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•“not a recent convert”—even if he
has all the above qualities, this overrules them (Hendriksen).
Literally, he must not be a neophyte, or “newly planted.”
He may be overcome by arrogance.
•“good reputation with outsiders”—literally,
“to have a good witness.” What is the word
on the street about him? Unbelievers have a say in church
leadership. Do we actually investigate for this criteria?