Category: Epistles – Is his letter to our church?

Epistle of Paul to the Romans

Epistles ἐπιστολή or Letters

I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren.

Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians

Don’t miss our recent FEATURED SERIES

JUNE 2024 – 2025 —

1 CORINTHIANS

———————————————————-

Letters – Is he writing to me?
The short answer: YES.

In their epistles or 1st century church letters the Apostles and other men sent out by Jesus build up the saints [small – ‘s’] or members of local first century churches.

A Disciple or other witness of JESUS would write it. Messengers then delivered these church letters to many isolated worshipers.

Followers of Jesus Christ receive these letters as a major encouragement to their personal faith. Then leaders read them to worshipers of their church.

Although the Epistles 0r Letters to the Church were originally written to churches of the first century,

Romans through Jude will seem like letters to your 21st century church.

What do Peter, Paul, John and others tell us we must do?
Is he talking about an issue in your 21st c. church as well?
How does the writer’s advice, warning, or encouragement to the 1st c. believers apply to you as well
Is the writer of this letter talking about something you need to address in your 21st century ‘christian’ life?

Contemporary Application of the Letters (Epistles)

Most New Testament writers take on specific issues confronting faithful followers of Jesus Christ. These same issues continue to confront believers until the Lord’s coming again in these last days.

Certainly Christ our Lord will come again to those God has chosen for eternal life.

Believers currently suffer more than most of you who know Christ in your local church can imagine.

In other lands Christians continue to suffer by the hand of the ungodly.
Go into all the world

A 21st century Common Era church can see and hear nearly any atrocity of man or artificial imagination of sinful man’s mind, yet ‘christians‘ dare not speak of any absolute truth of the Lord God or talk of JESUS CHRIST.

Will YOU comment on Scripture and share the Gospel?

I invite you to read the inspired word of Scripture written in these LETTERS TO THE CHURCH.

YES, He IS writing to YOU.

Beloved brother or sister in Christ Jesus,

Will you read this ‘CHURCH LETTER’ and talk of JESUS through your comment, sharing and email to me about this ‘Letter to you?”

Roger@talkofJesus.com

2 Timothy 4 – Preach the Word
I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the dead, and because of his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word..
Second Epistle of Paul to Timothy 4:1-2a CSB

Paul’s tone in the closing of his final letter to pastors — especially Timothy — strikes a most serious Apostolic climaxic chord. Paul’s edict recalls his own commanded authority as an Apostle under God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

An Edict to Preach

“I solemnly charge you,” captures this formal seriousness of Apostolic authority, although this English translation does not literally capture Paul’s charge word-for-word.

What is an edict?
```
Since 21st century Common Era English ears consider such authority archaic, trace its definition from  earlier eras:
```
edict is a borrowing from Latin. edictum.

In the Roman law. An edict; a mandate, or ordinance. An ordinance, or law, enacted by the emperor without the senate.

source: thelawdictionary.org

The earliest known use of the noun edict is in the Middle English period (1150—1500).

Oxford English Dictionary
1. a decree issued by a sovereign or other authority.
  - Synonyms: pronouncement, dictum
2. any authoritative proclamation or command.
source: Dictionary.com

Some translations read,

“I charge you therefore,”

correctly connecting the Apostle’s edict to everything Paul as preached and written in this final letter.

By what Authority?

Common Era christians such as us might well ask, ‘who made you judge, jury and executioner?’

But it NOT the same question of Paul which the Apostle answered in writing two thousand years ago. The Apostle’s answer confirmed by other scriptures: it is not he who judges, but God by whose Authority he preaches and writes.

I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; preach the word;

Second Epistle of Paul to Timothy 4:1-2a – Authorized (King James Version)

“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ,” the Apostle writes to the faithful.
```
Allow me to say it again: Paul writes to the Church.
```
These are the Holy witnesses of Truth conveyed by Scripture.

Perhaps this charge rings familiar to any witnessing a ceremony of vows of Christian marriage.

“I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus,” reads the New American Bible.

God and..

ἐνώπιον θεοῦ καί

“before [enōpion ]GOD [theos] and [kai]

Paul clearly charges Timothy and the church to obey his teaching “with God as [my/his/our] witness.”

The Apostle adds a second and equal witness.

ἐνώπιον τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ τοῦ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ
```
You may recognize His Name (in Greek) from other Scripture. 
```
‘the lord’ [ho kyrios] iēsous christos

the Lord Jesus Christ

THEREFORE, with the witness of God and the witness of the Lord Jesus Christ — the Apostle to the gentiles (including most Christians) commands our faithfulness to God and Christ.

