Tyndale Open Study Notes2 Timothy 3

Timothy must remain focused during the difficult times ahead.

Paul explains how people will behave in the last days, which had already started (see also 1 Timothy 4:1–5; 2 Peter 2:1–22; 3:3; Jude 1:18; 2 Timothy 3:5, 6–9).

such as these: These people rejected good teaching. They denied the power that could make them live as God desires (3:2–4; see 1 Timothy 1:5–11; Colossians 2:16–23).

The letters to Timothy and Titus consistently express concern about the impact of false teachers on households and women (Titus 1:11; see 1 Timothy 2:11–15; 3:4–5; 5:14–15). Whether or not these false teachers specifically targeted women, they were successful with some.

According to tradition, Jannes and Jambres are the names of the Egyptians who opposed Moses and practiced magic (see Exodus 7:8–13; 8:18; 9:11).

• Timothy was from Lystra, near Antioch and Iconium, so he knew about Paul's suffering (see Acts 13:14, 45–51; 14:1–8, 19–22). Paul recruited him after these events had happened (Acts 16:1–3).

• the Lord rescued me: Paul could confirm from his own life that the Lord would fulfill his plans through his loyal servant (see 2 Timothy 4:6–8, 17–18; Psalm 22:19–22; 34:19; Daniel 3:17–18; 2 Corinthians 1:8–10; 2 Peter 2:7–9).

• From childhood, Timothy's Jewish grandmother and mother, Lois and Eunice, taught him the Old Testament Scriptures (see Acts 16:1–3; see 2 Timothy 1:5). Their lives reinforced their teachings.

• the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise … in Christ Jesus: The Old Testament Scriptures give people the wisdom to receive Christ. At the same time, understanding Jesus Christ is necessary to fully understand the Old Testament Scriptures.

These verses expand on 3:15 by explaining Scripture's effectiveness, its source, and how it provides wisdom for practicing the life of salvation. Paul was referring to the Old Testament. But his statement now applies to all Scripture, including the New Testament (see, for example, 2 Peter 3:15–16).

• All Scripture is God-breathed: This means it comes directly by God's own speech (see also Hebrews 4:12–13; 2 Peter 1:20–21). This does not remove the role of human authors. It confirms that God is fully responsible for his word, and that scripture is true, reliable, and has authority. It is permanent and powerful because it comes from God. Its message is plain and consistent about Jesus Christ (see Luke 24:25–27, 44; John 5:39–40; Acts 3:24; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4).

  It has the power to bring salvation and inspire true faith. People must not abuse it, as some false teachers have done (2 Timothy 4:2–4; 1 Timothy 1:4–7; compare 2 Peter 3:16). But God's leaders must teach it correctly (2 Timothy 2:2, 15).

• As a result of its inspiration from God, all Scripture is useful. Both the Old Testament and the New Testament together guide and teach Christians in this life.

Paul explains that salvation leads to living the way God desires (3:15; see Galatians 1:4; 5:16–26; Ephesians 2:8–10).