The pastor must not be liable to criticism as he would be if he failed in any of the qualifications. He is to be above criticism. He is to have sound general moral qualifications in relation to his own life. In addition, there are also qualifications for his special office. He must have a good relation to other members of the community. He must qualify in relation to the finance of the community, in relation to his own family, in relation to his standing in the community, in relation to the world outside.
The word used for reproach is used in:
1Tim 3:2, “An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach”
1Tim 5:7, “Prescribe these things as well, so that they may be above reproach.”
1Tim 6:14, “that you keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,”
