2 Timothy 3:15 – “and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, Paul continues his encouragement to Timothy by reminding him of his spiritual foundation. Timothy didn’t come to know God’s truth later in life-he had been taught the Scriptures from the time he was a young child. These weren’t just stories or moral lessons. Paul calls them “the Holy Scriptures”-God’s Word, set apart and powerful.
Paul highlights that the Scriptures are “able to make you wise for salvation.” That means the Bible doesn’t just inform us-it transforms us. It shows us our need for a Savior and points us to the only way to be saved: faith in Christ Jesus.
Timothy had been raised in a home where the Word of God was treasured. His mother and grandmother had passed on that truth (see 2 Timothy 1:5), and now Paul reminds him that everything he needs for spiritual wisdom and salvation is found in the Bible. It’s not just about knowledge-it’s about knowing the One who saves.
Historical Context
Timothy grew up in the town of Lystra, in what is now modern-day Turkey. His mother, Eunice, was a Jewish believer, and his grandmother, Lois, was also a woman of sincere faith (2 Timothy 1:5). These women had taught him the Scriptures from a very early age, which at that time would have been the Old Testament.
When Paul came through Lystra on his missionary journeys (Acts 16:1-3), he met Timothy and saw his strong faith. Timothy joined Paul and became his close ministry companion. Paul is now writing this letter near the end of his life from a Roman prison, reminding Timothy not to forget where his spiritual journey began and how the Word of God shaped him.
At this time, false teachers were spreading lies, and Paul wanted Timothy to stay rooted in what he had learned from childhood-the unchanging truth of Scripture.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches that God’s Word is the foundation for salvation. Scripture reveals the truth about God, our sin, and the way to be saved-not through works or effort, but through faith in Jesus Christ.
It also shows that God can work in hearts from a young age. Children can come to know and believe the gospel. That’s why teaching children the Bible is so important-it plants seeds that can grow into saving faith.
Another key truth here is that the Bible doesn’t just give facts-it gives wisdom. It helps people understand what really matters, how to be right with God, and how to live in light of that.
Literary Analysis
Paul is continuing a sentence that began in verse 14, where he told Timothy to “continue in what you have learned.” Here, he gives the reason: Timothy has known the Scriptures since childhood. The phrase “from infancy” is striking-it emphasizes how early God can begin shaping a life.
Paul then describes what the Scriptures do: they make a person wise for salvation. That’s different from just making someone smart. It’s a spiritual wisdom that leads to the most important decision a person can make-trusting in Christ.
The final words-“through faith in Christ Jesus”-are the focus. Scripture doesn’t save on its own; it points to Jesus, and salvation comes through trusting in Him.
Biblical Cross-References
- 2 Timothy 1:5 – Paul refers to the faith of Timothy’s mother and grandmother.
- Deuteronomy 6:6-7 – Parents are commanded to teach God’s Word to their children daily.
- Psalm 19:7 – “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.”
- Romans 10:17 – “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.”
- John 5:39 – Jesus said the Scriptures point to Him.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds today’s believers that God’s Word is central to knowing who He is and how to be saved. If we want to grow in spiritual wisdom and lead others to Christ, we need to be rooted in the Bible.
It also highlights the importance of teaching Scripture to children. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, teacher, or church leader, investing God’s Word into young lives is one of the most powerful things you can do. You never know how deeply those truths will take root.
And it reminds us that salvation isn’t about religion or rules-it’s about trusting Jesus. The Bible leads us to Him, and through Him we receive forgiveness, purpose, and eternal life.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse shows God’s love in giving us His Word, so we’re not left guessing about how to know Him. He has spoken clearly, consistently, and lovingly-through the Scriptures that point us to salvation.
It also shows His love for children and families. God often begins His work in hearts at an early age, drawing people to Himself through faithful teaching and example.
God’s love is also seen in how He makes wisdom available to anyone-not just scholars or the educated, but even children. His truth is clear, and He delights to open eyes to see His salvation.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The entire Bible-Old and New Testament-ultimately points to Jesus. The Scriptures Timothy learned as a child were centered on the promises of a coming Savior. Jesus is the fulfillment of those promises.
He is the one who makes salvation possible, and He is the one the Bible reveals from beginning to end. As Jesus told His disciples in Luke 24:27, all the Scriptures speak of Him.
Through faith in Christ Jesus, we receive what the Scriptures lead us to: a restored relationship with God. Jesus is the goal, the center, and the message of the Bible.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Who taught you the Bible when you were growing up, and how has that shaped your faith?
- What does it mean to be “wise for salvation” in your own experience?
- Are you actively reading and applying Scripture in your life? Why or why not?
- How can you help pass on God’s Word to the next generation?
- What part of the Bible has helped you see Jesus more clearly?