Act 10:22, 1Ti 3:7 | JFB | STEP | 22. they said, Cornelius . . . a just man, &c.—fine testimony this from his own servants. of good report among all the nation of the Jews —specified, no doubt, to conciliate the favorable regard of the Jewish apostle. to hear words of thee

Acts 10:22

22. they said, Cornelius . . . a just man, &c.—fine testimony this from his own servants.

of good report among all the nation of the Jews—specified, no doubt, to conciliate the favorable regard of the Jewish apostle.

to hear words of thee—(See on Ac 11:14).

1 Timothy 3:7

7. a good report—Greek, "testimony." So Paul was influenced by the good report given of Timothy to choose him as his companion (Ac 16:2).

of them which are without—from the as yet unconverted Gentiles around (1Co 5:12; Col 4:5; 1Th 4:12), that they may be the more readily won to the Gospel (1Pe 2:12), and that the name of Christ may be glorified. Not even the former life of a bishop should be open to reproach [BENGEL].

reproach and the snare of the devil—reproach of men (1Ti 5:14) proving the occasion of his falling into the snare of the devil (1Ti 6:9; Mt 22:15; 2Ti 2:26). The reproach continually surrounding him for former sins might lead him into the snare of becoming as bad as his reputation. Despair of recovering reputation might, in a weak moment, lead some into recklessness of living (Jer 18:12). The reason why only moral qualities of a general kind are specified is, he presupposes in candidates for a bishopric the special gifts of the Spirit (1Ti 4:14) and true faith, which he desires to be evidenced outwardly; also he requires qualifications in a bishop not so indispensable in others.