Would an unbeliever ask, ‘AND who are God and the Lord JESUS Christ, that I should do what Scripture says?”
```
The Apostle is NOT speaking to the unbeliever, but to the saint who claims Jesus as our Lord and Savior, propitiation for our sin and judge of all men [humankind, for you who choose], AND the pastor [like Timothy] discerning false followers among his fold. 
```
I’m giving you this commission in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is coming to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearance and his kingdom.

2 Timothy 4:1 – Common English Bible

coming again to judge the quick and the dead.

It is the Lord Jesus Christ who shall judge the quick [KJV from gk. zaō] and the dead [nekros]!

A 21st century christian little schooled in Scripture will find further study in these terms related to judgment which the Apostle Paul employs here in his last testament to pastors and the Church.

Much false teaching has evolved in these last days (centuries and millennia) in the Church — Scripture twisted by men and women commissioned with the highest responsibility of Truth who the Apostle would condemn before God and Christ.

The Preaching of a Man of God[a]
- Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead,[b]
```
Two theological notes from the New Catholic Bible
```
Footnotes
a. 2 Timothy 4:1 Apostles, missionaries, and pastors are first of all men of the Gospel and evangelization. The project that animates their existence is to awaken human beings to the true worship of the living God. This is a much more pressing task when a swarm of vain ideas sows confusion. Such a time has come, says Paul.

b. 2 Timothy 4:1 Living and the dead: Christ will return to judge both the living and the dead (see Mt 25:31; Jn 5:26-29; 1 Thes 4:15-17). This was doubtless an early teaching (see Acts 10:42; 1 Pet 4:5), and it became part of the Creed.

all links to Biblegateway.com New Catholic Bible © 2019

Apostles Creed 12 quick answers for christians

Although English punctuation in what Paul writes next varies, don’t disconnect the following edict from what the Apostle has just introduced as our solemn duty.

κήρυξον τὸν λόγον

(Preach the word!)

You’re a preacher, aren’t you?

kēryssō – verb, Of uncertain affinity

Think, John the Baptist.

Now in those days John the Baptist came, preaching^G2784 in the wilderness of Judea, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Gospel of Matthew 3:1-2 LSB

He preached to those who sought him.

Or think of the Lord Jesus as He went out with the Gospel.

And Jesus was going throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching G2784 the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness among the people.

Matthew 4:23 LSB

The Apostle Peter wrote of Christ preaching to both the quick and the dead:

For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

By which also he went and preached G2784 unto the spirits in prison;

Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

First Epistle of Peter 3:18-20 KJV

Preach the Gospel by Paul’s example

you, therefore, who teach [didaskō] another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach G2784 that one shall not steal, do you steal?

Romans 2:21 LSB

For you remember, brothers, our labor and hardship, how working night and day so as not to be a burden to any of you, we proclaimed G2784 to you the gospel of God.

1 Thessalonians 2:9 LSB

but we preach G2784 Christ crucified,

to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness,

but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

1 Corinthians 1:23-24 LSB

Be Prepared

Preach the word. Be ready to do it whether it is convenient or inconvenient. Correct, confront, and encourage with patience and instruction.

2 Timothy 4:22 NIV

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

2 Timothy 4:22 AKJV

STAND BY…

Paul’s verb, ephistēmi, instructs us to always be present, used esp. of persons coming upon one suddenly
- And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon G2186 them, – Luke 2:9 KJV
- And the night following the Lord stood by G2186 him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome. – Acts of the Apostles 23:11 KJV
Reprove, Rebuke Exhort

Harsh words to 21st c. Common Era ears.

And IF we hear these from the pulpit these tend towards those not of our same flock, rather than directed to the refining of the faithful.

Never-the-less, the Apostle’s edict commands Timothy and other pastors to do these.

THREE THINGS:
1. elegchō – Reprove
2. epitimaō – Rebuke
3. exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
in all long-suffering and teaching

Let’s begin with DOCTRINE.

Doctrine is quite simply, TEACHING (whether the preacher or false teacher tells you the truth about his, or not).

It’s very much an authoritative King James type word, but some English translations just call it what it is: INSTRUCTION.

διδαχή – didachē – Doctrine

Now I urge you, brothers, to keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and stumblings contrary to the teaching G1322 which you learned, and turn away from them.

Paul’s letter to the Romans 16:17 LSB

[The Bishop {overseer} must be].. holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching G1322, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to reprove those who contradict.

Paul’s pastoral epistle to Titus 1:7-9 excerpt LSB

Be Patient
```
Who remembers the Boy Scout motto: BE PREPARED?
A Leader or Teacher's motto might well be: 
BE PATIENT.
```
What Christ-follower has not experienced, ALL-LONGSUFFERING?

