But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
Read it in contextContinue in what you have learned
Start reading at 2 Timothy 3:10 (2 Timothy 3:10 to 2 Timothy 3:17).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Paul contrasts such deception with Timothy's knowledge of his life and the Scriptures, which equip the man of God for good works.
3:10But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
3:11Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
3:12Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
3:13But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
3:14But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
3:15And 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.
3:16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
3:17That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Paul is the named author, traditionally understood as writing to Timothy late in his ministry. Biblical references: 2 Timothy 1:1; 2 Timothy 4:6. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 Timothy 1:1–4:22): Paul addresses Timothy personally, urging faithful teaching and endurance and asking him to come; coworkers and opponents are named in the circumstances he describes. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Timothy, called Paul's dearly beloved son, with instructions he is to entrust to other faithful teachers. Biblical references: 2 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 2:2. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? Continue in what you have learned. Read 2 Timothy 3:10 through 2 Timothy 3:17 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? Paul contrasts such deception with Timothy's knowledge of his life and the Scriptures, which equip the man of God for good works. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? Paul describes imprisonment and speaks of his departure as approaching. The letter does not state a calendar date. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? Rome is named in the account of Onesiphorus' search for Paul; other places concern earlier ministry and fellow workers. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Continue in what you have learned (2 Timothy 3:10 to 2 Timothy 3:17).
Start reading at 2 Timothy 3:10. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Paul calls Timothy to remember Jesus Christ raised from the dead and to continue in the Scriptures that make wise unto salvation through faith in Christ. See 2 Timothy 1:17, 2 Timothy 2:8, 2 Timothy 3:15. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Continue faithfully in teaching and conduct despite opposition. Use Scripture for its stated work of instruction and correction, and do not confuse faithfulness with the absence of suffering. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
2 Timothy 3
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul writes to Timothy from a setting of suffering and approaching death, urging him to preserve and teach the received message. The personal charge repeatedly joins sound doctrine with endurance and conduct.
Connection to the wholeThe catalogue of conduct and descriptions of deceivers call for discernment about people who retain an appearance of religion while resisting the truth.
Connection to the wholePaul contrasts such deception with Timothy's knowledge of his life and the Scriptures, which equip the man of God for good works.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
2 Timothy
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul writes to Timothy from a setting of suffering and approaching death, urging him to preserve and teach the received message. The personal charge repeatedly joins sound doctrine with endurance and conduct.
Connection to the wholePaul warns about corrupt conduct and deception, then directs Timothy to continue in what he has learned through the holy Scriptures.