What does 2 Timothy 3:12 mean?

Based upon Paul's own experiences (2 Timothy 3:11), Paul could confidently point out that faithfulness to Christ leads to persecution from the ungodly world. This stands in stark contrast with the "prosperity gospel" of our time, which teaches that faithfulness to God leads to material blessings in this life. Paul taught that godly living included persecution. His own life served as a living testimony to this teaching. Even at the time of this letter, Paul was in prison, awaiting pending death for his faith.

The other apostles and many in the early church also experienced persecution for living a godly life in Christ Jesus. Traditionally, all of the apostles were martyred for their faith except for John, who was instead exiled to the island of Patmos where he wrote the book of Revelation. Hebrews 11 speaks of the suffering many of God's people have endured, concluding, "And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect (Hebrews 11:39–40). The awards for God's people are eternal rather than mere earthly blessings, though God may choose to provide material blessings, as well.