The Apostles suffered, indeed longsuffered for their faith. Timothy and others had lived long in the persecution of the saints in several cities.

Descriptions in other translations:
- Patience, or all patience
- complete patience,
- great patience
- unfailing in patience
If you have proclaimed Christ crucified and risen — JESUS as your ONLY Savior from damnation and just punishment in death by Almighty God — you, beloved believer, must be patient, long-suffering with others.

Paul’s Apostolic Edict to Pastors:
- Preach the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Scriptures.
- Be ready and persevere in ministry.
- Reprove, Rebuke and Encourage – with all patience.
Understand this Apostolic importance of correcting false teachings and sinful behavior within the church, always with love and truth.

“Reprove” involves correcting false beliefs or behaviors, aligning with the corrective nature of Scripture as described in 2 Timothy 3:16.

“Rebuke” is a stronger form of correction, often necessary to address persistent sin, as seen in Jesus’ rebuke of the Pharisees in Matthew 23.

“Encourage” involves building up and supporting believers, similar to the exhortations found in Hebrews 10:24-25. Together, these actions reflect the balance of truth and love in ministry.

source: BibleHub.com

Endure in Sound Doctrine

ὑγιαίνω διδασκαλία

figuratively, to be uncorrupt (true in doctrine)

metaph. of Christians whose opinions are free from any mixture of error

of one who keeps the graces and is strong

source: blueletterbible.org

The Apostle to Jesus Christ warns once more against false teaching constantly invading in the church.

Previously from Paul:

..the law is made .. for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, or the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers

—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.

1 Timothy 1:9-12 excerpt NIV

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.

1 Timothy 4:1-2,6 KJV

If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;

He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness:

from such withdraw thyself.

First Epistle of Paul to Timothy 6:5 KJV

2 Timothy 4:3 – a second reminder

For the time will come
when people will not tolerate sound doctrine,
but according to their own desires, will multiply teachers for themselves
because they have an itch to hear what they want to hear.
2 Timothy 4:3 CSB

When the church will not tolerate sound doctrine

We read in the Common English Bible: ‘There will come a time when people will not tolerate sound teaching.’

Paul and the other Apostles all warned of it. Some heresies already seeping into the Church became rampant even before the fall of Rome. Another turning from doctrine by the Church itself resulted in a millenial dark age defying the Scriptural light of Apostolic faith in the early Church.

The Protestant Reformation returned this Light of Christ and the Gospel for a time. Then a great awakening reignighted a remnant faith once more.

Even into the 20th century an enlightened mankind would at least acknowlege God and Jesus Christ. But now in the Common Era, most will not.

An Insatiatiable Common Era church

WHY?

We find Paul’s reasoning here in this text 21st c. pulpits dare not say to our own Sunday gathering of sinners (forgiven ONLY in Christ)?

.. but after their own lusts G1939 …

2 Timothy 4:3b KJV

These are a longing (especially for what is forbidden); to lust after something we really want replacing what God desires.

Other translations suggest, ‘to suit their own desires,’ or ‘they will follow their own desires,’ or even accuse that it is, ‘because they are self-centered.’

What does the Apostle warn will happen?
```
Recognize here the life of our Common Era communities and churches:
```
.. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.

2 Timothy 4:3b NIV

Preaching to itching ears

“..to suit their own desires” (lusts) the church will ordain teachers to preach to multitudes of “itching ears”

They will turn away from hearing the truth and will turn aside to myths.

2 Timothy 4:4 NKJV

When did the desires of the multitudes become the gospel of false teaching?

The Apostle WARNS that this could happen and urges Timothy to beware of these false teachers.

but you watch

5 But you must keep control of yourself in all circumstances.

Common English Bible

5 But you, keep your head in all situations,

NIV

But as for you, exercise self-control in everything

2 Tim 4:5a CSB

in all things:
- endure afflictions
The Apostle Paul emphasized this, by contrast to false teachers, in the early part of this epistle.

2 Timothy 2 – Strong Teachers Charge them before God

The Apostolic call of Paul to endure all things will ring familiar in ears to hear his gospel preached to many churches.

.. it does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; it bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love [agapē] never fails..

do the work of an evangelist

εὐαγγελιστής – euangelistēs –
- What is an evangelist?
the name given to the NT heralds of salvation through Christ who are not apostles

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g2099/lsb/tr/0-1
- AND what is the work of an evangelist?
From εὐαγγελίζω (G2097)

The KJV translates Strong’s G2097 in the following manner: preach (23x), preach the Gospel (22x), more

And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and proclaiming G2097 the good G2097 news G2097 that Jesus is the Christ.

Acts of the Apostles 5:42 LSB

Jesus instructs us in the works of the evangelist.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:16 NKJV

Then they said to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them,

“This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.”

