What does 2 Timothy 3:15 mean?
In addition to personal teachings about Jesus from Paul and other early Christian leaders, Timothy had been trained in the Torah from an early age by his mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 1:5). This verse notes his lifelong immersion in the word of God. Timothy was most likely literate, something not as common in his time as it is today. He had both heard and probably read from the Torah at the local synagogue in Lystra (Acts 16:1). At the very least, his mother and grandmother instructed him in the Jewish scriptures. He had a Greek father and was not circumcised until he was an adult, but had a strong Jewish influence from his mother's side of the family.Paul also adds the primary point of the written word of God, both Old Testament and New: leading people to a saving knowledge of God: Jesus Christ. The Old Testament writings gave wisdom for salvation, but salvation itself came through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8–9). Paul notes the importance of the Old Testament, while also emphasizing the saving role of Jesus as the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17–20).