Acts 16:2
New International Version
The believers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him.

New Living Translation
Timothy was well thought of by the believers in Lystra and Iconium,

English Standard Version
He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium.

Berean Standard Bible
The brothers in Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him.

Berean Literal Bible
who was well spoken of by the brothers in Lystra and Iconium.

King James Bible
Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.

New King James Version
He was well spoken of by the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconium.

New American Standard Bible
and he was well spoken of by the brothers and sisters who were in Lystra and Iconium.

NASB 1995
and he was well spoken of by the brethren who were in Lystra and Iconium.

NASB 1977
and he was well spoken of by the brethren who were in Lystra and Iconium.

Legacy Standard Bible
and he was well spoken of by the brothers who were in Lystra and Iconium.

Amplified Bible
Timothy was well spoken of by the brothers and sisters who were in Lystra and Iconium.

Christian Standard Bible
The brothers and sisters at Lystra and Iconium spoke highly of him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The brothers at Lystra and Iconium spoke highly of him.

American Standard Version
The same was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.

Contemporary English Version
The Lord's followers in Lystra and Iconium said good things about Timothy,

English Revised Version
The same was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The believers in Lystra and Iconium spoke well of Timothy.

Good News Translation
All the believers in Lystra and Iconium spoke well of Timothy.

International Standard Version
Timothy was highly regarded by the brothers in Lystra and Iconium.

Majority Standard Bible
The brothers in Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him.

NET Bible
The brothers in Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him.

New Heart English Bible
The brothers who were at Lystra and Iconium gave a good testimony about him.

Webster's Bible Translation
Who was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.

Weymouth New Testament
Timothy was well spoken of by the brethren at Lystra and Iconium,

World English Bible
The brothers who were at Lystra and Iconium gave a good testimony about him.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
who was well testified to by the brothers in Lystra and Iconium;

Berean Literal Bible
who was well spoken of by the brothers in Lystra and Iconium.

Young's Literal Translation
who was well testified to by the brethren in Lystra and Iconium;

Smith's Literal Translation
Who was testified of by the brethren in Lystra and Iconium.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
To this man the brethren that were in Lystra and Iconium, gave a good testimony.

Catholic Public Domain Version
The brothers who were at Lystra and Iconium rendered good testimony to him.

New American Bible
The brothers in Lystra and Iconium spoke highly of him,

New Revised Standard Version
He was well spoken of by the believers in Lystra and Iconium.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And all the disciples of Lys’tra and I-co’nium gave good testimony concerning him.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And all the disciples who were from Lystra and from Iqonion were testifying about him.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
A good report was given of him by the brethren in Lystra and Iconium.

Godbey New Testament
who was of good report by the brethren in Lystra and Iconium.

Haweis New Testament
who was highly spoken of by the brethren at Lystra and Iconium.

Mace New Testament
as the brethren of Lystra and Iconium gave him a good character, Paul had a mind he should accompany him.

Weymouth New Testament
Timothy was well spoken of by the brethren at Lystra and Iconium,

Worrell New Testament
who was well reported of by the brethren in Lystra and Iconium;

Worsley New Testament
Who was well spoken of by the brethren at Lystra and Iconium:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Timothy Joins Paul and Silas
1Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where he found a disciple named Timothy, the son of a believing Jewish woman and a Greek father. 2The brothers in Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. 3Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, so he took him and circumcised him on account of the Jews in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.…

Cross References
Acts 6:3
Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them

1 Timothy 3:7
Furthermore, he must have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the snare of the devil.

1 Timothy 4:12
Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

1 Corinthians 4:17
That is why I have sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which is exactly what I teach everywhere in every church.

Philippians 2:22
But you know Timothy’s proven worth, that as a child with his father he has served with me to advance the gospel.

2 Timothy 1:5
I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am convinced is in you as well.

2 Timothy 3:15
From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

Romans 16:1-2
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea. / Welcome her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her with anything she may need from you. For she has been a great help to many people, including me.

1 Thessalonians 1:7-8
As a result, you have become an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. / For not only did the message of the Lord ring out from you to Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone out to every place, so that we have no need to say anything more.

1 Corinthians 16:10-11
If Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, just as I am. / No one, then, should treat him with contempt. Send him on his way in peace so that he can return to me, for I am expecting him along with the brothers.

2 Corinthians 8:18
Along with Titus we are sending the brother who is praised by all the churches for his work in the gospel.

Proverbs 22:1
A good name is more desirable than great riches; favor is better than silver and gold.

1 Samuel 2:26
And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with man.

1 Samuel 16:18
One of the servants answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the harp. He is a mighty man of valor, a warrior, eloquent and handsome, and the LORD is with him.”

