2 Timothy 3:11

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
In 2 Timothy 3:11, the Apostle Paul offers a profound personal testimony to his spiritual son, Timothy, recounting the severe persecutions and afflictions he endured in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. This verse serves as a powerful declaration of God's unwavering faithfulness and sovereign deliverance amidst life-threatening trials, providing a foundational model of perseverance and divine protection for all who follow Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's final epistle to Timothy, a deeply personal and pastoral letter written from prison. Immediately preceding 2 Timothy 3:11, Paul issues a solemn warning about the "perilous times" that will characterize the last days, describing a pervasive moral decay and spiritual apostasy (see [2 Timothy 3:1-9](/2_timothy/3-1-9 "2 Timothy 3:1-9 - Perilous Times and False Teachers")). In stark contrast to these ungodly individuals, Paul presents his own life and ministry as an exemplary pattern for Timothy to follow. Verse 10 explicitly states that Timothy has "fully known" Paul's doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, and patience. Verse 11 then naturally extends this list, detailing the specific "persecutions, afflictions" Paul endured, thereby providing concrete evidence of his steadfastness and God's sustaining power in the face of intense opposition, preparing Timothy for similar challenges in his own ministry.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The cities mentioned—Antioch (Pisidian Antioch), Iconium, and Lystra—were significant stops on Paul's first missionary journey, as recorded in the book of Acts (see [Acts 13-14](/acts/13-14 "Acts 13-14 - Paul's First Missionary Journey")). In Pisidian Antioch, Paul and Barnabas faced intense opposition from Jewish leaders who incited prominent citizens and devout women, leading to their expulsion from the city (see [Acts 13:50](/acts/13-50 "Acts 13:50 - Expulsion from Antioch")). In Iconium, a combined effort by both Jews and Gentiles sought to stone them (see [Acts 14:5](/acts/14-5 "Acts 14:5 - Attempted Stoning in Iconium")). The most severe incident occurred in Lystra, where Paul was actually stoned by a mob and dragged out of the city, presumed dead, only to miraculously recover and continue his ministry (see [Acts 14:19-20](/acts/14-19-20 "Acts 14:19-20 - Paul Stoned in Lystra")). These were not minor inconveniences but life-threatening assaults, reflecting the profound hostility faced by early Christian missionaries from both religious and secular authorities who perceived their message as a threat to established social and religious orders. Paul's vivid recollection underscores the brutal reality of suffering for the Gospel in the Roman world.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Timothy and the broader Pauline corpus. First, it highlights the theme of **endurance in persecution**, demonstrating that suffering is an expected, though difficult, component of faithful Christian living and ministry, particularly for those who proclaim the Gospel (as seen throughout [Paul's ministry](/2_corinthians/11-23-27 "2 Corinthians 11:23-27 - Paul's Sufferings")). Second, it emphasizes **divine deliverance and faithfulness**, asserting that despite the severity of the trials, "the Lord delivered me." This deliverance is not necessarily an absence of suffering, but God's active presence, preservation, and ultimate rescue through it, showcasing His sovereignty over all circumstances (a theme echoed in [Psalm 34:19](/psalms/34-19 "Psalm 34:19 - Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all")). Finally, the verse reinforces the theme of **mentorship and apostolic example**, as Paul uses his own experiences to equip and encourage Timothy, preparing him for the inevitable challenges of pastoral ministry and reminding him that God will also sustain him (a principle central to Paul's charge in [2 Timothy 2:2](/2_timothy/2-2 "2 Timothy 2:2 - Entrusting the Gospel to Faithful Men")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Persecutions (Greek, _diōgmós'_):** From the root meaning "to chase" or "to pursue," this term refers to intense, often violent, and systematic harassment, oppression, or ill-treatment, specifically on account of one's beliefs or actions. In this context, it denotes the active and hostile pursuit by those seeking to harm or eliminate Paul due to his proclamation of the Christian message.
* **Afflictions (Greek, _páthēma'_):** This word signifies "something undergone," encompassing hardship, suffering, pain, or calamity. It speaks to the negative experiences, both physical and emotional, that Paul endured as a direct result of the persecutions. It points to the internal and external distress caused by the hostile environment.
* **Delivered (Greek, _rhýomai'_):** This verb, in its middle voice, conveys the idea of "to rush or draw (for oneself)," meaning to rescue, snatch away, or preserve from danger. It emphasizes God's active intervention and protective power, indicating that Paul's survival and continued ministry were not due to his own strength or cunning, but to the Lord's direct and decisive action to save him from mortal peril.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra":** Paul begins by listing the types of suffering he faced, using two strong, overlapping terms: "persecutions" (active pursuit and oppression) and "afflictions" (the resulting hardship and pain). He then immediately grounds these general terms in specific, verifiable historical events by naming three cities on his first missionary journey. This specificity serves to validate his claims and to remind Timothy of the concrete, life-threatening nature of the trials Paul endured, which Timothy himself would have been aware of, having joined Paul later on this journey (see [Acts 16:1-2](/acts/16-1-2 "Acts 16:1-2 - Timothy Joins Paul")).
* **"what persecutions I endured":** This phrase serves as a powerful rhetorical exclamation, emphasizing the sheer magnitude and intensity of the suffering. The word "what" (Greek, _hoîos'_) here conveys a sense of "what sort of" or "how great," highlighting the extreme nature of the trials. Paul is not merely listing events but underscoring the profound personal cost and resilience required to "endure" (Greek, _hypophérō'_, meaning to "bear from underneath" or "undergo hardship") such severe opposition.
* **"but out of them all the Lord delivered me":** This is the pivotal clause of the verse, introducing a dramatic contrast ("but") that shifts the focus from Paul's suffering to God's sovereign intervention. Despite the overwhelming nature of "all" these trials, Paul unequivocally attributes his survival and continued ministry to the direct action of "the Lord" (Greek, _kýrios'_, signifying supreme authority and mastership). The verb "delivered" (Greek, _rhýomai'_) powerfully conveys a rescue from danger, underscoring God's faithfulness to preserve His servant for His purposes. This declaration transforms the narrative from one of human suffering into a testament of divine power and faithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent **literary devices** in this concise verse. The use of **Anaphora** or **Repetition** is evident in the double mention of "persecutions," first as a general category and then as a rhetorical exclamation ("what persecutions I endured"), which serves to underscore the pervasive and intense nature of the trials. The verse itself functions as a powerful **Testimony** or **Autobiographical Narrative**, where Paul offers his own life as a living example and proof of God's faithfulness. The most striking device is the sharp **Contrast** introduced by the conjunction "but." This conjunction creates a dramatic pivot, shifting the reader's focus from the overwhelming reality of suffering to the ultimate triumph of divine intervention. This contrast highlights the power of God over human adversity. Furthermore, the phrase "what persecutions I endured" can be seen as a form of **Exclamation** or **Emphasis**, conveying the profound depth of his experience in a way that mere enumeration cannot capture, inviting Timothy (and the reader) to grasp the severity of the trials.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the biblical truth that faithful living and ministry often entail suffering, yet God's sovereign hand is always present to deliver His people. Paul's experience is a microcosm of the larger narrative of God's people throughout history, who have faced opposition for their faith but have consistently witnessed divine preservation. This deliverance is not always an immediate removal from the trial, but rather God's sustaining grace within it, His provision of strength to endure, or His ultimate rescue for His greater purposes. It underscores that God's faithfulness is not contingent on the absence of hardship, but is most gloriously displayed in the midst of it, transforming affliction into a platform for His power and glory. This truth encourages believers to persevere, knowing that their trials are not meaningless but are opportunities for God to demonstrate His unwavering commitment to them.

