He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium.
Paul was a spiritual father, and as such a one we have him here adopting Timothy, and taking care of the education of many others who had been begotten to Christ by his ministry: and in all he appears to have been a wise and tender father. Here is, I. His taking Timothy into his acquaintance and under his tuition.
Commenting on Acts 16:1-5
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...
Verse 2. Which. That is, Timothy. The connexion 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. ; comp. . 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, .