Daniel 6:3
Soon, by his extraordinary spirit, Daniel distinguished himself among the administrators and satraps. So the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.


Treasury of Scripture

Which was well reported of by the brothers that were at Lystra and Iconium.

was.

Acts 6:3
Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

1 Timothy 3:7
Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

1 Timothy 5:10,25
Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work…

Iconium.

Acts 14:21
And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,

2 Timothy 3:11
Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.

Jump to Previous
Good High Iconium Ico'nium Lystra Opinion Reported Testified Testimony Timothy
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Good High Iconium Ico'nium Lystra Opinion Reported Testified Testimony Timothy
Acts 16
1. Paul and Silas are Joined by Timothy,
7. and being called by the Spirit from one country to another,
14. convert Lydia,
16. and cast out a spirit of divination;
19. for which cause they are whipped and imprisoned.
25. The prison doors are opened.
31. The jailor is converted,
35. and they are delivered.














The brothers in Lystra and Iconium
Lystra and Iconium were cities in the region of Galatia, which is in modern-day Turkey. Lystra was a Roman colony, and Iconium was a significant city in the region. Both cities were part of Paul's first missionary journey (Acts 14), where he faced both acceptance and persecution. The mention of "brothers" indicates the presence of established Christian communities in these cities, likely founded during Paul's earlier visit. This reflects the spread of the Gospel and the establishment of the early church in Asia Minor. The term "brothers" signifies the close-knit fellowship among believers, emphasizing the familial bond within the early Christian community.

spoke well of him
The "him" referred to here is Timothy, a young disciple who would become a close companion and co-worker of Paul. The commendation from the brothers in Lystra and Iconium highlights Timothy's good reputation and character, which were essential for ministry. This positive testimony aligns with the biblical principle found in 1 Timothy 3:7, where leaders are encouraged to have a good reputation with outsiders. Timothy's commendation also reflects the importance of character and witness in the early church, as seen in other scriptural examples like Daniel (Daniel 6:4) and Joseph (Genesis 39:4). The approval from multiple communities suggests Timothy's consistent faithfulness and integrity, making him a suitable candidate for the work of the Gospel.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Timothy
A young disciple who is well-regarded by the believers in Lystra and Iconium. He becomes a significant figure in the early church and a close companion of the Apostle Paul.

2. Lystra
A city in the region of Lycaonia, where Timothy is from. It is one of the places where Paul and Barnabas preached during their missionary journeys.

3. Iconium
Another city in the region of Lycaonia, close to Lystra. It is known for its early Christian community and is one of the places where Paul and Barnabas faced opposition.

4. The Brothers
Refers to the Christian believers in Lystra and Iconium who testify to Timothy's good character and faith.

5. Paul
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, Paul is the one who hears the good report about Timothy and decides to take him along on his missionary journeys.
Teaching Points
The Importance of a Good Reputation
A good reputation among believers is crucial for effective ministry. Timothy's commendation by the brothers in Lystra and Iconium set the stage for his future work with Paul.

The Role of Community Affirmation
The testimony of fellow believers can affirm and validate one's calling and gifts. It is important to live in such a way that others can speak well of us.

Intergenerational Faith
Timothy's faith was influenced by his mother and grandmother, showing the impact of family in spiritual development. We should strive to pass on our faith to the next generation.

Preparation for Ministry
Before Timothy joined Paul, he was already known for his faith and character. Preparation for ministry often begins long before formal roles are assumed.

The Influence of Godly Mentors
Paul’s decision to take Timothy under his wing highlights the importance of mentorship in spiritual growth and ministry effectiveness.Verse 2. - The same for which, A.V. This is an improvement, as making it plain that it was Timothy, not his father, who was well reported of. For the phrase, ὅς ἐμαρτυοεῖτο see Acts 6:3; Acts 10:22; Luke 4:22. At Lystra and Iconium; coupled together, as in 2 Timothy 3:11. It appears, too, from Acts 14:19, that there was close communication between Icouium and Lystra. The brethren at Iconium would, therefore, naturally know all about young Timothy (comp. 1 Timothy 3:7).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
The
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

brothers
ἀδελφῶν (adelphōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 80: A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

Lystra
Λύστροις (Lystrois)
Noun - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3082: Lystra, a place in Asia Minor.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

Iconium
Ἰκονίῳ (Ikoniō)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2430: Perhaps from eikon; image-like; Iconium, a place in Asia Minor.

spoke well of
ἐμαρτυρεῖτο (emartyreito)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3140: To witness, bear witness, give evidence, testify, give a good report. From martus; to be a witness, i.e. Testify.

[him].
ὃς (hos)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.


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