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S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
The dictionary defines reproach as "shame or disgrace or that which brings rebuke or censure upon a person." The Bible speaks of being "above reproach" or "blameless" as one of the distinctive mark...
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Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
The word "blameless" in 1 Timothy 3:2a means “nothing to take hold upon”; that is, there must be nothing in his life that Satan or the unsaved (see 1 Tim. 3:7) can take hold of to criticize or attack the church. No man living is sinless, but we must strive to be blameless, or “above reproach”(NIV). irreproachable The Greek word used here, anepilēmptos, means to be above criticism. Paul requires that leaders maintain a positive reputation inside and outside the community of believers. If not, their actions may become the subject of criticism and discredit the gospel message (compare 1 Tim 3:2-7). Paul also used this word concerning the conduct of widows (1 Ti 5:7) and Timothy (1 Ti 6:14). (1 Ti 3:2). blameless —“unexceptionable”; giving no just handle for blame. (JFB) Another commentary says, "blameless" in the R.V. means "without reproach"; and is used twice again, 1 Timothy 5:7 and 1 Timothy 6:14, nowhere else in N. T.; ‘giving no handle’ is exact, though rather colloquial, implying in Greek and in R.V. the absence of definite acts or habits to give occasion for reproach. Barnes about "blameless" in 1 Tim. 3:2 says, "Must be blameless - This is a different word (ἀνεπίλημπτον anepilēmpton) from that rendered "blameless" in Luke 1:6; Philippians 2:15; Philippians 3:6 (ἄμεμπτος amemptos); compare, however, Luke 1:6 note; Philippians 3:6 note. The word here used does not mean that, as a necessary qualification for office, a bishop should be "perfect;" as Michael said above, but that he should be a man against whom no charge of immorality, or of holding false doctrine, is alleged. His conduct should be irreprehensible or irreproachable. Undoubtedly it means that if "any" charge could be brought against him implying moral obliquity, he is not fit for the office. He should be a man of irreproachable character for truth, honesty, chastity, and general uprightness." Pooling in another view, said, "must be blameless, such a person as none can truly blame for any notorious or conspicuous errors in his life."
James Kraft
Supporter
If we think we are perfect we are about to fall. Pride goeth before a fall. None of us are beyond reproach. Chastening by the Lord. The Lord chastens every son. If we are not chastened by the lord we are none of His. It caused King David to commit adultery and premeditated murder. But then He wrote Romans 4:6-8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord imputeth righteousness apart from works. Blessed is the man whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. Jesus paid our sin debt in full on the cross. John 3:18 Romans 6:23 For the penalty of sin is death, and we all sin, First John 1:8, and we all die, but the GIFT of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. The GIFT of God is eternal life because no one can earn it. Romans 3:26-28 Romans 11:6. Romans 4:5.
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