But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them. Against the backdrop of worsening evil (v. 13), Paul commands steadfast faithfulness. "But continue thou" (sy de mene, σὺ δὲ μένε) creates sharp contrast—"you, however, remain." The verb menō (μένω) means abide, remain, continue steadfastly. Present imperative demands ongoing action—keep remaining, don't waver. "In the things which thou hast learned" (en hois emathes, ἐν οἷς ἔμαθες)—apostolic teaching Timothy received from Paul and others.
"And hast been assured of" (kai epistōthēs, καὶ ἐπιστώθης). The verb pistoō (πιστόω) means be firmly convinced, fully trust, have settled confidence. Perfect tense indicates completed action with continuing results—Timothy was persuaded and remains persuaded. This isn't blind faith but reasoned conviction based on evidence. The foundation for confidence: "knowing of whom thou hast learned them" (eidōs para tinōn emathes, εἰδὼς παρὰ τίνων ἔμαθες). Plural "whom" references multiple teachers—Paul, Lois, Eunice (1:5), perhaps others.
Truth's reliability depends partly on teachers' character. Timothy learned from proven, godly people whose lives validated their message—unlike false teachers whose hypocrisy exposed their error (vv. 5-9). This doesn't replace Scripture's authority with human authority but recognizes that genuine teachers embody truth they proclaim. Character and doctrine reinforce each other. When error increases and persecution intensifies, believers must anchor in truth received from faithful witnesses.
Historical Context
In an era without completed New Testament canon widely available, oral apostolic tradition transmitted through faithful teachers was crucial. Timothy's confidence rested on multiple reliable sources—Paul's apostolic authority, his grandmother's and mother's faithful instruction, confirmed by consistent witness of sound teachers. This pattern of reliable transmission (2:2) ensured doctrinal purity. Contemporary application: anchor in historic orthodox Christianity transmitted through faithful teachers across centuries, not novel interpretations from contemporary innovators lacking this pedigree.
Questions for Reflection
What biblical truths have you learned from faithful teachers and been fully assured of through study and experience?
When facing cultural pressure to compromise or contemporary challenges to biblical truth, do you remain steadfast or waver toward accommodation?
How can considering the character and faithfulness of those who taught you biblical truth strengthen your confidence in that truth?
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Analysis & Commentary
But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them. Against the backdrop of worsening evil (v. 13), Paul commands steadfast faithfulness. "But continue thou" (sy de mene, σὺ δὲ μένε) creates sharp contrast—"you, however, remain." The verb menō (μένω) means abide, remain, continue steadfastly. Present imperative demands ongoing action—keep remaining, don't waver. "In the things which thou hast learned" (en hois emathes, ἐν οἷς ἔμαθες)—apostolic teaching Timothy received from Paul and others.
"And hast been assured of" (kai epistōthēs, καὶ ἐπιστώθης). The verb pistoō (πιστόω) means be firmly convinced, fully trust, have settled confidence. Perfect tense indicates completed action with continuing results—Timothy was persuaded and remains persuaded. This isn't blind faith but reasoned conviction based on evidence. The foundation for confidence: "knowing of whom thou hast learned them" (eidōs para tinōn emathes, εἰδὼς παρὰ τίνων ἔμαθες). Plural "whom" references multiple teachers—Paul, Lois, Eunice (1:5), perhaps others.
Truth's reliability depends partly on teachers' character. Timothy learned from proven, godly people whose lives validated their message—unlike false teachers whose hypocrisy exposed their error (vv. 5-9). This doesn't replace Scripture's authority with human authority but recognizes that genuine teachers embody truth they proclaim. Character and doctrine reinforce each other. When error increases and persecution intensifies, believers must anchor in truth received from faithful witnesses.