TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
Commentary on 2 Timothy 3 verses 10–17
Here the apostle, to confirm Timothy in that way wherein he walked,
I. Sets before him his own example, which Timothy had been an eye-witness of, having long attended Paul (Ti2 3:10): Thou hast fully known my doctrine. The more fully we know the doctrine of Christ and the apostles, the more closely we shall cleave to it; the reason why many sit loose to it is because they do not fully know it. Christ's apostles had no enemies but those who did not know them, or not know them fully; those who knew them best loved and honoured them the most. Now what is it that Timothy had so fully known in Paul? 1. The doctrine that he preached. Paul kept back nothing from his hearers, but declared to them the whole counsel of God (Act 20:27), so that if it were not their own fault they might fully know it. Timothy had a great advantage in being trained up under such a tutor, and being apprised of the doctrine he preached. 2. He had fully known his conversation: Thou hast fully know my doctrine, and manner of life; his manner of life was of a piece with his doctrine, and did not contradict it. He did not pull down by his living what he built up by his preaching. Those ministers are likely to do good, and leave lasting fruits of their labours, whose manner of life agrees with their doctrine; as, on the contrary, those cannot expect to profit the people at all that preach well and live ill. 3. Timothy fully knew what was the great thing that Paul had in view, both in his preaching and in his conversation: "Thou hast known my purpose, what I drive at, how far it is from any worldly, carnal, secular design, and how sincerely I aim at the glory of God and the good of the souls of men." 4. Timothy fully knew Paul's good character, which he might gather from his doctrine, manner of life, and purpose; for he gave proofs of his faith (that is, of his integrity and fidelity, or his faith in Christ, his faith concerning another world, by which Paul lived), his long-suffering towards the churches to which he preached and over which he presided, his charity towards all men, and his patience. These were graces that Paul was eminent for, and Timothy knew it. 5. He knew that he had suffered ill for doing well (Ti2 3:11): "Thou hast fully known the persecutions and afflictions that came unto me" (he mentions those only which happened to him while Timothy was with him, at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra); "and therefore let it be no surprise to thee if thou suffer hard things, it is no more than I have endured before." 6. He knew what care God had taken of him: Notwithstanding out of them all the Lord delivered me; as he never failed his cause, so his God never failed him. Thou hast fully known my afflictions. When we know the afflictions of good people but in part, they are a temptation to us to decline that cause which they suffer for; when we know only the hardships they undergo for Christ, we may be ready to say, "We will renounce that cause that is likely to cost us so dear in the owning of it;" but when we fully know the afflictions, not only how they suffer, but how they are supported and comforted under their sufferings, then, instead of being discouraged, we shall be animated by them, especially considering that we are told before that we must count upon such things (Ti2 3:12): All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution: not always alike; at that time those who professed the faith of Christ were more exposed to persecution than at other times; but at all times, more or less, those who will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. They must expect to be despised, and that their religion will stand in the way of their preferment; those who will live godly must expect it, especially those who will live godly in Christ Jesus, that is, according to the strict rules of the Christian religion, those who will wear the livery and bear the name of the crucified Redeemer. All who will show their religion in their conversation, who will not only be godly, but live godly, let them expect persecution, especially when they are resolute in it. Observe, (1.) The apostle's life was very exemplary for three things: for his doctrine, which was according to the will of God; for his life, which was agreeable to his doctrine; and for his persecutions and sufferings. (2.) Though his life was a life of great usefulness, yet it was a life of great sufferings; and none, I believe, came nearer to their great Master for eminent services and great sufferings than Paul: he suffered almost in every place; the Holy Ghost witnessed that bonds and afflictions did abide him, Act 20:23. Here he mentions his persecutions and afflictions at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra, besides what he suffered elsewhere. (3.) The apostle mentions the Lord's delivering him out of them all, for Timothy's and our encouragement under sufferings. (4.) We have the practice and treatment of true Christians: they live godly in Jesus Christ - this is their practice; and they shall suffer persecution - this is the usage they must expect in this world.
