Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 16:2

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

2. well reported of ] The same expression is used of Cornelius (Act 10:22) and by Paul of Ananias (Act 22:12).

by the brethren ] i.e. the members of the Christian churches. Five or six years had elapsed since the previous visit of St Paul, so that the congregations had become somewhat formed, and the characters of their more earnest members well known.

at Lystra and Iconium ] Thus we can see that there was an interchange of kindly offices between the newly-founded churches.

Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

Which – That is, Timothy. The connection requires us to understand this of him. Of the character of his father nothing is known.

Was well reported of – Was esteemed highly as a young man of piety and promise. Compare the notes on Act 6:3. Compare 1Ti 5:10. Timothy had been religiously educated. He was carefully trained in the knowledge of the holy Scriptures, and was therefore the better qualified for his work, 2Ti 3:15.

Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible

Verse 2. Which was well reported of] These words are spoken of Timothy, and not of his father. At this time Timothy must have been very young; for, several years after, when appointed to superintend the Church at Crete, he appears to have been then so young that there was a danger of its operating to the prejudice of his ministry: 1Ti 4:12, Let no man despise thy youth. He had a very early religious education from his godly mother Eunice, and his not less pious grandmother Lois; and, from his religious instructions, was well prepared for the work to which God now called him.

Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible

Though Timothy was well known unto Paul, yet he would not ordain him without the testimony of others concerning him, of his holy life, and knowledge in the Scripture, 2Ti 3:15, which he did excel in.

Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole

Which was well reported of,…. Not the father of Timothy, but Timothy himself; to whose piety, virtue, and good conversation witness was borne,

by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium; the members of the churches which were in these places, and which were not far from one another; and as it is necessary that ministers of the Gospel should have a good report of them that are without, so likewise of them that are within; and the testimony of the latter is preferable to that of the former.

Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible

Was well reported of (). Imperfect passive. It was a continuous witness that was borne the young disciple both in his home town of Lystra and in Derbe. Already he had so borne himself that his gifts and graces for the ministry were recognized. It is a wise precaution that the approval of the local church is necessary for the licensing and the ordaining of a preacher. If God has called a man for the work signs of it will be manifest to others.

Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament

1) “Which was well reported of,” (hos emartureito) “Who was of good reputation,” who had a good testimony that was well reported, by those who knew him best. For zeal, piety, and intelligence, he had good report or reputation, a good name that is to be desired, Pro 22:1; Ecc 7:1; 1Ti 3:7 – as were the brethren in Rome, Rom 1:8.

2) “By the brethren that were at Lystra and lconium.” (hupo ton en Lustrois kai Ikonio adelphon) “By the brethren located both in Lystra and lconium,” by church brethren who knew his testimony in both local areas, like Ananias had of brethren in Damascus, Act 22:12; 2Co 8:18; 2Co 8:23; as Demetrius had a good report among all brethren, 3Jn 1:12.

Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary

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

Ver. 2. Which was well reported of by the brethren ] This is part of the reward of virtue, and follows it, as the shadow doth the body. See Trapp on “ Ecc 7:1 “ See Trapp on “ 3Jn 1:12 “

Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)

2. ] Some of these testimonies were probably intimations of the Spirit respecting his fitness for the work ; for Paul speaks, 1Ti 1:18 , of (see ch. Act 13:1 ; Act 13:3 ). He was set apart for the work by the laying on of the hands of Paul and of the presbytery, 1Ti 4:14 ; 2Ti 1:6 , after he had made a good confession before many witnesses, 1Ti 6:12 .

Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament

Act 16:2 . , cf. Act 6:3 , Act 10:22 , Act 22:12 . The good report which may well have been formed to some extent by the aptitude and fitness which Timothy had shown in the Church during St. Paul’s absence may also have helped the Apostle in the selection of his future companion. The union of Lystra and Iconium is quite natural for common intercourse, Ramsay, St. Paul , p. 178. There is no reason to suppose with Rendall that Iconium would be the home of Eunice, as the synagogue and principal Jewish colony were there, see Edersheim, u. s.

Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson