Acts 16:2 kjv
Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.
Acts 16:2 nkjv
He was well spoken of by the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconium.
Acts 16:2 niv
The believers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him.
Acts 16:2 esv
He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium.
Acts 16:2 nlt
Timothy was well thought of by the believers in Lystra and Iconium,
Acts 16 2 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Acts 6:3 | "Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute..." | Requirement for deacons/leaders |
| Acts 10:22 | "Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation..." | Good repute transcends communities |
| Acts 14:1 | "Now at Iconium they entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke..." | Paul's prior ministry in Iconium |
| Acts 14:6-7 | "...fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia..." | Paul's prior ministry in Lystra |
| Acts 14:19 | "But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul..." | Paul's suffering in Lystra, where Timothy grew up |
| 1 Tim 3:7 | "Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders..." | Importance of external reputation for leaders |
| 1 Tim 5:10 | "...well attested for her good works..." | Reputable character affirmed by good deeds |
| Heb 11:2 | "For by it the people of old received their commendation." | Faith leads to good testimony |
| 3 Jn 1:12 | "Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself." | Comprehensive and true commendation |
| Phil 2:19-22 | "I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon... I have no one like him... You know Timothy’s proven character..." | Paul's later commendation of Timothy |
| 2 Tim 3:10-11 | "You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct... my persecutions, my sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra..." | Timothy's personal witness of Paul's trials |
| Matt 5:16 | "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." | Good works bring praise |
| Tit 1:6-7 | "...if anyone is blameless, the husband of one wife... For an overseer must be blameless..." | Essential for church leaders |
| Col 4:10 | "Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him)..." | Letters of commendation/introduction |
| 2 Cor 3:1 | "Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, as some do, letters of commendation to you or from you?" | Commendation needed for ministers |
| Rom 16:1-2 | "I commend to you our sister Phoebe... for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well." | Paul's own act of commending believers |
| Prov 22:1 | "A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, favor is better than silver or gold." | Value of a good reputation |
| Eph 4:1-3 | "Walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called..." | Living out one's calling with integrity |
| 1 Thess 1:7-8 | "so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia..." | Believers' testimony extends |
| Heb 13:7 | "Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith." | Leadership judged by character and life |
Acts 16 verses
Acts 16 2 Meaning
This verse introduces Timothy as an individual with a highly respected and established reputation among the Christian communities in Lystra and Iconium. His consistent and commendable character was widely affirmed by the believers, making him a credible and trustworthy figure. This strong testimonial was crucial for Paul's decision to include Timothy in his second missionary journey.
Acts 16 2 Context
Acts chapter 16 begins with Paul and Silas revisiting the churches established during Paul's first missionary journey. This was part of their mission to strengthen and encourage the nascent Christian communities, often focusing on areas like southern Galatia. Acts 16:1 identifies Timothy as living in Lystra, with a Jewish mother and a Greek father, a significant detail that will become relevant in the subsequent verses. Immediately after mentioning Timothy's background, verse 2 attests to his character. The "good report" from believers in both Lystra and the neighboring city of Iconium serves as Paul's endorsement of Timothy's character and maturity, paving the way for Paul to take Timothy along as a vital companion in his apostolic work, a relationship that would become deeply significant for the future of the early church. Historically, these cities were crucial stops on the Roman road network in the province of Galatia, locations where Paul had endured significant persecution yet where communities of believers flourished.
Acts 16 2 Word analysis
- Of him (οὗτος, houtos / Τοῦτον, Touton): This demonstrative pronoun specifically points back to Timothy, introduced in the preceding verse. It highlights Timothy as the subject of this strong affirmation, drawing direct attention to his person and reputation.
- the brothers (οἱ ἀδελφοὶ, hoi adelphoi): Lit. "the brothers." In early Christian usage, this term denotes fellow believers, emphasizing their shared spiritual family and unity in Christ. Their collective testimony holds significant weight, as they were the immediate community observing Timothy's life and faith. It implies a widespread and consensual affirmation from those who knew him best.
- at Lystra and Iconium (Λύστρα καὶ Ἰκόνιον, Lystra kai Ikonion): These are two distinct cities in the Roman province of Galatia (modern Turkey). Paul had previously established churches here during his first missionary journey (Acts 14). The fact that Timothy had a good reputation in both cities speaks to the breadth and consistency of his character, demonstrating he was respected by multiple groups of believers across different communities. This cross-communal commendation adds considerable gravity to the report.
- spoke well of him (ἐμαρτυρεῖτο καλῶς, emartyreito kalōs):
- ἐμαρτυρεῖτο (emartyreito): This is the imperfect passive indicative of `μαρτυρέω (martyreō)`, meaning "to bear witness," "to give testimony," "to be testified about." The passive voice (`he was testified about`) indicates that Timothy was the recipient of a public, ongoing, and attested declaration. The imperfect tense suggests a continuing or established testimony, not just a one-time event, indicating a consistent reputation. This implies that the commendation was not merely casual conversation but a strong, deliberate witness to his character.
- καλῶς (kalōs): Adverb meaning "well," "rightly," "favorably," "excellently," "properly." It denotes quality and moral uprightness. When combined with "testified," it means Timothy received a credible, positive, and deserved witness regarding his excellent character and conduct. This suggests integrity, faithfulness, and a godly life observable by the community.
- "The brothers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him": This phrase underlines the democratic and communal nature of character assessment in the early church. It wasn't merely Paul's personal impression but a confirmation from established local congregations who had personally observed Timothy's life and dedication. This collective witness was foundational for Timothy's selection for wider ministry, establishing a pattern for ministerial endorsement rooted in community validation and evident piety. It indicates a reputation earned through consistent, godly living amongst the believing community, not an abstract ideal.
Acts 16 2 Bonus section
Timothy's mixed heritage (Jewish mother, Greek father) often made him a potential bridge-builder in a community that comprised both Jewish and Gentile converts. The fact that he was "well spoken of" in both Lystra and Iconium suggests his ability to relate effectively and earn the respect of believers from diverse backgrounds. This commendation thus implied his suitability not only as a man of character but also as one equipped for the cross-cultural demands of Paul's missionary work, mirroring Paul's own strategy of being "all things to all people" (1 Cor 9:22). His reputation was a testament to the Holy Spirit's work in his life, molding him into a person who exemplified Christ's character regardless of his heritage or surroundings.
Acts 16 2 Commentary
Acts 16:2 concisely establishes Timothy's crucial qualification for ministry: his well-attested, genuine reputation within the Christian communities of Lystra and Iconium. This was not a perfunctory recommendation but a consistent, collective testimony from seasoned believers who had witnessed Paul's persecutions and endured trials themselves. It underscores the biblical principle that spiritual leadership is not based solely on gifting or personal aspiration but significantly on verifiable character, as observed and affirmed by the believing community. This public endorsement made Timothy a credible and respected figure, making his integration into Paul's mission both strategic and spiritually sound, exemplifying how local church recognition plays a vital role in identifying and preparing leaders for broader service. His reputation acted as a divine stamp of approval from the local church to the larger apostolic mission.