II. He warns Timothy of the fatal end of seducers, as a reason why he should stick closely to the truth as it is in Jesus: But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, etc., Ti2 3:13. Observe, As good men, by the grace of God, grow better and better, so bad men, through the subtlety of Satan and the power of their own corruptions, grow worse and worse. The way of sin is down-hill; for such proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. Those who deceive others do but deceive themselves; those who draw others into error run themselves into more and more mistakes, and they will find it so at last, to their cost.
III. He directs him to keep close to a good education, and particularly to what he had learned out of the holy scriptures (Ti2 3:14, Ti2 3:15): Continue thou in the things which thou hast learned. Note, It is not enough to learn that which is good, but we must continue in it, and persevere in it unto the end. Then are we Christ's disciples indeed, Joh 8:31. We should not be any more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, Eph 4:14. Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines; for it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace, Heb 13:9. And for this reason we should continue in the things we have learned from the holy scriptures; not that we ought to continue in any errors and mistakes which we may have been led into, in the time of our childhood and youth (for these, upon an impartial enquiry and full conviction, we should forsake); but this makes nothing against our continuing in those things which the holy scriptures plainly assert, and which he that runs may read. If Timothy would adhere to the truth as he had been taught it, this would arm him against the snares and insinuations of seducers. Observe, Timothy must continue in the things which he had learned and had been assured of.
1.It is a great happiness to know the certainty of the things wherein we have been instructed (Luk 1:4); not only to know what the truths are, but to know that they are of undoubted certainty. What we have learned we must labour to be more and more assured of, that, being grounded in the truth, we may be guarded against error, for certainty in religion is of great importance and advantage: Knowing, (1.) "That thou hast had good teachers. Consider of whom thou hast learned them; not of evil men and seducers, but good men, who had themselves experienced the power of the truths they taught thee, and been ready to suffer for them, and thereby would give the fullest evidence of their belief of these truths." (2.) "Knowing especially the firm foundation upon which thou hast built, namely, that of the scripture (Ti2 3:15): That from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures."
2.Those who would acquaint themselves with the things of God, and be assured of them, must know the holy scriptures, for these are the summary of divine revelation.
3.It is a great happiness to know the holy scriptures from our childhood; and children should betimes get the knowledge of the scriptures. The age of children is the learning age; and those who would get true learning must get it out of the scriptures.
4.The scriptures we are to know are the holy scriptures; they come from the holy God, were delivered by holy men, contain holy precepts, treat of holy things, and were designed to make us holy and to lead us in the way of holiness to happiness; being called the holy scriptures, they are by this distinguished from profane writings of all sorts, and from those that only treat morality, and common justice and honesty, but do not meddle with holiness. If we would know the holy scriptures, we must read and search them daily, as the noble Bereans did, Act 17:11. They must not lie by us neglected, and seldom or never looked into. Now here observe,
(1.)What is the excellency of the scripture. It is given by inspiration of God (Ti2 3:16), and therefore is his word. It is a divine revelation, which we may depend upon as infallibly true. The same Spirit that breathed reason into us breathes revelation among us: For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man, but holy men spoke as they were moved or carried forth by the Holy Ghost, Pe2 1:21. The prophets and apostles did not speak from themselves, but what they received of the Lord that they delivered unto us. That the scripture was given by inspiration of God appears from the majesty of its style, - from the truth, purity, and sublimity, of the doctrines contained in it, - from the harmony of its several parts, - from its power and efficacy on the minds of multitudes that converse with it, - from the accomplishment of many prophecies relating to things beyond all human foresight, - and from the uncontrollable miracles that were wrought in proof of its divine original: God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will, Heb 2:4.
(2.)What use it will be of to us. [1.] It is able to make us wise to salvation; that is, it is a sure guide in our way to eternal life. Note, Those are wise indeed who are wise to salvation. The scriptures are able to make us truly wise, wise for our souls and another world. "To make thee wise to salvation through faith." Observe, The scriptures will make us wise to salvation, if they be mixed with faith, and not otherwise, Heb 4:2. For, if we do not believe their truth and goodness, they will do us no good. [2.] It is profitable to us for all the purposes of the Christian life, for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. It answers all the ends of divine revelation. It instructs us in that which is true, reproves us for that which is amiss, directs us in that which is good. It is of use to all, for we all need to be instructed, corrected, and reproved: it is of special use to ministers, who are to give instruction, correction, and reproof; and whence can they fetch it better than from the scripture? [3.] That the man of God may be perfect, Ti2 3:17. The Christian, the minister, is the man of God. That which finishes a man of God in this world is the scripture. By it we are thoroughly furnished for every good work. There is that in the scripture which suits every case. Whatever duty we have to do, whatever service is required from us, we may find enough in the scriptures to furnish us for it.
