Pastor’s Notes 2 Timothy 3:16-17

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.“

(2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Second Timothy is the last of Paul’s epistles. It was written from the Mamartine Prison in Rome as he awaited death. Paul wrote final instructions to Timothy, his dearly beloved son in the faith. If you look to 2 Tim 3:14 you find an important instruction: “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them.” 

This instruction is for all practical purposes the thrust of the entire epistle. Paul’s primary advice to Timothy was simply to abide, to keep on keeping on, to remain faithful in the ministry. Paul noted how that Timothy not only understood the ministry but was assured of it. Timothy knew what he believed and was assured of it’s truth. In fact, Paul reminded Timothy that the Holy Scriptures had lead him to salvation in Christ Jesus. (v15).

While touching on the matter of the Scripture, Paul proceeded to speak of a foundational biblical truth: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God.” The word translated as inspiration of God literally means God breathed or God spoken. Though it was penned by various human writers ultimately it is from the mouth of God as men wrote guided by the Holy Spirit. Paul’s reassurance to Timothy and hence to us was: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Tim 3:16-17).

Perhaps Timothy was discouraged even tempted to quit, for it seems Paul wanted to encourage him by reminding him of the word of God, it’s truth and reliability and it’s sufficiency for all occasions.