Survey of the Letters of Paul back to the top     back to main page for this verse 2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 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 beginning with the general and going to the specific. Let us break into the Matthew Henry Main commentary where it begins speaking of verse 16. (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 [Spirit]. Hebrews 2:4 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? (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? 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 verses 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. Now to the specific commentaries. The various specific commentaries break this verse out between 4 and 7 parts. I am going to go with 6: 1] All scripture. 2] Is given by inspiration of God. 3] And is profitable for doctrine. 4] For reproof. 5] For correction. 6] For instruction in righteousness. 1] All scripture. All Scripture - This properly refers to the Old Testament, and should not be applied to any part of the New Testament, unless it can be shown that that part was then written, and was included under the general name of “the Scriptures;” compare 2 Peter 3:15-16. But it includes the whole of the Old Testament, and is the solemn testimony of Paul that it was all inspired. If now it can be proved that Paul himself was an inspired man, this settles the question as to the inspiration of the Old Testament. ~Barnes Notes Note: Clearly the verse is speaking to all scripture inspired by God and would for us today include the New Testament. 2] Is given by inspiration of God. All scripture is inspired of God - The Spirit of God not only once inspired those who wrote it, but continually inspires, supernaturally assists, those that read it with earnest prayer. Hence it is so profitable for doctrine, for instruction of the ignorant, for the reproof or conviction of them that are in error or sin, for the correction or amendment of whatever is amiss, and for instructing or training up the children of God in all righteousness. ~John Wesley Explanatory Notes Inspired of God - “God-breathed.” Perhaps in contrast to the commandments of men in Titus 1:14. ~Robertson's Word Pictures Quoted verse: Titus 1:14 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. 3] And is profitable for doctrine. And is profitable for doctrine - i.e. as before, teachings in all its width. The words appear purposely chosen to describe the work of Scripture both on the individual character of the reader and on his pastoral work. It will be noticed that the points on which stress is laid are precisely those to which Timothy had been urged the work of teaching (1 Timothy 1:3; 1 Timothy 4:11; 1 Timothy 4:13); of reforming (1 Timothy 5:21; 2 Timothy 2:15); of correcting (2 Timothy 2:25). ~Popular commentary Quoted verses: Regarding the work of teaching: 1 Timothy 1:3 [See Lesson] As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 1 Timothy 4:11 [See Lesson] These things command and teach. 1 Timothy 4:13 [See Lesson] Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Regarding the work of reforming: 1 Timothy 5:21 [See Lesson] I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. 2 Timothy 2:15 [See Lesson] Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Regarding the work of correcting: 2 Timothy 2:25 [See Lesson] In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 4] For reproof. For reproof - On the meaning of the word here rendered “reproof” - ἐλέγγμος elengmos - see the notes on Hebrews 11:1. It here means, probably, for “convincing;” that is, convincing a man of his sins, of the truth and claims of religion, etc.; see the notes on John 16:8. ~Barnes Notes Quoted verses: Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. John 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 5] For correction. For correction - Προς επανορθωσιν· For restoring things to their proper uses and places, correcting false notions and mistaken views. ~Adam Clarke For correction - of vice; there being no sin, but the evil nature of it is shown, its wicked tendency is exposed, and the sad effects and consequences of it are pointed out in these writings: for instruction in righteousness; in every branch of duty incumbent upon men; whether with respect to God, or one another; for there is no duty men are obliged unto, but the nature, use, and excellency of it, are here shown: the Scriptures are a perfect rule of faith and practice; and thus they are commended from the usefulness and profitableness of them. ~John Gill 6] For instruction in righteousness. For instruction in righteousness - Instruction in regard to the principles of justice, or what is right. Man needs not only to be made acquainted with truth, to be convinced of his error, and to be reformed; but he needs to be taught what is right, or what is required of him, in order that he may lead a holy life. Every reformed and regenerated man [one called] needs instruction, and should not be left merely with the evidence that he is “reformed, or converted [called].” He should be followed with the principles of the Word of God, to show him how he may lead an upright life. The Scriptures furnish the rules of holy living in abundance, and thus they are adapted to the whole work of recovering man, and of guiding him to [The Kingdom]. ~Barnes Notes In conclusion: Beware of those Christians whose faith is based on their own ideas and feelings, and what they think is right, and not on God's Word. All Scriptures is God-breathed. A Bible that's falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn't. ~Charles Spurgeon God doesn't call the equipped. He equips the called. Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:11 Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience. ~Hebrews 4:11 (NASB) This is the lesson of verse 16. back to the top     back to main page for this verse