(3.)On the whole we here see, [1.] That the scripture has various uses, and answers divers ends and purposes: It is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction of all errors in judgment and practice, and for instruction in righteousness. [2.] The scripture is a perfect rule of faith and practice, and was designed for the man of God, the minister as well as the Christian who is devoted to God, for it is profitable for doctrine, etc. [3.] If we consult the scripture, which was given by inspiration of God, and follow its directions, we shall be made men of God, perfect, and thoroughly furnished to every good work. [4.] There is no occasion for the writings of the philosopher, nor for rabbinical fables, nor popish legends, nor unwritten traditions, to make us perfect men of God, since the scripture answers all these ends and purposes. O that we may love our Bibles more, and keep closer to them than ever! and then shall we find the benefit and advantage designed thereby, and shall at last attain the happiness therein promised and assured to us.
"But continue thou in the things that thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through the faith which in Christ Jesus." What is this? As the prophet David exhorted, saying, "Be not thou envious against the workers of iniquity" (Ps. xxxvii. 1), so Paul exhorts, "Continue thou in the things which thou hast learned," and not simply learned, but "hast been assured of," that is, hast believed. And what have I believed? That this is the Life. And if thou seest things happening contrary to thy belief, be not troubled. The same happened to Abraham, yet he was not affected at it. He had heard, "In Isaac shall thy seed be called" (Gen. xxi. 12); and he was commanded to sacrifice Isaac, yet he was not troubled nor dismayed. Let no one be offended because of the wicked. This the Scripture taught from the beginning. "Knowing that from a child thou hast known the sacred writings." The holy Scriptures he calls "sacred writings." In these thou wast nurtured, so that through them thy faith ought to be firm and unshaken. For the root was laid deep, and nourished by length of time, nor will anything subvert it. And speaking of the holy Scriptures, he has added, "Which are able to make thee wise," that is, they will not suffer thee to have any foolish feeling, such as most men have. For he who knows the Scriptures as he ought, is not offended at anything that happens; he endures all things manfully, referring them partly to faith, and to the incomprehensible nature of the divine dispensation, and partly knowing reasons for them, and finding examples in the Scriptures. Since it is a great sign of knowledge not to be curious about everything, nor to wish to know all things. "Which are able," he says, "to make thee wise unto salvation." For the Scriptures suggest to us what is to be done, and what is not to be done.
Read the divine Scriptures constantly. Never, indeed, let the sacred volume be out of your hand. Learn what you have to teach.… Do not let your deeds belie your words, lest when you speak in church someone may mentally reply, “Why do you not practice what you preach?” He is a fine and dainty master who, with his stomach full, reads us a homily on fasting. Let the robber accuse others of covetousness if he will. The mind and mouth of a priest of Christ should be at one.
It may happen that even with the assistance of holy men, or even if the holy angels themselves take part, no one rightly learns those things which pertain to life with God unless he is made by God docile to God.… Medicines for the body which are administered to men by men do not help unless health is conferred by God, who can cure them without medicines. Yet they are nevertheless applied even though they are useless without his aid. And if they are applied courteously, they are considered to be among works of mercy or kindness. In the same way, the benefits of teaching profit the mind when they are applied by men where assistance is granted by God, who could have given the gospel to man even though it came not from men nor through a man.
But you remain in the things you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
But you remain in the things you have learned. Likewise said David, Do not envy the wicked, nor desire to be with those who do evil. (Ps. 24:1)
you have learned, Paul says, that is, you learned with certainty.
knowing from whom you have learned them. Paul states two reasons why he must remain committed. And because you have not learned from just any common person, but from Paul; and because a deep root has been placed in you by the Scriptures, having been written a long time ago. However, he calls the Sacred Letters Scripture because they are inspired by God.
which are able to make you wise for salvation. He will not allow you to suffer anything foolish, like most do. For the one who knows the Scriptures, as one ought to know them, would never be put to shame.
for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. But it makes you wise, not according to the external wisdom that is in words and deceit, but to salvation through the faith in Christ. For the holy Scriptures, and the wisdom from them, lead to the faith of Christ.
