lifted up, at the very beginning of his most blessed (brilliant) state, like a novice ; comp. Job xxxviii. 15 [the high arm shall be broken], concerning the proud (vKipypdvuv, LXX.). " He seems to have been raised and exalted more than the other angels, to the government of many angels, though he was younger than many of them ; and this very circumstance be came the occasion of pride to him." — Artem. ad init. Joh. prsef., p. 23. The words of Paul do not bear out the whole of this statement. The condemnation here is taken passively ; and yet ovei8i(r/&b$, reproach, in the following verse, is active; for condemnation corresponds to the internal condition of the soul : reproach is opposed to "a good report from those that are without;" and the devil may bring a reproach upon men, he cannot bring them into condemnation ; for he does not judge, but is judged.
7. Ka/ papTvptav, also a good report) Not even former life should be open to any reproach. Mere report is not sufficient ; but there ought to be a good report along with the practice of the virtues, nay, a good testimony. Paul wishes that the character of Christians should be in high esteem; comp. ch. v. 14, note. — d-ro rvv e£u0ev9 from those that are without) that they may be more easily gained over, and the glory of God be promoted. — ovsifaffpbv, reproach) Comp. ch. v. 14. The devil may occasion the greatest trouble to the minister who is sub jected to bad reports, by himself (the devil), and by means of the calumnies of men. — xat vaytda, and a snare) Comp. Matt, xxii. 15.
8. A/axovouf, the deacons) Supply it behoves to be. — ^n fl/Xoyoug, not double-tongued) saying some things to some men, and other things to others. The deacons might take occasion to commit such sins, in performing the duties of their office. The deacons should not be double-tongued, nor the deaconesses calumniators, ver. 11 [slanderers] : it seems the deacons visited more houses than the deaconesses. — ^ o"vu, not to wine) The danger of drunkenness threatens those who in the way of duty visit many houses.
9. T% Ktffrws, of the faith) The deacons were often speaking of the Christian faith, as opportunity offered, in the discharge of their duty ; and even though they should not speak, still they were bound to attend to the duties of their office, and go