2 Timothy 3 Study Notes

3:1 The words last days are more than a prediction. They are also an assessment of what was happening in Paul’s time (1Tm 4:1).

3:2-4 The initial word for indicates that the reason the last days are difficult is that it is characterized by evil people. The list here may be compared to that found in Rm 1:29-31.

3:5 These false teachers had the external trappings of godliness but not the real essence.

3:6 Because of their guilt from their past, these women overwhelmed by sins were particularly susceptible to the asceticism and legalism of these false teachers.

3:7 This verse refers to the women who are always learning from the false teachers. Gaining the knowledge of the truth is spoken of elsewhere of being saved (cp. 2:25; 1Tm 2:4; Ti 1:1).

3:8 Jannes and Jambres were the names given in early Jewish nonbiblical writings to the Egyptian magicians who opposed Moses (Ex 7:8-13). Though the names do not appear in the Hebrew Bible, they would have been familiar to Timothy from Jewish writings about Moses.

3:9 Paul encouraged Timothy by pointing out that the false teachers’ foolishness will be clear to all.

3:10 The words but you set vv. 1-9 in contrast with vv. 10-17. The false teachers lived and taught one way, but Paul provided a totally different model for Timothy.

3:11 Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra were the cities that Paul visited on his first missionary journey. Thus, when looking for examples of his sufferings Paul referred to his earliest mission work. Some have questioned why he would refer so far back, especially since this would have been before Timothy joined Paul. But Lystra was Timothy’s hometown, so he was probably aware of what had happened to Paul there. In effect Paul is saying: “Timothy, you have known from your earliest awareness of me that suffering is a part of the gospel work.”

3:12-13 All who want to live a godly life are not a special kind of Christian, but it should be true of every believer. The false teachers, who were evil and impostors, were not being persecuted.

3:14 The phrase those who taught you probably refers to Timothy’s mother and grandmother (1:5), especially since v. 15 mentions the teaching he received in childhood.

3:15 The phrase give you wisdom for salvation means that Scripture could lead Timothy to the “knowledge of the truth” (2:25; 1Tm 2:4). Scripture has the power to bring people to faith.

3:16-17 Inspired means “breathed out by God.” Because Scripture comes from God himself, it is profitable in many ways, ultimately leading us to righteousness, maturity, and service. All Scripture refers to the OT, but by implication to the writings of the NT as well (1Tm 5:18; 2Pt 3:15-16).