Bible Commentaries
2 Timothy 3

Verses 1-18

2III 1-9 Future Dangers— 1. ’In the last days’—In this Messianic era in which we live. He is speaking of false doctrines already spread about, since Timothy is cautioned against those who propagate them. As the Apostle looks still further into the future he sees dangers increasing since the flood of false teaching will inevitably bring with it a corresponding corruption of morals.

8. Jannes and Mambres (Jambres) are the names given by Jewish tradition to the magicians who opposed Moses before Pharaoh; cf.Exodus 7:11.

10-17 Further Encouragement— Once more St Paul sets before Timothy his own example and reminds him. of the time when he undertook his ministry and of the persecutions ’suffered by Paul at that time in Timothy’s own country. Timothy is urged not to forget all this now, but rather to draw present comfort from the way in which God came to Paul’s assistance and rescued him; cf.Ac 13-14.

14. ’Of whom’ —plural, therefore including besides Paul Timothy’s mother and grandmother; cf. 1:5. /par/par15. ’Scriptures’ —means at least the OT. This verse and 16 demonstrate the value of the Scriptures, both for one’s own perfection and for the instruction of others.

16. A most important passage regarding the inspiration of Scripture, cf. A. Bea, De Inspiratione ( Rome, 1933), 33-5. The verse may be translated either Every Scripture is inspired of God and is profitable for teaching or Every Scripture inspired of God is profitable for teaching, but in either case the inspiration of Scripture is assumed, the writer being content to indicate its various uses.

17. ’Man of God’—minister of Christ; cf.1 Timothy 6:11. ’Furnished to every good work’—made proficient for his duties by study of the Scriptures. These rightly used give life and unction to preaching. Study of the Scriptures is an obligation upon pastors if they are to carry out their duties effectively and fruitfully.