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

ACTS 16:2KJV
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Acts 16:2 (KJV)

What does Acts 16:2 mean?

Acts 16:2 says that Timothy was highly respected by the believers in both Lystra and Iconium. This verse highlights Timothy’s good reputation among the local Christian communities, which is important for understanding why Paul wanted him as a companion.

Paul is traveling through the region and meets Timothy, a young disciple. The verse points out that Timothy’s character and faith were well known not just in his hometown of Lystra but also in the nearby city of Iconium. This wide approval from fellow believers sets the stage for Timothy joining Paul’s missionary work.

The Greek behind Acts 16:2

  • μαρτυρέω (martureō, “reported”): This word means to bear witness or give testimony. Here, it shows that the believers actively spoke well of Timothy, not just that he was quietly respected.
  • ἀδελφοί (adelphoi, “brethren”): This term refers to fellow Christians, emphasizing that Timothy’s reputation was strong within the faith community, not just among outsiders.
  • ἐν (en, “at”): This preposition means “in” or “among,” clarifying that Timothy’s good reputation was recognized within both Lystra and Iconium, not just by people from one place.

Why Acts 16:2 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Timothy’s reputation was established across multiple cities, not just his own, showing he was trusted and respected by a broader group of believers.
  • The verse helps explain why Paul chose Timothy as a companion—his character and faith had already been tested and affirmed by others.
  • It connects to the larger story by showing how early Christian leaders were chosen based on their standing within the community, not just personal charisma or ability.

Where else these words appear

“Lystra” Greek G3082 · used in 6 verses

  • Acts 14:6 They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:
  • Acts 14:8 And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:
  • Acts 16:1 Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:

“Iconium” Greek G2430 · used in 6 verses

  • Acts 13:51 But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.
  • Acts 14:1 And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.
  • 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,

“reported” Greek G3140 · used in 75 verses

  • Matthew 23:31 Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.
  • John 8:18 I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.
  • Galatians 4:15 Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.