1 Timothy 3:10

10 And let them first be tested; then, if they prove themselves blameless, let them serve as deacons.

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 serious, not double-tongued, not indulging in much wine, not greedy for money;

9 they must hold fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.

10 And let them first be tested; then, if they prove themselves blameless, let them serve as deacons.

11 Women likewise must be serious, not slanderers, but temperate, faithful in all things.

12 Let deacons be married only once, and let them manage their children and their households well;