Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Timothy 3:7

"Moreover he must have good testimony from them that are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil." — 1 Timothy 3:7 (ASV)

Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without. This refers to those who are outside the church; that is, those who are not Christians. This group includes, of course, all classes of non-Christians—heathens, infidels, Jews, moral men, and scoffers. The idea is that he must have a fair reputation among them for integrity of character.

In their view, his life must be upright and not addicted to anything they regard as inconsistent with good morals. His conduct must be such that they will regard it as not inconsistent with his profession. He must be true, just, and honest in his dealings with his fellow men, and live in such a way that they cannot say he has wronged them.

He must not give occasion for scandal or reproach in his interactions with the other sex, but must be regarded as a man of a pure life and a holy walk. The reason for this directive is quite clear. It is his duty to endeavor to do good to such people and to persuade them to become Christians.

But no minister of the gospel can possibly do such people good unless they regard him as an upright and honest man. No matter how he preaches or prays, no matter how orthodox, learned, or apparently devout he may be, all his efforts will be in vain unless they regard him as a man of incorruptible integrity.

If they hate religion themselves, they justly insist that since he has professed it, he should be governed by its principles. Or, if they feel its importance, they will not be influenced to embrace it by a man they regard as hypocritical and impure. Go to a man whom you have defrauded, or who believes you have wronged or attempted to wrong anyone else, and talk to him about the necessity of religion. He will instinctively say that he does not want a religion that will not make its adherent true, honest, and pure.

Therefore, it is impossible for a minister to overestimate the importance of having a fair character in the eyes of the world. No man should be introduced into the ministry, or supported in it, who does not have a fair reputation (Colossians 4:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:12).

Lest he fall into reproach—that is, in such a way as to bring dishonor on the ministerial character. His life will then give people occasion to reproach the cause of religion.

And the snare of the devil. This refers to the trap the devil sets to ensnare and ruin ministers of the gospel and all good people. The specific snare referenced here is that of blasting the character and influence of the minister of the gospel. The idea is that Satan lays this trap to entangle him and achieve this objective. The means Satan uses are the watchfulness and suspicion of those outside the church. If there is anything of this kind in a minister's life that they can exploit, they will be ready to do so. Therefore, it is necessary for him to live an upright and blameless life. Satan is constantly aiming for this; the world is watching for it. If the minister has any inclination that is not entirely consistent with honesty, Satan will take advantage of it and lead him into the trap.