What did Paul mean by the “Holy Scriptures” in 2 Timothy 3:15?

Answer

Second Timothy 3:15 is part of Paul’s encouragement to Timothy to reject false teaching and apostasy by adhering to sound doctrine, which Timothy had learned from childhood. In verse 14, Paul urges Timothy to “continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it.” This leads to Paul’s reminder in verse 15 that “how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”

In the book of Acts, Luke introduces Timothy as a resident of the city of Lystra. Timothy had a Greek father and Jewish mother «Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek: », (Acts 16:1). So it was in Asia Minor where he likely received training in the Holy Scriptures. Paul recognizes Timothy’s mother and grandmother as his earliest influences in the faith «when I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. », (2 Timothy 1:5), implying that they instructed him in the Scriptures. Since there was no New Testament canon at that time, Paul referred to the Old Testament books, from the Torah to the Prophets. In other words, the Holy Scriptures were the Old Testament books, which comprised the entire Bible at the time Timothy was a child.

Both the Hebrew Scriptures and the teachings of the apostles in the New Testament contribute to becoming “wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ,” indicating that they lead to saving knowledge of Christ Jesus. Interestingly, only the Old Testament scriptures were available to Timothy during his upbringing, providing a solid foundation for his faith.

The Old Testament accomplished this for Timothy. This validates Jesus’ statement that the Law and Prophets testify about Him (Luke 24:25-27;John 5:39). For instance, Philip preached to the Ethiopian eunuch using the book of Isaiah (Acts 8:26-39;cf: Isaiah 53), and Stephen’s address to the religious leaders recounted Old Testament occurrences (Acts 7:1-60). Paul’s comment here on the Holy Scriptures equipping Timothy with knowledge of salvation emphasizes that Jesus is the central figure of the entire Bible.

Timothy’s background underscores the significance of laying a firm foundation through the Holy Scriptures. Despite his relative youth, Timothy served as a pastor in the church of Ephesus. Parents and grandparents can find inspiration and motivation in this. We should not only raise our children to be ethical (though that is crucial); we should also introduce them to their Maker and Redeemer. The greatest gift we can give our children is Jesus.

Moreover, 2 Timothy 3:15 affirms Scripture as sacred, urging Christians to reflect on its importance. The Holy Scriptures (or “Sacred Writings,” ESV) are easily accessible, even on our smartphones today. How well do we understand the Bible? Paul describes it as “God-breathed” and “useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.” Living for God entails knowing the Holy Scriptures and willingly allowing the Word to transform our lives.