2 Timothy 3:17 - Printer Friendly

ESV: that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

NIV: so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

NASB: so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work.

CSB: so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

NLT: God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

KJV: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

NKJV: that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Paul concludes this chapter and section on Scripture stating that it can make the "man of God" "complete" and "equipped for every good work." The description "man of God" was used in the Old Testament of Moses (Deuteronomy 33:1), Samuel (1 Samuel 9:6), and other prophets (1 Kings 12:22). The term is not as common in the New Testament. There, only Timothy is referred to as a man of God. In addition to this verse, Paul uses the phrase regarding Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:11.

The man of God is helped by Scripture in two areas. First, he "may be complete," a term referring to maturity. Timothy's study and application of Scripture would make him a mature Christian man who could successfully lead other believers. Second, he would be "equipped for every good work." Regardless of the need, Timothy would have the worldview he needed to properly live out his faith. It is accurate biblical understanding that better enhances biblical application to life's issues.

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.

Accessed 5/2/2024 9:35:34 PM