Las Vegas, Nevada Church
Affiliated with the Intercontinental Church of God and the Garner Ted Armstrong Evangelistic Association

 
 
 Survey of the Letters of Paul:  2 Timothy 3:15  
  
                                                                                                                                                                                    
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2 Timothy 3:15
And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
 
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Note:
before doing a study on any single verse, read all the verses from the beginning of the chapter to this point and maybe a verse or two beyond. Do this so you have the verse in context before you begin. click here
This section consists of four verses.

2 Timothy 3:14-17
14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Let us begin in the Barclay.

The Value of Scripture
2 Timothy 3:14–17 ...in paraphrase
But as for you, remain loyal to the things which you have learned, and in which your belief has been confirmed, for you know from whom you learned them, and you know that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that will bring you salvation through the faith which is in Christ Jesus. All God-inspired Scripture is useful for teaching, for the conviction of error, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.

PAUL concludes this section with an appeal to Timothy to remain loyal to all the teaching he had received. On his mother’s side, Timothy was a Jew, although his father had been a Greek (Acts 16:1); and it is clear that it was his mother who had brought him up. It was the glory of the Jews that their children from their earliest days were trained in the law. They claimed that their children learned the law even from birth and drank it in with their mother’s milk. They claimed that the law was so imprinted on the hearts and minds of Jewish children that they would sooner forget their own name than they would forget it. So, from his earliest childhood, Timothy had known the sacred writings. We must remember that the Scripture of which Paul is writing is the Old Testament; as yet, the New Testament had not come into being. If what he claims for Scripture is true of the Old Testament, how much truer it is of the even more precious words of the New.

We must note that Paul here makes a distinction. He speaks of ‘all God-inspired Scripture’. The Gnostics had their own fanciful books; the heretics all produced their own literature to support their claims. Paul regarded these as manufactured things; but the great books for the human soul were the God-inspired ones which tradition and experience had sanctified.

Let us then see what Paul says of the usefulness of Scripture.

(1) He says that the Scriptures give the wisdom which will bring salvation. In The Bible in World Evangelism, A. M. Chirgwin tells the story of a ward sister in a children’s hospital in England. She had been finding life, as she herself said, futile and meaningless. She had waded through book after book and labored with philosophy after philosophy in an attempt to find satisfaction. She had never tried the Bible, for a friend had convinced her by subtle arguments that it could not be true. One day, a visitor came to the ward and left a supply of gospels. The sister was persuaded to read a copy of John’s Gospel. ‘It shone and glowed with truth,’ she said, ‘and my whole being responded to it. The words that finally convinced me were those in John 18:37: “For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth hears my voice.” So I listened to that voice, and heard the truth, and found my Savior.’

Again and again, Scripture has opened for men and women the way to God. In simple fairness, no one seeking for the truth has any right to neglect the reading of the Bible. A book with a record such as it has cannot be disregarded. Even unbelievers are acting unfairly unless they attempt to read it. The most amazing things may happen if they do, for there is a saving wisdom here that is in no other book.

(2) The Scriptures are of use in teaching. Only in the New Testament have we any picture of Jesus, any account of his life and any record of his teaching. For that very reason, it is undeniable that, whatever might be argued about the rest of the Bible, it is impossible for the Church ever to do without the gospels. It is perfectly true – as we have so often said – that Christianity is founded not on a printed book but on a living person. The fact remains that the only place in all the world where we get a first-hand account of that person and of his teaching is in the New Testament. That is why the church which has no Bible class is a church in whose work an essential element is missing.

(3) The Scriptures are valuable for reproof. It is not meant that the Scriptures are valuable for finding fault; what is meant is that they are valuable for convincing people of the error of their ways and for pointing them on the right path. A. M. Chirgwin has story after story of how the Scriptures came by chance into the hands of people whose lives were changed by them.

In Brazil, Signor Antonio of Minas bought a New Testament, which he took home to burn. He went home and found that the fire was out. Deliberately, he lit it. He flung the New Testament on it. It would not burn. He opened out the pages to make it burn more easily. It opened at the Sermon on the Mount. He glanced at it as he consigned it to the flames. His attention was caught; he took it back. ‘He read on, forgetful of time, through the hours of the night, and just as the dawn was breaking, he stood up and declared, “I believe.”’

Vincente Quiroga of Chile found a few pages of a book washed up on the seashore by a tidal wave following an earthquake. He read them and never rested until he obtained the rest of the Bible. Not only did he become a Christian; he devoted the rest of his life to the distribution of the Scriptures in the forgotten villages of northern Chile.

One dark night in a forest in Sicily, a robber held up at gunpoint a man who distributed Bibles. He was ordered to light a bonfire and burn his books. He lit the fire, and then he asked if he might read a little from each book before he dropped it in the flames. He read the twenty-third psalm from one; the story of the good Samaritan from another; from another the Sermon on the Mount; from another 1 Corinthians 13. At the end of each reading, the robber said: ‘That’s a good book; we won’t burn that one; give it to me.’ In the end, not a book was burned; the robber left the bookseller and went off into the darkness with the books. Years later, that same robber turned up again. This time, he was a Christian minister, and it was to the reading of the books that he attributed his change.

