1 Timothy 3:10

10 They should be tested first, and then, if they pass the test, they are to serve.

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 Church helpers must also have a good character and be sincere; they must not drink too much wine or be greedy for money;

9 they should hold to the revealed truth of the faith with a clear conscience.

10 They should be tested first, and then, if they pass the test, they are to serve.

11 Their wives also must be of good character and must not gossip; they must be sober and honest in everything.

12 A church helper must have only one wife, and be able to manage his children and family well.