6He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.
7He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap. 8In the same way, deacons The word deacons refers here to Christians designated to serve with the overseers/elders of the church in a variety of ways; similarly in verse 12; and in Romans 16:1 and Phil. 1:1. are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.