2 Timothy 3:14-15
What is written? (ESV)
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
What does it say?
You, however, should continue in what you learned and confidently believed, having been instructed from childhood with the Scriptures, which give you the wisdom leading toward salvation through belief in Jesus Christ.
What is its immediate context?
Paul is writing to the younger Timothy and giving general advice about his work in preaching the Gospel. Paul has repeated contrasted those that are teaching false doctrine and their motives for doing so against how Timothy should conduct himself, which leads to this opening transition of “But as for you…”.
How 2 Timothy 3:14-15 is applied across Bible answers
Top 3: Why ‘Old Testament vs. New Testament’ isn’t the best approach?
Paul tells Timothy not to unlearn the "sacred writings" (e.g. Old Testament) since they will provide the necessary wisdom to be saved. Note: It doesn't say that it saves him, that's "through faith in Jesus Christ", but it is necessary for his further sanctification.
Paul continues, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." (vss 16-17) The Old Testament was necesary for Timothy to be "complete".
What is salvation according to the Bible?
Salvation comes from (e.g. "thorough") belief in Jesus,10 but must be kept or maintained by "continuing in" God's word.
The entire books of 1 and 2 Timothy (and Titus) show Paul's grave and urgent concern over the younger Timothy (and Titus) keeping/maintaining their salvation and not being pulled back by worldly desires or false teaching.
