2 Timothy 3:1-17

Bible Text

[1] But know this, that in the last days, grievous times will come. [2] For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, [3] without natural affection, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, no lovers of good, [4] traitors, headstrong, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; [5] holding a form of godliness, but having denied the power thereof. Turn away from these, also. [6] For of these are those who creep into houses, and take captive gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, [7] always learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. [8] Even as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so do these also oppose the truth; men corrupted in mind, reprobate concerning the faith. [9] But they will proceed no further. For their folly will be evident to all men, as theirs also came to be. [10] But you did follow my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, steadfastness, [11] persecutions, and sufferings: those things that happened to me at Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. I endured those persecutions. Out of them all the Lord delivered me. [12] Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. [13] But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. [14] But you remain in the things which you have learned and have been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them. [15] From infancy, you have known the sacred writings which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith, which is in Christ Jesus. [16] Every writing inspired by God is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction which is in righteousness, [17] that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra were cities in southern Galatia (in present-day central/southern Turkey) where Paul preached and suffered persecution during his missionary work. Timothy knew these events, especially at Lystra near his home, making Paul’s endurance a concrete example of the godly suffering described here.

Places in this passage

2 Timothy 3:1-17 mentions Antioch, Iconium and Lystra.

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