Gospel of John 6:28-29 NKJV

Carry on

“Fulfill your ministry,” translate several versions of 2 Timothy 4:5.

Paul has fulfilled his Apostolic mission and in closing his final epistle the Apostle now encourages Timothy to carry on — ‘make full proof of thy ministry’ [KJV], discharge all the duties of your ministry [NIV].

NEXT: Paul will pass the torch to Timothy in closing his final epistle.
2 Timothy – Apostolic Faith SeriesActs 1-20 synopsis with links
Comment on Scripture – Share the Gospel
February 27, 2026
2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture
But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures,

which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Second Letter of Paul to Timothy 3:14-15 NKJV

The Apostle Paul will now show his successors, including at the time of his impending execution Timothy in Ephesus, how they must refute false teaching by focusing on Scripture.
```
Today's look at 2 Timothy within our SERIES of Apostolic Faith is primarily TOPICAL with focus on SCRIPTURE and its related terms. - RH 
```
Scripture is…

Many of us tend toward an easy answer of quoting scripture as a single and particular verse within a chapter, within a book, within a category of books, i.e. the Torah. Yet this epistle of Paul and books of the Prophets often point to additional books for origin, application and/or context.

the Scriptures are books

Paul reminds Timothy: “.. you have known the Holy Scriptures..”, translated from the Greek: τὰ [ho] ἱερὰ [hieros] γράμματα [gramma] οἶδας [you have known].

No doubt you recognize the Greek word for Scripture – gramma, as grammar.
- γράμμα grámma, gram’-mah; from G1125; a writing, i.e. a letter, note, epistle, book, etc.; plural; learning:—bill, learning, letter, scripture, writing, written.
Writings

Yet let’s not miss that the Apostle Paul points Timothy to the ‘scriptures‘ [plural] and more importantly with specific reference that those writings that are “holy.”

Biblia

The earliest Christian use of ta biblia (the books) in this sense is said to be 2 Clement 2:14 (c. a.d. 150): “The books and the apostles declare that the church . . . has existed from the beginning.” (Compare Dan. 9:2, “I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures,” where the reference is to the corpus of Old Testament prophetic writings.) Greek biblion (of which biblia is the plural) is a diminutive of biblos, which in practice denotes any kind of written document, but originally one written on papyrus.

A term synonymous with“the Bible” is“the writings” or “the Scriptures” (Greek hai graphai, ta grammata), frequently used in the New Testament to denote the Old Testament documents in whole or in part. For example, Matthew 21:42 says, “Have you never read in the Scriptures?” (en tais graphais). The parallel passage, Mark 12:10, has the singular, referring to the particular text quoted,“Haven’t you read this Scripture?” (ten graphen tauten).

Source: The Origin of the Bible – Tyndale Publishers

Old Testament

17:14 וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה כְּתֹב זֹאת זִכָּרוֹן בַּסֵּפֶר וְשִׂים בְּאָזְנֵי יְהוֹשֻׁעַ

And the LORD said to Moses,

“Write this as a memorial in a book and recite it in the ears of Joshua..

Exodus 17:14a – Masoretic Text, Revised Standard Version

Strong’s H3789 – kāṯaḇ (for write) is the same Hebrew word used in the giving of the Commandments.

And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai,
two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written H3789
with the finger of God.
Exodus 31:18 KJV

“Write this as a memorial in a book,” the LORD instructs Moses to give to his successor Joshua.

New testament

Some pastors and teachers wander from the Truth of Scripture by dismissing Old Testament Law and especially the Prophets from the hearing and remembrance of their church.

“I have come in My Father’s name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive.

.. there is one who accuses you—Moses, in whom you trust.

“For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me.

“But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?”

New Testament Gospel of John 5:43, 45b-47 NKJV

The Lord Jesus Christ, however, connects His own testimony to that of the Hebrew Bible:

“.. he (Moses) wrote [γράφω – graphō] about Me, ” states the Lord Jesus. And the Christ or Messiah of Israel adds:

“But if you do not believe his (Moses’) writings [γράμμα – gramma], how will you believe My words [ῥῆμα – rhēma]?”

This, in addition to being a frequent warning of Christ, became an Apostolic word of warning written in several epistles to A.D. first century pastors.

a word from The Apostle Peter

Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words [rhēma] of eternal life

Gospel of John 6:68 – Jesus’ Apostles remain faithful as the Lord’s crucifixion approaches

BUT THE WORD^G4487 OF THE LORD ENDURES FOREVER.”

And this is the word^G4487 which was proclaimed to you as good news.

1 Peter 1:25

I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, that you should remember the words spoken beforehand by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior spoken by your apostles..

