2 Timothy 3:10 - Printer Friendly

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,

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.

Second Timothy 3:10–17 draws a strong contrast between the worldly, wicked behaviors of false teachers, and the conduct Timothy has seen from Paul. Not only has Timothy seen Paul's suffering for the sake of Christ first-hand, he has often experienced it alongside his friend, as well. This adds to the validity of Paul's teachings, which he strongly encourages Timothy to hold to. Above all, Timothy is to rely on the most secure, reliable, unchanging defense against error and false teaching: the ''God-breathed,'' inspired, written Scriptures.

Chapter 3 presents two sections with very different themes. In the first, Paul describes in detail the sins associated with apostasy: the abandonment of truth. Echoing the themes of prior chapters, Paul instructs Timothy to avoid not only these sins, but the people who participate in them. In the second section, Paul draws a contrast between these false teachers and his own example, as well as the faithful conduct of Timothy. Paul's capstone advice against false teaching and apostasy is the written word of God: the most powerful resource for any Christian leader.

In prior chapters, Paul has encouraged Timothy through an appeal to his lifelong spiritual heritage. He has also instructed Timothy to remain focused on the work of God, rather than pointless bickering. Here, Paul will present more warnings about the attitude of false teachers and those who reject God in favor of their own preferences. Just as he taught previously, Paul warns Timothy in no uncertain terms to avoid these behaviors and those who participate in them. This chapter is the high point of Paul's letter, leading to his final instructions to Timothy found in chapter 4.

Second Timothy is the last New Testament letter written by Paul. Paul writes these words while awaiting execution by Rome. At this time, around AD 67, Timothy was leading the church in Ephesus. Paul writes to Timothy in order to encourage him. Paul is facing the worst of all hardships: his own impending death. So, he encourages Timothy to stand strong in his faith, with a reliance on the written Word of God. This letter echoes many of the themes Paul uses in his other letters.