Bible Strands
Acts 16:2
The brothers in Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The narrator states that believers in Lystra and Iconium testified positively about Timothy immediately after Paul arrives in Lystra to recruit him for travel. This occurs at the precise moment Paul assesses Timothy’s readiness to join his missionary team.
The words — The text employs ἐμαρτυρεῖτο (emartureito), literally “was well spoken of” or “bore witness.” This passive verb shows the local brothers actively confirmed Timothy’s credibility to Paul.
The thread — The requirement of communal verification for service appears in Acts 6:3 and corresponds to Paul’s later directives in 1 Timothy 5:10 and 2 Timothy 3:15. These passages consistently tie recognized character and scriptural knowledge to legitimate ministry placement.
Why it lands — The verse establishes that public leadership requires prior community endorsement rather than personal ambition. It demands that readers submit their calling to the verified testimony of those who know their conduct.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.
Cross-references
- 1 Timothy 5:10 and well known for good deeds such as bringing up children, entertaining strangers, washing the feet of the saints, imparting relief to the afflicted, and devoting herself to every good work.
- 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.
- 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
- Acts 13:51 So they shook the dust off their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium.
- Acts 14:21 They preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch,
- Acts 16:40 After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house to see the brothers and encourage them. Then they left the city.
- 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.
- 2 Timothy 3:11 my persecutions, and the sufferings that came upon me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. What persecutions I endured! Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.
- Hebrews 11:2 This is why the ancients were commended.
- 1 Timothy 5:25 In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even the ones that are inconspicuous cannot remain hidden.