2 Peter 3:1a-2 LSB

Peter’s Steadfast Purpose and the coming Day of the Lord

All Scripture…

Paul in his second pastoral epistle to Timothy also provides a remembrance of Scripture for generations to follow.

Second Timothy 3:15 (RSV)

speaks of “the sacred writings”

(ta hiera grammata), and the next verse says,

“All Scripture is God-breathed”

(pasa graphe theopneustos).

In 2 Peter 3:16 “all” the letters of Paul are included along with “the other Scriptures” (tas loipas graphas),

by which the Old Testament writings and probably also the Gospels are meant.

ibid.

It is written…
```
Is the phrase familiar? 
```
- as it is written in the book of the law of Moses – Joshua 8:31
- Keep the passover unto the LORD your God, as it is written in the book of this covenant. – 2 Kings 23:21
- Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book [sēp̄er] it is written [kāṯaḇ] of me.. – Psalm 40:7
Jesus therefore answered and said to them, “Do not murmur among yourselves. No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.

“It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’[Jesus, quoting Isaiah 54:13]

Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me.

Gospel of John 6:43-45 NKJV

Then I said, “Behold, I come;

In the scroll of the book it is written H3789 of me.

Psalm:40:7 (WLC 40:8) אָז אָמַרְתִּי הִנֵּה־בָאתִי בִּמְגִלַּת־סֵפֶר כָּתוּב עָלָי׃

כָּתַב kâthab, kaw-thab’; a primitive root; to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe):—describe, record, prescribe, subscribe, write(-ing, -ten).

Strong’s Number H3789 matches the Hebrew כָּתַב (kāṯaḇ),
which occurs 226 times in 212 verses in the WLC Hebrew.

The Holy Writings of God dominate the remembrance of Old Testament faith and New Testament credibility.

Theopneutos – inspired by God

God CANNOT be wrong!

Yet Satan would ask, “Did God really say…?” (And so do false teachers.)

3:16 πᾶσα γραφὴ θεόπνευστος

theopneustos –
- given by inspiration of God –
  - KJV & others
- inspired by God –
  - CSB, NLT & others
- God-breathed –
  - LSB, NIV & others
- [given by divine inspiration] –
  - AMP
- breathed out by God –
  - ESV
“Every scripture inspired of God,” the ASV translates.

“Every scripture is inspired by God,” reads the New English Translation.

“Every scripture is divinely inspired,” in the Darby translation.

“every Writing is God-breathed,” states Young’s Literal Translation.

Pivotal Proof, IF you believe

How do false teachers oppose God and Christ?

First, in order to turn faithful saints of the church against God false teachers must attack Scripture. They do this with the subtlety of Satan with a simple turn of a word. For when all is said and done, false teachers insist that God is wrong and that they know why.

In a section headed, SCRIPTURE PROVIDES INSTRUCTION FOR SANCTIFICATION (which of course false teachers want no part of), John MacArthur writes:

Some scholars suggest that All Scripture is inspired should be translated,

“All Scripture inspired by God is..,”

which would leave open the possibility that some Scripture is not inspired by Him. But that rendering would make the Bible worthless as a reliable guide to divine truth, because we would then have no way to determine which part of it is inspired by God and which is not.

Men would be left to their own finite and sinful devices and understanding ot discover what part of the Bible may be true and which may not, what part is God’s Word and what part is human conjecture.

THE MACARTHUR NEW TESTAMENT COMMENTARY – 2 TIMOTHY, P.142

MacArthur definitively adds:

Many men who wrote Scripture, such as Moses and Paul, were highly trained in human knowledge and wisdom, but that learning was not the source of divine truth they recorded. David was a highly gifted poet, .. but it was not the source of the divine truths in those psalms.

ibid. p.143

Does 2 Tim 3:16 prove the inspiration of all Scripture or just some?
```
excerpt from: A POPULAR HANDBOOK ON BIBLE DIFFICULTIES 
```
PROBLEM:

Some think that the word “all” should be replaced by “every.” Plus, one believe that.. “is” should be placed after.. not before.

SOLUTION:

[edited excerpt] .. those that translate this verse with “is” after “God” make it sound like there are some scriptures not inspired of God. “all” should be translated, “every” if the definite article is missing. However, whenever the word “Scripture” (graphē) is used in the NT, it always refers to authoritative and inspired writings— never the opposite…

Paul’s context here refers to “the Holy Scriptures” (1:15) Timothy’s Jewish mother and grandmother had taught him (2 Tim 1:5), and this could be none other than the whole Jewish OT.

