Lest he fall into reproach, &c.— Lest, the unbelieving Jews or Gentiles being able to blast his reputation, he fall into the reproach and snare of the accuser, for the bad life he led before his conversion. "For the Christian church will flourish or decay very much, according to the character or behaviour of its bishops or pastors." See 1 Thessalonians 4:12.
Related Commentaries of 1 Timothy 3:7
1 Timothy 3:7
7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.