New Testament
Acts 16:2
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The brothers in Lystra and Iconium spoke highly of him.
Compare translations
Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.
What Acts 16:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we learn about a young man named Timothy, who was gaining a good reputation among the believers in Lystra and Iconium. The people there spoke highly of him, indicating that he was respected and admired for his character and faith. This positive feedback suggests that Timothy was not only knowledgeable about his beliefs but also lived them out in a way that inspired others. His reputation was built on his actions and the way he treated those around him. This verse highlights the importance of being a person of integrity and how our actions can influence others' perceptions of us. Timothy's example shows that a strong community can recognize and uplift individuals who embody the values they cherish. It serves as a reminder that our behavior can leave a lasting impression, encouraging us to strive for excellence in our personal and spiritual lives. Ultimately, Timothy's story encourages us to be mindful of how we are perceived by others and to cultivate a character that reflects our beliefs.
How to apply Acts 16:2 to your life
Consider how your actions reflect your values and beliefs. Strive to build a positive reputation in your community by being kind, honest, and supportive. Remember that your character can inspire others, just as Timothy's did. Make a conscious effort to live out your values daily, impacting those around you positively. Your example matters more than you think, so be intentional about it.
Curated for this public verse page. Acts Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Paul's story: Timothy Joins Paul (Acts 16:1–5)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Paul

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Acts 16:2
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Acts 16:2
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Acts
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 62
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Acts 16:2 mean?
Acts 16:2 refers to Timothy, a young man who was well-regarded by the believers in Lystra and Iconium. This verse highlights his good reputation, indicating that he was respected for his character and faith among the community.
What is the significance of Timothy's reputation in Acts 16:2?
Timothy's reputation in Acts 16:2 signifies the importance of integrity and character in a community. His positive standing among the believers shows how one's actions and faith can inspire and uplift others.
How does Acts 16:2 relate to community values?
Acts 16:2 illustrates how a person's character can reflect and reinforce community values. Timothy's good reputation among the believers shows that integrity and faith can positively influence those around us.
What can we learn from Acts 16:2?
From Acts 16:2, we learn the importance of building a positive reputation through our actions and character. It encourages us to live out our values in a way that inspires others, just as Timothy did.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.