2 Timothy 3:15
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.
Study Note
Study Note
Paul's reminder that Timothy has known the 'holy scriptures' (hiera grammata) from childhood through his mother Eunice and grandmother Lois (2 Timothy 1:5) grounds scriptural literacy in family catechesis as well as personal faith. The phrase 'wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus' describes Scripture's christological function: the sacred writings point toward and are understood through the lens of the Messiah. The word 'grammata' here refers specifically to the Jewish scriptures — what Christians call the Old Testament — read in the context of the new covenant. Together with verse 16, this passage became foundational for Protestant doctrines of Scripture as the norm for faith and practice.
Other Translations
and that from a babe thou hast known the sacred writings which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
and because from a babe the Holy Writings thou hast known, which are able to make thee wise--to salvation, through faith that <FI>is<Fi> in Christ Jesus;
And that from the time when you were a child, you have had knowledge of the holy Writings, which are able to make you wise to salvation, through faith in Christ Jesus.
Cross References
But Samuel ministered before the Lord, being a child, girded with a linen ephod.
For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet young, he began to seek after the God …
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from …
I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.
But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth …
Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the …
And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and …