It is beyond argument that the Scriptures can convict people of their error and convince them of the power of Christ.

(4) The Scriptures are of use for correction. The real meaning of this is that all theories, all theologies and all ethics are to be tested against the Bible. If they contradict the teaching of the Bible, they are to be refused. It is our duty to use and stimulate our minds; but the test must always be agreement with the teaching of Jesus Christ as the Scriptures present it to us.

(5) Paul makes a final point. The study of the Scriptures trains people in righteousness until they are equipped for every good work. Here is the essential conclusion. The study of the Scriptures must never be selfish, never simply for the good of an individual’s own soul. Any conversion which makes someone think of nothing but the fact that he or she has been saved is no true conversion. We must study the Scriptures to make ourselves useful to God and to other people. ~Barclay Commentary

Now to the other commentaries. We will begin with the general and go to the specific.

Here is the Matthew Henry:

He directs him to keep close to a good education, and particularly to what he had learned out of the holy scriptures (2 Timothy 3:14-15): 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, John 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, Ephesians 4:14. Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines; for it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace, Hebrews 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.

Quoted verses:
John 8:31
Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;

Ephesians 4:14
That we henceforth be no 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;

Hebrews 13:9
Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.

The commentary continues:

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 (Luke 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 (2 Timothy 3:15): That from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures.”

Quoted verse:
Luke 1:4
That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.

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 [in good time] 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, Acts 17:11. They must not lie by us neglected, and seldom or never looked into.

Quoted verse:
Acts 17:11
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

The commentary continues:

Now here observe,

(1.) What is the excellency of the scripture. It is given by inspiration of God (2 Timothy 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 [Spirit], 2 Peter 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 [suh-blim-i-tee]  [elevated or lofty in thought], 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 [Spirit], according to his own will, Hebrews 2:4.

Quoted verses:
2 Peter 1:21
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Hebrews 2:4
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?

(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, Hebrews 4:2. For, if we do not believe their truth and goodness, they will do us no good.

Quoted verse:
Hebrews 4:2
For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

[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, 2 Timothy 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. ~Matthew Henry

Now to the Matthew Henry Concise. The commentary covers verses 14-17

Those who would learn the things of God, and be assured of them, must know the Holy Scriptures, for they are the Divine revelation. The age of children is the age to learn; and those who would get true learning, must get it out of the Scriptures. They must not lie by us neglected, seldom or never looked into. The Bible is a sure guide to eternal life. The prophets and apostles did not speak from themselves, but delivered what they received of God, 2 Peter 1:21. It is profitable for all purposes of the Christian life. It is of use to all, for all need to be taught, corrected, and reproved. There is something in the Scriptures suitable for every case. Oh that we may love our Bibles more, and keep closer to them! then shall we find benefit, and at last gain the happiness therein promised by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the main subject of both Testaments. We best oppose error by promoting a solid knowledge of the word of truth; and the greatest kindness we can do to children, is to make them early to know the Bible. ~Matthew Henry Concise

Quoted verse:
2 Peter 1:21 ...mentioned above
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost [Spirit].

Notice what Paul is saying to Timothy in this verse and what the commentaries here are showing us. Verse 15 is saying that the scriptures; the Holy Word of God is able to make us wise unto something...salvation. However, just reading them or embracing them is not enough. It takes the Holy Spirit in a called individual in the Salvation Process to understand. Without the Holy Spirit, we do not become wise by the scriptures. In addition, this can only take place in the Salvation Process which has all the elements and tools in which the Holy Spirit is manifested. God is, through this letter to Timothy showing us just how spiritual things work. It is a holistic approach. Every element must be present. We learned this specifically from Hebrews 4:2 which I read earlier.

Hebrews 4:2
For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

..."it was not mixed with faith." That is, not all the elements were present. Remember the words we read in the Matthew Henry:

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.

We must labor each and every day to have, hold, manifest and invoke every element and aspect of the Salvation Process.

Notice one item from the specific commentary on the last phrase of Verse 15: "through faith which is in Christ Jesus."

Through faith which is in Christ Jesus - wisdom to salvation lies not in the knowledge of the law the Jew boasted of; nor in the works of it, at least not in a trust and confidence in them for salvation; for by them there is no justification before God, nor acceptance with him, nor salvation: but true wisdom to salvation lies in faith, which is a spiritual knowledge of Christ, and a holy confidence in him; and that salvation which the Scriptures make men wise unto, is received and enjoyed through that faith, which has Christ for its author and object; which comes from him, and centers in him, and is a looking to him for eternal life. ~John Gill

So again I say to all of us, "We must labor each and every day to have, hold, manifest and invoke every element and aspect of the Salvation Process.  This is the lesson of Verse 15.
 



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