7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.
7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.
7 Outsiders must think well of him, or else the Devil will figure out a way to lure him into his trap.
7 Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
7 Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil's trap.
26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.
26 enabling them to escape the Devil's trap, where they are caught and held captive, forced to run his errands.
26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.
26 Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil's trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.
(Read 2 Timothy 2:22-26)
The more we follow that which is good, the faster and the further we shall flee from that which is evil. The keeping up the communion of saints, will take us from fellowship with unfruitful works of darkness. See how often the apostle cautions against disputes in religion; which surely shows that religion consists more in believing and practising what God requires, than in subtle disputes. Those are unapt to teach, who are apt to strive, and are fierce and froward. Teaching, not persecution, is the Scripture method of dealing with those in error. The same God who gives the discovery of the truth, by his grace brings us to acknowledge it, otherwise our hearts would continue to rebel against it. There is no "peradventure," in respect of God's pardoning those who do repent; but we cannot tell that he will give repentance to those who oppose his will. Sinners are taken in a snare, and in the worst snare, because it is the devil's; they are slaves to him. And if any long for deliverance, let them remember they never can escape, except by repentance, which is the gift of God; and we must ask it of him by earnest, persevering prayer.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Timothy 3:7
Commentary on 1 Timothy 3:1-7
(Read 1 Timothy 3:1-7)
If a man desired the pastoral office, and from love to Christ, and the souls of men, was ready to deny himself, and undergo hardships by devoting himself to that service, he sought to be employed in a good work, and his desire should be approved, provided he was qualified for the office. A minister must give as little occasion for blame as can be, lest he bring reproach upon his office. He must be sober, temperate, moderate in all his actions, and in the use of all creature-comforts. Sobriety and watchfulness are put together in Scripture, they assist one the other. The families of ministers ought to be examples of good to all other families. We should take heed of pride; it is a sin that turned angels into devils. He must be of good repute among his neighbours, and under no reproach from his former life. To encourage all faithful ministers, we have Christ's gracious word of promise, Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world, Matthew 28:20. And he will fit his ministers for their work, and carry them through difficulties with comfort, and reward their faithfulness.