3:10a

Additionally, they must first be tested: Paul told Timothy that someone who might become a deacon should be tested to discover if he had the right qualities. Only if he had these qualities should he be appointed as a deacon.

Paul did not say who should test a deacon. So it is recommended that you do not explain that either. Perhaps you could say:

Let them prove themselves.

But, if in your language you need to specify who tested the deacons, it is recommended that you use a general term. For example, you could say:

The believers must test them

Paul also did not explain the way that deacons should be tested. There are many possibilities, but it is recommended that you avoid specifying any method of testing in your translation.

first: In this context, this means before starting to serve as a deacon.

3:10b

if they are above reproach: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as above reproach means that the men being tested cannot be truthfully be accused of doing wrong. It has a similar meaning to the word that the Berean Standard Bible also translates as “above reproach” in 3:2a.

3:10c

let them serve as deacons: That is, once these men have passed the test, they can be appointed as deacons.

deacons: See the note on 3:8a.

© 2003 by SIL International®

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All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.