1 Timothy 3:7
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The sixteenth requisite is, that he should have a good report of them which are without - That he should be one who had not been previously a profligate, or scandalous in his life. Such a person, when converted, may be a worthy private member of religious society; but I believe God rarely calls such to the work of the ministry, and never to the episcopate. Them that are without are the Jews, Gentiles, and the unconverted of all kinds. For the meaning of this term see the note on Col 4:5. Lest he fall into reproach - For his former scandalous life. And the snare of the devil - Snares and temptations, such as he fell in and fell by before. This is called the snare of the devil; for, as he well knows the constitution of such persons, and what is most likely to prevail, he infers that what was effectual before to their transgressing may be so still; therefore on all suitable occasions he tempts them to their old sins. Backsliders in general fall by those sins to which they were addicted previously to their conversion. Former inveterate habits will revive in him who does not continue to deny himself, and watch unto prayer. The snare of the devil. - Some would translate παγιδα του διαβολου, the snare of the accuser; and they give the same meaning to the word in Ti1 3:6, because it is evident that διαβολους has that meaning, Ti1 3:11, and our translators render it slanderers. Now, though διαβολος signifies an accuser, yet I do not see that it can, with any propriety, be restrained to this meaning in the texts in question, and especially as the word is emphatically applied to Satan himself; for he who, in Rev 12:10, is called the accuser of the brethren, is, in Rev 12:9, called the great dragon, the old serpent, the Devil, διαβολος, and Satan.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
a good report--Greek, "testimony." So Paul was influenced by the good report given of Timothy to choose him as his companion (Act 16:2). of them which are without--from the as yet unconverted Gentiles around (Co1 5:12; Col 4:5; Th1 4:12), that they may be the more readily won to the Gospel (Pe1 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 (Ti1 5:14) proving the occasion of his falling into the snare of the devil (Ti1 6:9; Mat 22:15; Ti2 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 (Jer 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 (Ti1 4:14) and true faith, which he desires to be evidenced outwardly; also he requires qualifications in a bishop not so indispensable in others.
John Gill Bible Commentary
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. And this part of their character is necessary to invite persons to hear them, and to recommend their ministry to them, as well as for the reasons that follow: lest he fall into reproach; into the reproach of men; not only of the world, but of professors of religion; who may be apt to upbraid him with his past sins; especially such that may fall under his censures, admonitions, and reproofs, which hereby will become in a great measure useless and ineffectual: and the snare of the devil; lest Satan should take encouragement from hence to tempt him to other and greater sins; or lest finding himself slighted and despised by the people of God, because of his former sins, he should break out into anger and revenge against them; or into despondency and despair in himself; or should be negligent of his duty, and timorous of exhorting and reproving others, lest they should retort upon him, and reproach him with his former crimes. The Jews have a regard to the wisdom, prudence, gravity, and manners, of a man they appoint as a minister of a congregation. Their rule is this (z): "they do not appoint a messenger or minister of a congregation, but he who is the greatest in the congregation for wisdom and works; and if he is an elderly man, it is the better; and they take care that the messenger or minister of the congregation be a man whose voice is pleasant, and he is used to read: but he whose beard is not full grown, though he is a very considerable man, he may not be a minister of the congregation, because of the honour of the congregation.'' (z) Maimon. Hilchot Tephilla, c. 8. sect. 11.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:7 Paul expected Christians to live in a way that could be respected by people outside the church (see also 6:1; Titus 2:5-10). • The trap might pertain to the false teachers (see 1 Tim 1:20; 5:14-15; 6:9; 2 Tim 2:26).
1 Timothy 3:7
Qualifications for Overseers
6He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same condemnation as the devil.7Furthermore, he must have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the snare of the devil.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Beware of a Satanic Set-Up
By David Wilkerson6.2K59:49SatanDEU 17:17PSA 141:9ROM 13:121TI 3:71PE 5:8In this sermon, the preacher begins by emphasizing the urgency of the times, stating that the night is far spent and the day is at hand. He urges the listeners to cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. The preacher warns against engaging in sinful behaviors such as rioting, drunkenness, chambering, wantonness, strife, and envy. He encourages the audience to resist the devil and remain steadfast in their faith. The sermon also includes a personal anecdote about the preacher's wife and a mention of a fallen evangelist who is in need of prayer and support.
(Basics) 24. More Reasons for Failure
By Zac Poonen4.2K13:131TI 3:7HEB 4:15In this sermon, the speaker discusses the reasons why many people fall into sin. The first reason is that they don't run away from temptation and instead expose themselves to it. The second reason is that they don't cry out for help when faced with temptation. The third reason is that they don't arm themselves with a mindset to suffer in the flesh like Jesus did, as suffering in the flesh helps us to overcome sin. The speaker emphasizes the importance of pressing on in our Christian lives and not becoming complacent with our progress. He encourages fleeing from temptation and pursuing righteousness and godliness. The sermon references verses such as 1 Peter 4:1-2, Philippians 3:13-14, and various exhortations to flee from sin in the Bible.
