ACC ~ 1 Timothy 3 v7a

“OUTSIDERS” MEANS CONGREGATIONAL SUPPORT. ORIGEN: Therefore let us see by what order the high priest is appointed. It says, “Moses called together the congregation and said to them, ‘This is the Word that the Lord commanded.’”Although the Lord had given them commands about appointing the high priest and had made his choice, the congregation was still called together. For in ordaining a priest, the presence of the people is also required that all may know and be certain that from all the people one is chosen for the priesthood who is more excellent, who is more wise, who is more holy, who is more eminent in every virtue, lest afterwards, when he stands before the people, any hesitation or any doubt should remain. This is also what the apostle taught when he spoke about the ordination of a priest: “It is necessary to have a good witness from those who are outside.” HOMILIES ON LEVITICUS 6.3.1.

TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT WITH OTHER CRITERIA. CHRYSOSTOM: For when St. Paul said, “Moreover he must have good testimony from them that are without,” he does not do away with careful and exact scrutiny, nor does he set up this testimony as a chief sign of assurance about such men. But having listed many requirements already, he added this one afterwards, to show that we must not be content with it alone for this kind of election but only take it into account along with other considerations. For it often happens that popular report is false. ON THE PRIESTHOOD 2.4.

THE RELATIVE VALUE OF POPULAR REPORT. AUGUSTINE: This is not the praise given a man by a few wise and just people but popular report. Indeed, popular report bestows greatness and renown on a man, which is not desirable for its own sake but is essential to the success of good men in their endeavors to benefit their fellow men. So the apostle says that it is proper to have a good report of those that are without. For though they are not infallible, the luster of their praise and the odor of their good opinion are a great help to the efforts of those who seek to benefit them. This popular renown is not obtained by those who are highest in the church, unless they expose themselves to the toils and hazards of an active life. REPLY TO FAUSTUS THE MANICHAEAN 22.56.

LEAVE NO OPPORTUNITY FOR SCANDAL. LEO THE GREAT: The wishes of the congregation and the testimony of the populace should certainly be waited for. The opinions of the nobles and the choice of the clerics should be asked for. These are the procedures ordinarily observed in the consecrating of bishops by those who know the decrees of the Fathers. That would be to preserve in every way the requirement made by apostolic authority which demands that a bishop who is to be in charge of a church must be supported not only by the testimony of his congregation but by a good reputation among outsiders as well. No opportunity for such a scandal should be left. One who is going to be the teacher of peace is himself consecrated in peace and in harmony pleasing to God, through the common efforts of all. LETTERS 10.4.

1 Tim