* [Psalm 34:19](/psalms/34-19 "Psalm 34:19 - Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all")
* [2 Corinthians 1:8-10](/2_corinthians/1-8-10 "2 Corinthians 1:8-10 - Paul's Affliction in Asia and God's Deliverance")
* [Romans 8:35-39](/romans/8-35-39 "Romans 8:35-39 - Nothing Can Separate Us from God's Love")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's testimony in 2 Timothy 3:11 serves as a timeless anchor for believers navigating a world often hostile to the Gospel. It reminds us that suffering for Christ is not an anomaly but a potential reality, uniting us with the experiences of apostles and prophets who have gone before us. This verse calls us to cultivate a robust faith that expects trials, yet simultaneously trusts in the unfailing power of God for deliverance. Our deliverance may manifest as supernatural rescue, as it did for Paul at Lystra, or it may be the inner strength to endure with joy, or the ultimate deliverance into eternal glory. The key is not the absence of struggle, but the presence of the Lord in every struggle. By reflecting on Paul's example, we are encouraged to fix our eyes not on the intensity of our "persecutions" and "afflictions," but on the steadfast character of "the Lord" who promises to be with us always, and to ultimately deliver us for His glory and our good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "persecutions" or "afflictions" have you experienced in your life, and how have you seen God's hand of "deliverance" in them?**
* **How does Paul's example of enduring suffering strengthen your resolve to live faithfully for Christ, even when it is difficult?**
* **In what ways might God's "deliverance" manifest in your life today, beyond simply removing the trial?**
* **How can you use your own testimony of God's faithfulness in trials to encourage others, much like Paul encouraged Timothy?**