Filling That Which Is Filled
By Leonard Ravenhill3.1K58:41MAT 6:33JHN 4:24ACT 1:8ACT 6:31TI 3:7HEB 4:12In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the importance of genuine prayer and the moral poverty he sees in pulpit prayers in America. He emphasizes that success in preaching should not be measured by the size of the crowd, but by the spiritual transformation and revival that takes place. The speaker also highlights the need for ministers to focus on raising people from spiritual deadness rather than just meeting their emotional needs. He shares a story of a minister who sacrificed financial security and comfort to spread the gospel, illustrating the dedication and selflessness required in serving God.
(Om Orientation) Real Christian Morals - Part 1
By George Verwer2.9K32:00MoralsGEN 49:4GEN 49:92CO 2:11EPH 5:25EPH 5:321TI 3:7HEB 6:8In this sermon, the preacher discusses the topic of sexual immorality and its consequences. He starts by referencing the story of Reuben in Genesis 35, who committed immorality and faced judgment later on. The preacher emphasizes that those who lack control in this area of their lives are as unstable as water and will not know success. He mentions that surveys have shown a high percentage of university girls believing it is reasonable to have sex before marriage. The preacher argues that it is important to have answers and reasons for not believing in this way of living, based on what Jesus taught and what the Bible says. He warns about the effects of such sin and the lifetime of tears and heartache it can bring. The preacher also mentions the importance of not allowing such sins to be named among believers, as stated in 2 Timothy 2. He highlights the moral deluge our culture is facing and the severity of the situation. However, he also offers a message of hope, stating that the power of the Holy Spirit can give strength even to the weakest individuals. The sermon includes references to other stories in the Old Testament, such as the sin of David in 2 Samuel 11, to emphasize the importance of avoiding sexual immorality.
Studies in 1 Timothy-05 1 Timothy-5
By William MacDonald1.2K38:37DEU 25:4LUK 10:71TI 5:23The sermon transcript discusses various instructions given by Paul to Timothy on how to behave towards different classes in the Christian family. It begins by addressing the old and young, male and female, emphasizing the importance of showing honor and respect. The transcript then moves on to discussing the care and support of widows, highlighting the responsibility of the church in providing for them. It also touches on the role of elders in the church, emphasizing the need for financial care, caution in appointing men, and the importance of having multiple witnesses in cases of accusation. Overall, the transcript emphasizes the practical advice given by Paul to Timothy for the care of believers in the Christian assembly.
Pleasing God - Pt. 3
By Kay Smith8311:02:41Pleasing GodROM 6:12ROM 13:141CO 6:20GAL 5:161TH 4:11TI 3:72TI 2:19In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of realizing Christ's soon return and how it should impact our lives. The speaker urges the audience to consider how this realization is affecting their priorities, schedules, prayer life, and witness. The sermon then focuses on 1 Thessalonians 4:1-3, which instructs believers to live in a way that pleases God and to avoid sexual immorality. The speaker encourages the audience to adjust their lives to align with God's will and emphasizes that living a life pleasing to God is the most important thing in this world.
Snared in an Evil Time
By David Wilkerson5971:09:24EvilECC 9:12MAT 6:33LUK 21:341TI 3:7In this sermon, the preacher warns about the snare of Satan and how many people, including Christians, are falling into it. He emphasizes the urgency of being prepared for the evil times that are upon us, as prophesied in the Bible. The preacher highlights the importance of forsaking the world and its temptations, and instead focusing on God and His Word. He also provides six signs of a Christian who is caught in a satanic snare, urging the listeners to examine their hearts and make sure they are not falling into these traps.
The Gospel and Its Ministry
By Robert Anderson0PSA 91:3LUK 21:34ROM 11:91TI 3:71TI 6:9Greek Word Studies delves into the concept of 'snare' (pagis), describing it as a trap that can unexpectedly endanger or bring one under the control of a hostile force. The snare of sin can entangle both believers and unbelievers, leading them to be deceived about their grave condition. Both groups are in need of repentance to escape the intoxicating power of sin and Satan. The devil's method is to numb the conscience, confuse the senses, and paralyze the will, making individuals unable to free themselves from his snare.
Why Do So Many Fail & Give Up?