WHEN CRITICS ASK, Norman Geisler & Thomas Howe, pp 505-506

πᾶσα γραφὴ θεόπνευστος καὶ — ALL SCRIPTURE given by inspiration of God, and…

4 Profitable Imperatives

The Apostle Paul then continues to instruct Timothy and readers of his pastoral epistle in HOW TO APPLY the TRUTH of GOD-BREATHED SCRIPTURE.
```
By 'profitable,' Paul means helpful or advantageous 
```
Once again, let’s just list Paul’s MUST DO list from various translations noting also the interralationship of these actions of applying Scripture.
- doctrine, reproof, correction, instruction, teaching, rebuking, reprimand, correcting, training, [in righteousness], conviction [of sin], reproof
- “omnis scriptura divinitus inspirata
  - et utilis ad docendum ad arguendum ad corrigendum ad erudiendum in iustitia’
    
    from the Latin Vulgate
WE resist many of these Scriptural imperatives; but the Apostle Paul assures Christ-followers that GOD breathed-out the Commandments WRITTEN in the BIBLE.
```
Let's simplify Paul's four-point list in 2 Timothy 3:16
```
1. DOCTRINE – didaskalia
2. REPROOF – elegchos
3. CORRECTION – epanorthōsis
4. INSTRUCTION IN RIGHTEOUSNESS – paideia en dikaiosynē
Doctrine, learning, teaching or Instruction

The Scriptures serve as a comprehensive guide for teaching and imparting knowledge about God, His will, and His ways. … The Bible provides moral and spiritual guidance, helping believers understand the nature of God and the principles of His kingdom.

BibleHub.com

proof, conviction:—evidence, reproof.
- a proof, that by which a thing is proved or tested
- conviction
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence G1650 of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:1

correction, improvement of life or character,

restoration to an upright or right state – a derivative of the base of G3717; to straighten up:—lift (set) up, make straight.

And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up…

And He [Jesus] laid His hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.

Gospel of Luke 13:11,13 NKJV

ἐπανόρθωσις – a straightening up again, i.e. (figuratively) rectification (reformation):—correction.

Paul assures Timothy that Scripture can rectify that false teaching which has made your spirit and life crooked with sin.
Instruction in righteousness –

the whole training and education of children

(which relates to the cultivation of mind and morals, and employs for this purpose now commands and admonitions, now reproof and punishment)

It also includes the training and care of the body
παιδεία paideía, pahee-di’-ah; from G3811; tutorage, i.e. education or training; by implication, disciplinary correction:—chastening, chastisement, instruction, nurture.

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God,

to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:

6:4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath,

but bring them up in the

TRAINING [G3809]

and admonition of the Lord.

Paul’s protégé and young pastor to the saints at Ephesus, will not overlook his apostolic example as the type of righteousness required in the instruction of Scripture.

That the man of God may be perfect

thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

2 Timothy 3:17 KJV
```
One last word here about ALL SCRIPTURE, before the Apostle pushes on to PREACH THE WORD. 
```
ἵνα ἄρτιος ᾖ – that perfect may be

Perfection (used in the King James Version) refers to perfection in Christ.

Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Gospel of Matthew 5:48 KJV – Jesus teaching the crowds in the Beautitudes

Other translations use ‘complete.’

Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God.

Revelation of Jesus Christ to John: 3:2 ESV – To the Church in Sardis

Still other translations point the preacher of God to Scripture as essential to be: fit, adequate, capable, or proficient.

ὁ τοῦ θεοῦ ἄνθρωπος – of God the man

The Apostle is addressing the man of God, a technical phrases used only of Timothy in the New Testament. In the Old Testament it is frequently used as a title for one who proclaimed the Word of God. In this context, man of God refers most directly to Timothy and, by extension, to all preachers.

John MacArthur New Testament Commentary – 2 Timothy, p.162

πρὸς πᾶν ἔργον ἀγαθὸν – unto all works good
- πρός – pros – unto, to the advantage of
- πᾶς – G3956 – pas, all (17x in 2 Timothy)
  - ALL, again same as in ‘all scripture’
- ἔργον ἀγαθὸν, ergon agathos, lit. works good
  - (and in the Greek, followed by ‘thoroughly furnished.’
And Paul’s practical preparation for the man of God gives good reason:

The Apostle prescribes SCRIPTURE as a preacher’s tools, useful for building good works among the saints of their church.

ἐξηρτισμένος – thoroughly furnished
- throughly [KJV prior to 16th c. archaic]furnished
  - unto all good works.
ἐξαρτίζω exartízō, means: to furnish perfectly; to finish, accomplish, (as it were, to render the days complete).

One instance of this concept takes place when John the Baptist objected to Jesus that Christ should be baptizing him.

And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now:^G737 for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

Matthew 3:15 KJV

Scripture Written – the Word Spoken

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

And God said…

Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among them that call upon his name; they called upon the LORD, and he answered them.

