1 Timothy 3:10 Tested first

1 Timothy 3:10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

As far as being clear is concerned 1 Timothy 3:10 is pretty straightforward. Paul is talking about deacons, those who serve the church in a practical way, and he is describing what sort of men are needed. He then says that first they need to be tested or proved and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. The difficulty is not with understanding the idea but with how it is to be carried out. For example, are they to be appointed as deacons and then asked to step down if they prove to be not up to it? Or should there be a distinct category of probationary or junior deacons? Or is the testing best done without any official mention of it? Possibly, Paul simply means that it should first be weighed up whether they are indeed worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. Perhaps, the idea of giving them jobs to do before making them deacons is the most likely answer. Men are to be involved in practical matters on a more ad hoc basis and if they prove able then they should at some later point be made deacons. The idea sometimes mooted of making a man a deacon with the hope of it improving him is not a biblical idea at all. That is to put the cart before the horse.