By Peter Hammond0HOS 6:4MAT 10:21MAT 19:22MAT 24:10MAT 26:56MRK 14:10LUK 9:57LUK 10:2JHN 6:661TI 1:31TI 3:71TI 6:32TI 1:152TI 3:52TI 3:82TI 4:102TI 4:14HEB 10:38REV 2:4Peter Hammond preaches on the challenges and sacrifices required to follow Jesus, emphasizing the need for self-denial, perseverance, and total surrender to God. He highlights the examples of those who forsook Christ, deserted Paul, and the warnings against disloyalty and betrayal in the Bible. The sermon stresses the importance of deep roots in God's Word, character building through affliction, and the dedication required for Christian service despite hardships and opposition.
1 Peter 2:12
By John Gill0Witnessing to Non-BelieversChristian ConductMAT 5:16ROM 12:172CO 8:21PHP 2:15COL 4:51TH 4:121TI 3:7TIT 2:7HEB 13:181PE 2:12John Gill emphasizes the importance of living an honest and upright life among non-believers, as instructed in 1 Peter 2:12. He explains that Christians, particularly Jewish converts, must conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the Gospel, especially when surrounded by those who may accuse them of wrongdoing. By demonstrating good works, believers can counteract false accusations and ultimately glorify God, whether in times of judgment or mercy. Gill highlights that the integrity of a Christian's life can lead others to recognize God's goodness and grace.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The sixteenth requisite is, that he should have a good report of them which are without - That he should be one who had not been previously a profligate, or scandalous in his life. Such a person, when converted, may be a worthy private member of religious society; but I believe God rarely calls such to the work of the ministry, and never to the episcopate. Them that are without are the Jews, Gentiles, and the unconverted of all kinds. For the meaning of this term see the note on Col 4:5. Lest he fall into reproach - For his former scandalous life. And the snare of the devil - Snares and temptations, such as he fell in and fell by before. This is called the snare of the devil; for, as he well knows the constitution of such persons, and what is most likely to prevail, he infers that what was effectual before to their transgressing may be so still; therefore on all suitable occasions he tempts them to their old sins. Backsliders in general fall by those sins to which they were addicted previously to their conversion. Former inveterate habits will revive in him who does not continue to deny himself, and watch unto prayer. The snare of the devil. - Some would translate παγιδα του διαβολου, the snare of the accuser; and they give the same meaning to the word in Ti1 3:6, because it is evident that διαβολους has that meaning, Ti1 3:11, and our translators render it slanderers. Now, though διαβολος signifies an accuser, yet I do not see that it can, with any propriety, be restrained to this meaning in the texts in question, and especially as the word is emphatically applied to Satan himself; for he who, in Rev 12:10, is called the accuser of the brethren, is, in Rev 12:9, called the great dragon, the old serpent, the Devil, διαβολος, and Satan.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
a good report--Greek, "testimony." So Paul was influenced by the good report given of Timothy to choose him as his companion (Act 16:2). of them which are without--from the as yet unconverted Gentiles around (Co1 5:12; Col 4:5; Th1 4:12), that they may be the more readily won to the Gospel (Pe1 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 (Ti1 5:14) proving the occasion of his falling into the snare of the devil (Ti1 6:9; Mat 22:15; Ti2 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 (Jer 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 (Ti1 4:14) and true faith, which he desires to be evidenced outwardly; also he requires qualifications in a bishop not so indispensable in others.
John Gill Bible Commentary
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. And this part of their character is necessary to invite persons to hear them, and to recommend their ministry to them, as well as for the reasons that follow: lest he fall into reproach; into the reproach of men; not only of the world, but of professors of religion; who may be apt to upbraid him with his past sins; especially such that may fall under his censures, admonitions, and reproofs, which hereby will become in a great measure useless and ineffectual: and the snare of the devil; lest Satan should take encouragement from hence to tempt him to other and greater sins; or lest finding himself slighted and despised by the people of God, because of his former sins, he should break out into anger and revenge against them; or into despondency and despair in himself; or should be negligent of his duty, and timorous of exhorting and reproving others, lest they should retort upon him, and reproach him with his former crimes. The Jews have a regard to the wisdom, prudence, gravity, and manners, of a man they appoint as a minister of a congregation. Their rule is this (z): "they do not appoint a messenger or minister of a congregation, but he who is the greatest in the congregation for wisdom and works; and if he is an elderly man, it is the better; and they take care that the messenger or minister of the congregation be a man whose voice is pleasant, and he is used to read: but he whose beard is not full grown, though he is a very considerable man, he may not be a minister of the congregation, because of the honour of the congregation.'' (z) Maimon. Hilchot Tephilla, c. 8. sect. 11.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:7 Paul expected Christians to live in a way that could be respected by people outside the church (see also 6:1; Titus 2:5-10). • The trap might pertain to the false teachers (see 1 Tim 1:20; 5:14-15; 6:9; 2 Tim 2:26).