1 Timothy 3:10

10 ¹These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach.

1 Timothy 3:10 Meaning and Commentary

1 Timothy 3:10

And let these also first be proved
Not that they should be tried in any part of the deacon's office, to see how capable they are of performing it; but their internal and external characters are to be looked into and examined, and if they appear, to be right, then they are to be approved of, chosen and called unto, and invested with the office:

then let them use the office of a deacon;
let them be employed and minister in the several parts and branches of that office:

being found blameless;
not without sin, but free from any gross and enormous one; not before God, but in the sight of men; (See Gill on 1 Timothy 3:2).

1 Timothy 3:10 In-Context

8 Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain,

9 but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.

10 These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach.

11 Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things.

12 Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households.

Cross References

• 1. 1 Timothy 5:22