Continue studying 2 Timothy 3:14 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
CNTR CollationThe earliest Greek manuscripts of this verse, collated letter by letter.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
In 2 Timothy 3:14, the Apostle Paul issues a profound and urgent exhortation to his spiritual son, Timothy, calling him to steadfast perseverance in the foundational truths he has received. This command serves as a critical counterpoint to the preceding warnings about the moral degradation and proliferation of false teachers characteristic of the "last days." Paul grounds Timothy's perseverance in the certainty of what he has learned and, crucially, in the trustworthy authority of those from whom he received these teachings, implicitly pointing to both Paul himself and the divine origin of the Gospel.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is strategically placed within Paul's final letter to Timothy, a deeply personal and pastoral epistle. It immediately follows a stark prophecy regarding the "perilous times" that will come in the last days, characterized by widespread ungodliness, self-love, and a rejection of sound doctrine (2 Timothy 3:1-9). Paul vividly describes those who will oppose the truth, much like Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses. In direct contrast to these deceivers who will grow "worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived" (2 Timothy 3:13), Paul admonishes Timothy to remain firm. He then sets his own life and doctrine as a sterling example for Timothy to emulate, highlighting his endurance through persecutions and afflictions (2 Timothy 3:10-12), thereby establishing the credibility and proven nature of the truths Timothy has learned. Verse 14, therefore, is a direct command to cling to this proven truth in the face of escalating error, serving as a pivot point before Paul's famous declaration on the inspiration of Scripture in 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
Historical & Cultural Context: Timothy served as a key leader in the church at Ephesus, a significant metropolitan center known for its diverse religious practices, including the widespread worship of Artemis, and a hub for various philosophical and mystical teachings. The early church, still in its nascent stages, faced immense pressure from both external persecution (from Roman authorities and Jewish opposition) and internal doctrinal challenges (from Gnosticism, legalism, and other heresies). Paul, writing from Roman imprisonment, was acutely aware of these dangers. His letters, especially the Pastoral Epistles, reflect a deep concern for the preservation of apostolic teaching and the establishment of sound church order. The emphasis on "knowing of whom thou hast learned" was particularly vital in a culture where oral tradition and the authority of the teacher (rabbi, philosopher, apostle) were paramount for establishing the legitimacy and truthfulness of a teaching. Timothy, having been personally discipled by Paul, possessed a unique and authoritative spiritual heritage, which Paul leverages to reinforce the stability of his faith amidst the turbulent currents of his time.
Key Themes: This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in 2 Timothy and the broader Pauline corpus. The primary theme is Perseverance in Truth, emphasizing the non-negotiable necessity of steadfastly continuing in the Christian faith and the specific teachings received. This is not passive retention but an active, enduring commitment to live by and uphold these truths, especially when faced with opposition and deception, as warned about in 2 Timothy 3:1-9. Another crucial theme is Certainty and Assurance, encapsulated in the phrase "hast been assured of." This highlights that Timothy's faith was not based on mere speculation or fleeting emotion, but on deep conviction derived from reliable, proven truths, a conviction that stands firm against the "cunningly devised fables" (2 Peter 1:16) of false teachers. Furthermore, the verse underscores the Authority of the Teacher and Apostolic Tradition, with "knowing of whom thou hast learned them" pointing to Paul's own credibility and the divine origin of the message he conveyed. This theme is further developed in Paul's charge to Timothy to "guard the good deposit entrusted to you" (2 Timothy 1:14), emphasizing the importance of faithfully transmitting the apostolic message. Finally, it subtly reinforces the theme of Spiritual Heritage, connecting to Timothy's upbringing in the faith, specifically mentioning the genuine faith of his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice (2 Timothy 1:5), thereby establishing a trusted lineage of truth that predates even Paul's direct instruction.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to convey his urgent message. The verse functions primarily as a direct Exhortation, a strong appeal or command to Timothy to maintain his commitment to the truth. This is set in stark Contrast to the "evil men and impostors" described just prior, highlighting the divergent paths of steadfastness versus deception. The phrase "knowing of whom thou hast learned [them]" serves as a form of Ethos, appealing to the credibility and authority of the teacher (Paul himself, and by extension, God) to reinforce the validity of the message. There is also a subtle Personal Appeal, as Paul addresses Timothy directly ("thou"), emphasizing the individual responsibility and deep relationship between mentor and disciple. The cumulative effect is a powerful call to remain grounded in established truth, buttressed by deep personal conviction and the authority of its source.