1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all [men], as theirs also was.
10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of [them] all the Lord delivered me.
12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned [them];
15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Overview of 2 Timothy Chapter 3
2 Timothy Chapter 3 is a pivotal section of the Apostle Paul’s letter to Timothy, addressing the challenges of the last days and the importance of Scripture. This chapter serves as both a warning and an encouragement, highlighting the moral decline in society while affirming the value of biblical teachings for guidance and strength in faith.
Characteristics of the Last Days
Paul begins this chapter by outlining the traits that will characterize people in the last days. He presents a vivid picture of moral decay and societal issues that will arise:
- Self-love
- Money-loving
- Boastfulness
- Arrogance
- Blasphemy
- Disobedience to parents
- Ungratefulness
- Unholiness
- Heartlessness
- Slanderous behavior
- Lack of self-control
- Brutality
- Hatred of good
- Treacherousness
- Recklessness
- Puffed up with pride
- Lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God
Warning Against False Teachers
Paul warns Timothy about the presence of false teachers who will exploit these characteristics to lead others astray. He describes their deceptive nature and the impact they can have on vulnerable individuals:
- They will infiltrate households.
- They will capture weak-willed women burdened by sins.
- They will exploit those who are always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.
Paul compares these false teachers to Janus and Jambres, the magicians who opposed Moses, emphasizing that their folly will eventually be exposed.
Affirmation of Timothy’s Faith and Upbringing
In contrast to the negative influences, Paul reminds Timothy of his own upbringing and the sincere faith he possesses. He emphasizes the importance of Timothy’s foundation in Scripture:
- Timothy’s faith was rooted in his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice.
- He has been taught the Holy Scriptures from childhood.
Paul asserts that these Scriptures are capable of making Timothy wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
The Purpose and Power of Scripture
Paul outlines the significance of Scripture in the life of a believer:
- All Scripture is God-breathed.
- It is useful for teaching.
- It is beneficial for rebuking.
- It aids in correcting.
- It provides training in righteousness.
These functions of Scripture equip believers to be thoroughly equipped for every good work, emphasizing the transformative power of God’s Word in a believer’s life.
Conclusion and Exhortation
Paul concludes the chapter with a strong exhortation for Timothy to remain steadfast in what he has learned and to continue in his commitment to the faith. He encourages him to endure hardship and to fulfill his ministry, reminding him of the importance of Scripture as a source of strength and guidance in tumultuous times.