Genesis 1:1-3a, Psalm 99:6 KJV

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God.

Gospel of John 1:1-2 KJV

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

Gospel of John 1:8, 10:27 KJV – Spoken by JESUS Christ

Next: Preach the word! – 2 Timothy 4

Comment on Scripture – Share the Gospel
February 20, 2026
2 Timothy 3 Standing Strong against Apostasy
Apostasy

to fall away – The abandonment of one’s religion.

The word apostasy is rarely found in the Eng. Bible.. But the reality expressed by the word is found frequently. Israel’s history was one of continual apostasy as the people deliberately turned away form the God who had redeemed them out of Egypt, and followed false gods and sinful ways… In the NT apostasy occurs when men turn aside from following Jesus and deny Him after having previously confessed Him as Lord.

The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible, p.216

Why is the Apostle Paul so concerned for some small misleading by men within the church?

How do some teachers oppose the true worship of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?

Who are they?

But Mark This:

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.

2 Timothy 3:1 NIV

χαλεπός – chalepos –
- perhaps from G5465 through the idea of reducing the strength; difficult, i.e. dangerous, or (by implication) furious:—fierce, perilous.
The Apostle Paul continues in his second epistle to pastors, beginning a central section we label, 2 TIMOTHY 3, with a reminder of danger announced in the NIV, “But mark this: ..”

Paul’s WARNING from his previous epistle

But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will [aphistēmi] fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, by the hypocrisy of liars, who have been seared in their own conscience, ..

1 Timothy 4:1-2 LSB

The great enemy of God is not Nation or Ruler who turns upon God’s people from without, but the strong-speaking leader weakening the Lord’s elect from within.

Roger@TalkofJesus.com

2 Timothy 3:

The Apostle has already cautioned in his second epistle to beware of men like Jannes and Jambres who betrayed Moses. Now Paul reminds Timothy and others of his personal example to them from the time he first witnessed to them.

You, however, know all about my teaching,

my way of life,

my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings—

Second pastoral Epistle of Paul to Timothy 3:10-11a NIV

And Paul then outlines some life-threatening events many of them witnessed which proved his faith through several persecutions and many injuries suffered:

—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured.

Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.

2 Timothy 3:11b NIV

Iconium – A Pattern of Persecution
```
Who would endure such suffering for Jesus Christ if not a witness to Truth? 
```
And it will not ONLY be Apostles, cautions Paul:

Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.

2 Timothy 3:12-13
```
HOW do faithful believers discern the difference between true Christ-followers and those misrepresenting JESUS for their own worldly gain?
```
The DANGER WITHIN threatens the CHURCH often unnoticed during DIFFICULT TIMES, because its leaders overlook Scripture.

Last Days and Difficult Times

2 Timothy 3 Danger Within during Difficult Times
```
The last days — eschatos hēmera, difficult times — chalepos kairos... 
```
kai toutous apotrepō – from such turn away.

Avoid such people!

YES, they may be prominent members, even Elders, leaders, priests or pastors in Christ’s church where you worship.

They will maintain the outward appearance of religion but will have repudiated its power. So avoid people like these.

2 Timothy 3:5 New English Translation

Knowing What You Know

The Apostle compares his own life to a different life promised by false teachers.

(For these are only the beginning of the last days before Christ’s return).

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 3:14-15 NIV
```
So how does a pastor like Timothy, or Elder, or simply a humble saint know who to believe? 
```
Questions for a Common Era christian church
```
Have any priestly men of your parrish repented of the calf replaced by idols of a woman worshiped?
 
Did episkopois above bishops elevate hagios long passed as ancient intercessors worshiped? 

Do spotlights illuminate your idols on stage for a multitude little different than what Moses witnessed on descent from Sinai?

Does your vaulting cathedral show wooden pillars of pastoral vision as the calf gathering those led by Jannes and Jambres into the worship of a new King? 

Has worldly refreshment replaced Scripture in the house of the Lord?

Is the Christ of true Scripture rejected in place of some other calf-like JESUS proclaimed king without taking up a Cross? 
```
But they won’t get away with this for long.

Someday everyone will recognize what fools they are, just as with Jannes and Jambres.

2 Timothy 3:9 NLT

Recognizing Apostasy from Scripture

As mentioned earlier we will not find the word “apostasy” frequently in the Bible, but Scripture reveals apostate acts of turning against God and Christ throughout.

Follow the meaning and connection of some of these related root words from both the Greek and Hebrew of the Bible:

Let no one in any way deceive you, for it has not come unless the [apostasia] apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the sanctuary of God, exhibiting himself as being God.

