1 Timothy 3:10

10 But be they proved first, and minister they so, having no crime. [And forsooth be they proved first, that they minister so, having no crime, or great sin.]

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 Also it behooveth deacons to be chaste, not double-tongued, not given much to wine [not given to much wine], not following foul winning;

9 that have the mystery of faith in clean conscience. [having the mystery of faith in clean conscience.]

10 But be they proved first, and minister they so, having no crime. [And forsooth be they proved first, that they minister so, having no crime, or great sin.]

11 Also it behooveth women to be chaste, not backbiting, sober, faithful in all things.

12 Deacons be [they] husbands of one wife; which govern well their sons and their houses.