ἐπῄνεσεν [1 verse] (verb 3rd sg aor ind act) "Commended" is epaneo, which means to "approve", "applaud", "commend", "praise", "recommend", and "advise". -- "Commended" is a unique word, approved only here. It means to "approve", "applaud", "commend", "praise", "recommend", and "advise".  This word would be a surprise to listeners, who might not even know who the "he" was who "applauded" or "approved".