge Delivered To Church: Government of, Mosaic and Christian Commandments: Precepts of Paul--Explicitly Stated or Implied in Didactic Epistles Satan: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Spiritual Bondage is to the Devil The Devil: The Wicked: Ensnared By

1 Timothy 3:7

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