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Timothy 3:14 is a cornerstone verse for understanding the importance of theological stability and fidelity in the Christian life. It underscores that Christian faith is not a matter of subjective feeling or ever-shifting opinion, but is grounded in objective, revealed truth that must be learned, understood, and held with deep conviction. The call to "continue" emphasizes the necessity of perseverance, recognizing that spiritual growth and maturity involve an ongoing commitment to sound doctrine, especially in an environment hostile to truth. The emphasis on "knowing of whom thou hast learned" highlights the crucial role of authoritative teaching and the transmission of truth through faithful discipleship, ensuring that the church's foundation remains rooted in the apostolic witness. This verse implicitly points to the inspiration and authority of Scripture, which Paul immediately addresses in the subsequent verses, as the ultimate source of these assured truths.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In an age characterized by information overload, rapidly changing cultural norms, and a proliferation of diverse spiritual claims, 2 Timothy 3:14 offers a timeless anchor. It challenges believers to cultivate a deep, unwavering commitment to the foundational truths of the Gospel, rather than being swayed by every passing trend or persuasive argument. This requires diligent engagement with God's Word, seeking to learn and understand its depths, and allowing its truths to deeply persuade our hearts and minds. Furthermore, it calls us to be discerning about the sources of our spiritual instruction, ensuring that those who teach us are faithful to the apostolic tradition and the revealed Word of God. Our perseverance in faith is not merely about holding on, but about actively living out the assured truths we have received, standing firm against deception, and allowing our conviction to shape our character and conduct.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does it mean to be "assured of" the things learned?
Answer: To be "assured of" (Greek: pistóō) means to be fully convinced, deeply persuaded, or to have a settled conviction based on strong evidence and personal experience. It implies more than just intellectual agreement; it's a deep, internal certainty that the truths Timothy received were reliable and trustworthy. This assurance is crucial for steadfastness, especially when facing opposition or false teachings. It suggests that Timothy's faith was not based on mere speculation or fleeting emotions, but on a solid foundation of truth that had been proven and confirmed to him. This deep conviction empowers believers to stand firm, knowing the ground upon which they stand is secure.
Who is the "whom" Paul refers to when he says, "knowing of whom thou hast learned them"?
Answer: The primary "whom" Paul refers to is himself, the Apostle Paul. Timothy was Paul's direct disciple, traveling companion, and spiritual son, having learned the Gospel and Christian doctrine directly from Paul's teaching and example (2 Timothy 3:10). However, the "whom" also implicitly extends to the broader context of Timothy's spiritual heritage, including his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice, who taught him the Holy Scriptures from childhood (2 Timothy 1:5 and 2 Timothy 3:15). Ultimately, the authority of these human teachers derives from God, the ultimate source of all truth. Thus, "whom" points to a trusted, divinely appointed lineage of truth-tellers.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Timothy 3:14, while a direct exhortation to Timothy, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of the "things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of," for He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. All genuine Christian learning and assurance ultimately point to Him, for "in Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3). Our ability to "continue" in these truths is not by our own strength but by abiding in Christ, the true vine, from whom we receive life and fruitfulness (John 15:4-5). He is the ultimate "whom" from whom we have learned, not only through His direct teachings recorded in the Gospels but also through the Holy Spirit, whom He sent to "guide you into all truth" (John 16:13). Therefore, to continue in the learned truths is to continue in Christ, to be rooted and built up in Him, and to be established in the faith as we were taught (Colossians 2:7). Our perseverance is sustained by looking to Jesus, "the founder and perfecter of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2), who Himself faithfully continued in His Father's will even unto death, providing the ultimate example and the very power for our own steadfastness.