Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Timothy 3:10

"And let these also first be proved; then let them serve as deacons, if they be blameless." — 1 Timothy 3:10 (ASV)

Deacons “must first be tested” (GK 1507). This verb has three stages: (1) to test, (2) to prove by testing; and (3) to approve as the result of testing. Perhaps all three are in mind here. Before being accepted to serve as deacons, prospective deacons had to prove themselves beyond reproach before the community.