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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
John Chrysostom
"Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil." This is rightly said, as he was certain to be reproached by them, and for the same reason perhaps he said, "the husband of one wife," though elsewhere he says, "I would that all men were even as I myself!" that is, practicing continency. That he may not therefore confine them within too narrow a limit, by requiring an over-strict conversation, he is satisfied to prescribe moderate virtue. …
Theophylact of Ohrid
That is, from the pagans, so that they too would not reproach him for anything, but on the contrary, would respect him. But what if he appears good to them, yet in reality is not so? This will present a great difficulty. For enemies reproach righteous people. However, the apostle sets forth not this alone, but together with the other virtues, saying: "he must also have a good testimony." But what if they speak ill of him without cause, in order to slander him? This cannot be, because even they respect a man of blameless life. …
Oecumenius
Moreover, he must have a good testimony from those outside, so that he may not fall into reproach and the snare of the Devil. from those outside. Outside, says the Greeks. Observe the precision. What then if he is bad, but has a good testimony? This is impossible. For it is beloved for the most upright to be testified to by enemies. But this, along with other things, requires good qualities; for he also shows a bond. But what if, being good, he is despised concerning his life? …
Western Saints
Augustine of Hippo
The fruit represents a good character; not the praise given a man by a few just and wise people, but popular report, which bestows greatness and renown on a man, and 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. …
Leo the Great
At least the wishes of the citizens should have been waited for, and the testimony of the people: the opinion of those held in honour should have been asked, and the choice of the clergy—things which those who know the rules of the fathers are wont to observe in the ordination of priests: that the rule of the Apostle's authority might in all things be kept, which enjoins that one who is to be the priest of a church should be fortified, not only by the attestation of the faithful but also by the testimony of "those who are without," …
Thomas Aquinas
Then when he says, moreover, he must have a good testimony, he shows how the bishop must behave in relation to the multitude of unbelievers: first, he must have a good reputation: walk with wisdom toward those who are without (Col 4:5); having your conversation good among the gentiles (1 Pet 2:12). And this is required of a prelate, because the character of the entire congregation is judged from the prelate. But this seems to be opposed to what is stated in 2 Corinthians: by evil report and good report (2 Cor 6:8). …
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