Second Epistle of Paul to the Thessalonians 2:2-3 LSB – regarding letters from false teachers
```
ἀποστασία apostasía, ap-os-tas-ee'-ah; feminine of the same as G647; defection from truth 
```
And they said, “Moses permitted a man TO WRITE A CERTIFICATE OF DIVORCE G647 [apostasion] AND [apolyō] SEND her AWAY.”

But Jesus said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart he wrote for you this commandment. But from the beginning of creation, God MADE THEM MALE AND FEMALE…”

Gospel of Mark 10:4-6 LSB
```
ἀποστάσιον apostásion, ap-os-tas'-ee-on; neuter of a (presumed) adjective from a derivative of G868; properly, something separative, i.e. (specially) divorce:—(writing of) divorcement. 
```
“And those on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy,
and these have no root;
they believe for a while,
and in time of temptation
fall^G868 away^G868.
Gospel of Luke 8:13 LSB — Strong’s G868 – aphistēmi – to remove, i.e. (actively) instigate to revolt; usually (reflexively) to desist, desert, etc.:—depart, draw (fall) away, refrain, withdraw self.

LXX – Septuagint – O.T. translations from the Greek

Old Testament
```
The Septuagint, often abbreviated as LXX, is the ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, traditionally said to have been translated by seventy or seventy-two Jewish scholars in the 3rd century BC. 
```
The translation of the Hebrew Scriptures into Greek was necessitated by the dispersion of the Jewish people throughout the Hellenistic world, particularly in Egypt, where many Jews had lost their Hebrew language skills.

The Septuagint holds particular significance in early Christianity, as it was the version of the Old Testament most frequently quoted by the New Testament authors.

The use of the Septuagint by the early Church Fathers further solidified its role in Christian theology and exegesis.

source: BibleHub.com

Strong’s G868 – aphistēmi – LXX
- to make stand off, cause to withdraw, to remove
  - to excite to revolt
- to stand off, to stand aloof
Strong’s Number G868 matches the Greek ἀφίστημι (aphistēmi),
which occurs 150 times in 138 verses in the LXX Greek.

Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked.

Exodus 23:7 KJV

For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly.

Deuteronomy 7:4 KJV

And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD: he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin.

2 Kings 15: (4X)

Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping.

Psalm 6;8
```
 Hear, ye that are far off, what I have done; 
and, ye that are near, acknowledge my might. 
 The sinners in Zion are afraid; 
fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. 
 Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? 
who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings? 

- Isaiah 33:14-15 KJV 
```
more Apostasy from the Hebrew Bible [O.T.]

Various Hebrew words could be translated into English as ‘apostasy.’

If you read more books of the Prophets, such as Isaiah {above}, you will see their turning against God repeatedly.

Your evil will chastise you,
and your apostasy will reprove you.
Know and see that it is evil and bitter
for you to forsake the LORD your God;
the fear of me is not in you,
declares the Lord GOD of hosts.

Jeremiah 2:19 ESV
```
Strong's H4878 - mᵊšûḇâ
turning away, turning back, apostasy, backsliding 
```
Hosea

The entire book of Hosea essentially outlines the faithlessness of God’s ‘chosen people.’

Historical Context [8th century B.C.]:
Hosea’s prophetic career spanned the reigns of several kings of Israel, including Jeroboam II, and possibly extended into the early years of the Assyrian conquest. This period was marked by political instability, social injustice, and rampant idolatry. The Northern Kingdom was prosperous but spiritually bankrupt, having turned away from Yahweh to worship Baal and other Canaanite deities.

source: BibleHub.com

.. And the LORD said to Hosea, Go, take unto thee a wife of whoredoms and children of whoredoms: for the land hath committed great whoredom, departing from the LORD.

Hosea 1:2a KJV

Though thou, Israel, play the harlot, yet let not Judah offend; and come not ye unto Gilgal, neither go ye up to Bethaven, nor swear, The LORD liveth.

Hosea 4:15

For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind:

it hath no stalk: the bud shall yield no meal: if so be it yield, the strangers shall swallow it up.

Israel is swallowed up: now shall they be among the Gentiles as a vessel wherein is no pleasure.

Hosea 8:7-8

When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt…

And my people are bent to backsliding [mᵊšûḇâ – מְשׁוּבָה ] from me:

though they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt him.

Hosea 11:1,7 KJV

Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God,
for you have stumbled because of your iniquity.

I will heal their apostasy [mᵊšûḇâ];
I will love them freely,
for my anger has turned from them.

Hosea 14:1,4 KJV

live a godly life in Christ Jesus

But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived.

But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you.

2 Timothy 3:13-14 NLT

NEXT: All Scripture

Talk of JESUS . com

Comment on Scripture – Share the Gospel
February 3, 2026