Chapter
1 2 3 4
Verse
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

2 Timothy 3:10
ESV You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness,
NIV You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance,
NASB Now you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance,
CSB But you have followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, and endurance,
NLT But you, Timothy, certainly know what I teach, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance.
KJV But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
NKJV But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance,

What does 2 Timothy 3:10 mean?

Verses 10–17 compose the second main section of chapter 3. Paul transitions from the ungodly actions of evil people and false teachers to his own godly life and its influence on Timothy. Seven items are presented in this verse, regarding specific areas in which Timothy has closely observed Paul's teaching. These support the reality of Paul's beliefs and are meant to be imitated by Timothy. This, in harmony with the rest of the New Testament, reveals the connection between beliefs and actions (James 2:14).

Paul uses clear and expressive Greek in this passage, which emphasizes his intended meaning. Paul indicates that Timothy has "followed" these examples, given in verses 10 and 11. "Followed" is from the Greek word parēkolouthēsas, which means "to observe closely, to follow, to imitate, or to examine in depth." In other words, Timothy has personal knowledge of Paul's example, has studied him closely, and has accompanied him in these in the past. Paul will also punctuate each of the following items with the Greek term tē, meaning "the:" as in "the teaching, the conduct, the aim of life…"

This is meant, in part, to support the validity of Paul's witness. Because Timothy has seen, in person, Paul's experience of all these things, he knows firsthand that this is a sincere, truthful message.

First, Timothy followed Paul's teaching. This was to be expected, after their ministry together in Acts 16, as well as Paul's writings to him in 1 and 2 Timothy.

Second, Timothy followed Paul's conduct or actions. He was considered Paul's "true child in the faith" (1 Timothy 1:2).

Third, Timothy followed Paul's "aim in life," meaning he was a person of purpose whose focus was the gospel. Just as Paul strove to follow God first and foremost, so did Timothy.

Fourth, Timothy followed Paul's faith, a general phrase that could include both salvation and ongoing faithfulness as a believer.

Fifth, Timothy followed Paul's patience. Paul constantly extolls the virtues of patience in his writings (Romans 2:7; 8:25; 2 Corinthians 6:6; Galatians 5:22; Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 1:11; 3:12; 1 Timothy 1:16; 2 Timothy 4:2).

Sixth, Timothy followed Paul's love, a key theme in Paul's letters. This is most famously explained in 1 Corinthians chapter 13.

Seventh, Timothy followed Paul's steadfastness or perseverance. Timothy had endured much, just as Paul had throughout his ministry.
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