### FAQ
**Why does Paul specifically name Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra?**

Answer: Paul names these specific cities to provide concrete, verifiable examples of the severe persecution he endured during his first missionary journey. Timothy himself would have been familiar with these events, having joined Paul's ministry later on this very journey (see [Acts 16:1-3](/acts/16-1-3 "Acts 16:1-3 - Timothy Joins Paul")). By recalling these well-known and traumatic incidents—including being stoned and left for dead in Lystra (see [Acts 14:19](/acts/14-19 "Acts 14:19 - Paul Stoned in Lystra"))—Paul underscores the authenticity and intensity of his suffering. This serves not only as a personal testimony but also as a powerful teaching tool, preparing Timothy for the inevitable hardships of faithful ministry and demonstrating God's consistent deliverance through them.

**What does "the Lord delivered me" mean in this context? Does it mean Paul never suffered again?**

Answer: "The Lord delivered me" signifies God's active intervention and preservation of Paul's life and ministry through these specific, life-threatening events. It does not imply that Paul was immune to future suffering or that God always removes believers from all trials. Rather, it highlights God's faithfulness to sustain His servant for His purposes. In some cases, deliverance was a miraculous rescue (like recovering after being stoned in Lystra); in others, it was the provision of strength to endure, or the opening of a way of escape (as when he fled Iconium to avoid stoning, see [Acts 14:6](/acts/14-6 "Acts 14:6 - Paul and Barnabas Flee to Lystra")). Paul's later writings and eventual martyrdom clearly show that he continued to suffer for Christ (see [2 Corinthians 11:23-27](/2_corinthians/11-23-27 "2 Corinthians 11:23-27 - Paul's Extensive Sufferings")). The deliverance here refers to God's specific acts of preservation in these particular instances, enabling Paul to continue his mission.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's testimony of suffering and divine deliverance in 2 Timothy 3:11 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Just as Paul endured "persecutions, afflictions" for the sake of the Gospel, Christ Himself suffered the ultimate persecution and affliction, bearing the sins of humanity on the cross (see [Isaiah 53:4-5](/isaiah/53-4-5 "Isaiah 53:4-5 - The Suffering Servant")). His journey to the cross, marked by rejection, betrayal, and physical torment, was the supreme act of endurance (see [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith")). Yet, "out of them all," the Father "delivered" Him through the resurrection, conquering sin and death and establishing Him as Lord over all (see [Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Jesus From the Dead")). Thus, Paul's experience mirrors the pattern of Christ: suffering leading to ultimate vindication and triumph. For believers, our own experiences of persecution and affliction are not only endured by the Lord's power but also unite us with Christ's suffering, making us partakers of His redemptive work (see [Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Knowing Christ and the Power of His Resurrection")). Our ultimate deliverance, like Paul's, is secured in Christ's victory, culminating in our resurrection and eternal life with Him, where all tears will be wiped away (see [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Sorrow")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

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.