{Was well reported of} (emartureito). 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.