Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
A good report - Greek, testimony. So Paul was influenced by the good report of Timothy to choose him as his companion (Acts 16:2).
Of them which are without - the as-yet-unconverted Gentiles around (1 Corinthians 5:12; Colossians 4:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:12), that they may be the more readily won to the Gospel (1 Peter 2:12). Not even the former life of a bishop should be open to reproach.
Reproach (of men) and (consequently) the snare of the devil (1 Timothy 5:14; 1 Timothy 6:9; 2 Timothy 2:26). The reproach surrounding him for former sins might lead him into the snare of becoming as bad as his reputation. Despair of recovering reputation might lead into recklessness (Jeremiah 18:12). Only general moral qualities are specified, because he presupposes in candidates for a bishopric the special gifts of the Spirit (1 Timothy 4:14) and faith, which he desires to be evidenced outwardly: also he requires qualifications in a bishop not so indispensable in others.