2 Timothy 3:11

Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of [them] all the Lord delivered me.

Persecutions {G1375}, afflictions {G3804}, which {G3634} came {G1096} unto me {G3427} at {G1722} Antioch {G490}, at {G1722} Iconium {G2430}, at {G1722} Lystra {G3082}; what {G3634} persecutions {G1375} I endured {G5297}: but {G2532} out of {G1537} them all {G3956} the Lord {G2962} delivered {G4506} me {G3165}.

as well as the persecutions and sufferings that came my way in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra. What persecutions I endured! Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.

my persecutions, and the sufferings that came upon me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. What persecutions I endured! Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.

persecutions, sufferings; what things befell me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: and out of them all the Lord delivered me.

Commentary

In 2 Timothy 3:11, the Apostle Paul recounts his personal experiences of intense suffering and God's consistent faithfulness to his spiritual son, Timothy. This verse serves as a powerful testament to divine protection amidst severe trials, offering encouragement and a model of perseverance for all believers.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's final letter to Timothy, his beloved protรฉgรฉ, written during a time of great personal hardship for Paul and increasing challenges for the early church. Immediately preceding this verse, Paul warns Timothy about the "perilous times" (2 Timothy 3:1) that will come in the last days, characterized by widespread ungodliness. He then contrasts these negative traits with his own life and teachings, presenting himself as an example for Timothy to follow. Verse 10 highlights that Timothy has "fully known" Paul's doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, and then in verse 11, his "persecutions, afflictions."

Historical and Cultural Background

Paul specifically names three cities where he faced severe persecution during his first missionary journey: Antioch (specifically Pisidian Antioch), Iconium, and Lystra. These events are vividly detailed in the book of Acts:

  • Antioch (of Pisidia): Here, Paul and Barnabas faced opposition from the Jews who "stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts" (Acts 13:50).
  • Iconium: In Iconium, there was "an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them" (Acts 14:5), prompting Paul and Barnabas to flee.
  • Lystra: This was perhaps the most severe incident mentioned. Paul was actually "stoned, and drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead" (Acts 14:19). Miraculously, he recovered and continued his journey.

These were not minor inconveniences but life-threatening assaults, illustrating the intense hostility faced by early Christian missionaries. Paul's recollection underscores the reality of suffering for the Gospel.

Key Themes

  • Endurance in Persecution: Paul's life exemplifies unwavering commitment to Christ despite immense suffering. His willingness to endure "persecutions" (Greek: diลgmos, meaning 'a chase, pursuit, persecution') and "afflictions" (Greek: pathฤ“ma, referring to 'suffering, calamity') serves as a powerful model for Timothy and for all believers.
  • Divine Deliverance: The central message of hope in this verse is "but out of them all the Lord delivered me." This highlights God's sovereignty and faithfulness. Paul's deliverance was not necessarily an absence of suffering, but God's presence and preservation through it, often providing strength, escape, or ultimate rescue. This theme echoes the broader biblical truth that God is faithful and will provide a way out of temptation and trials.
  • A Pattern for Ministry: Paul uses his own experiences to prepare Timothy for the challenges he will inevitably face in ministry. By recounting his trials and God's deliverance, Paul instills courage and confidence in Timothy, reminding him that God will also sustain him. This is a vital aspect of mentorship in the Christian faith.

Practical Application

For contemporary believers, 2 Timothy 3:11 offers profound encouragement:

  • Expect Trials: Paul's life demonstrates that suffering is often an inevitable part of faithfully following Christ, especially in a hostile world.
  • Trust in God's Deliverance: Even when circumstances are dire, believers can find solace in the knowledge that God is sovereign and capable of delivering them. This deliverance may not always be removal from the trial, but strength to endure, peace in the midst of it, or ultimate vindication.
  • Persevere with Hope: Paul's testimony encourages perseverance. His focus is not on the pain he endured, but on the Lord's faithfulness. This perspective allows us to view our own struggles through the lens of God's greater plan, knowing that all things work together for good to them that love God.

This verse reassures us that no matter the intensity of our trials, God is always present and will ultimately deliver us, whether in this life or through our eternal hope in Christ.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 34:19

    Many [are] the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.

  • Acts 14:5

    And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use [them] despitefully, and to stone them,

  • 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:

  • 2 Corinthians 11:23

    Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I [am] more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:28

    Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.

  • Acts 13:45

    But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.

  • Acts 13:50

    But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.
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