2 Timothy 3:14-15
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse doesn't just tell Timothy to remember what he was taught; it emphasizes continuing in it as a direct result of knowing who taught him. This personal connection to the source of truth is the bedrock that makes his belief firm and allows him to stand strong.
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is writing to his young protégé Timothy, who is facing challenges and opposition in his ministry. Just before this, Paul warned Timothy about the dangerous, self-serving people he'll encounter in the last days, who will be resistant to truth. This verse is Paul’s charge to Timothy to stay grounded in the solid foundation of Christian teaching he has received, drawing strength from its divine source.
Paul tells Timothy to 'continue in what you have learned.' This isn't about passive reception; it's an active command to deeply engage with your beliefs. What does that look like?
Stay Grounded
Paul uses the Greek word for 'continue' (meno) which implies staying put, abiding, or remaining. It's a powerful call to stability in the face of shifting ideas or pressures. It means:
This endurance is key to spiritual maturity. It's about building a life on a solid foundation, not one that shifts with the wind.
The verse doesn't just say 'believe what you learned.' It adds a crucial phrase: 'knowing from whom you learned it.' Why is the source so important?
Trust the Teacher
Paul reminds Timothy of the source of his teaching – himself and likely Timothy's mother and grandmother before him (2 Timothy 1:5). This isn't just about academic credentials; it's about relational trust and proven character.
Ask a follow-up
When we know the source is trustworthy, it deepens our conviction in the message itself.
Understand the original words
hieros gramma · Greek Noun phrase
The inspired, authoritative Word of God, recognized as holy and set apart from all other literature because its source is God and its power is transformative.
sōtēria · Greek Noun
The divine act of deliverance from the penalty, power, and ultimately the presence of sin, which is granted to those who place their trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ.
pistis · Greek Noun
A firm, settled persuasion or confidence in the truth of God and the person and work of Jesus Christ; it is the instrument through which the believer receives God's grace.
This letter was written near the end of Paul's life, and he is encouraging Timothy to remember the solid foundation of truth he received directly from Paul and other faithful teachers, urging him to stand firm amidst growing challenges.
c. AD 45-49
Paul's First Missionary Journey
Paul, accompanied by Barnabas, travels through Asia Minor, establishing churches and appointing elders. Timothy likely encountered Paul's ministry during this period, possibly in Lystra.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Second Missionary Journey
Paul revisits the churches established on his first journey. He picks up Timothy in Lystra, and Timothy becomes Paul's close companion and protégé, receiving significant instruction.
c. AD 53-57
Paul's Third Missionary Journey
Paul spends extensive time in Ephesus, establishing a strong base for his ministry. Timothy is with him, learning much about church leadership, doctrine, and facing opposition.
c. AD 60-62
Paul's First Roman Imprisonment
Paul is under house arrest in Rome, but he continues to teach and write letters (Epistles). Timothy is likely aware of Paul's situation and his ongoing ministry from prison.
c. AD 64-67— this verse
Paul's Final Imprisonment and Writings
Paul is imprisoned again in Rome, facing imminent execution. He writes 2 Timothy, his last known letter, from a harsh prison cell, urging Timothy to remain faithful.
This passage echoes Paul's encouragement to Timothy to be nourished by the words of faith and sound teaching, reinforcing the idea of continuing in what has been learned.
Hebrews 13:7This verse speaks of remembering and imitating the leaders who have spoken the word of God, connecting to the idea of knowing 'from whom you learned it' and continuing in that truth.
Colossians 1:23Paul mentions the gospel being proclaimed to all creation, and that Timothy has become a minister of it, highlighting the foundation of his belief and his ongoing commitment to it.
John 8:31-32Jesus tells his followers that if they abide in his word, they are truly his disciples and will know the truth, paralleling the theme of continuing in learned truth leading to freedom.
The verse doesn't just tell Timothy to remember what he was taught; it emphasizes continuing in it as a direct result of knowing who taught him. This personal connection to the source of truth is the bedrock that makes his belief firm and allows him to stand strong.
Paul is writing to his young protégé Timothy, who is facing challenges and opposition in his ministry. Just before this, Paul warned Timothy about the dangerous, self-serving people he'll encounter in the last days, who will be resistant to truth. This verse is Paul’s charge to Timothy to stay grounded in the solid foundation of Christian teaching he has received, drawing strength from its divine source.
Paul is writing to his young protégé Timothy, who is facing challenges and opposition in his ministry. Just before this, Paul warned Timothy about the dangerous, self-serving people he'll encounter in the last days, who will be resistant to truth. This verse is Paul’s charge to Timothy to stay grounded in the solid foundation of Christian teaching he has received, drawing strength from its divine source.
"But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through fa…" — The verse doesn't just tell Timothy to remember what he was taught; it emphasizes continuing in it as a direct result of knowing who taught him. This personal connection to the source of truth…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
