2 Timothy 3:15
Verse
Context
All Scripture Is God-Breathed
14But as for you, continue in the things you have learned and firmly believed, since you know from whom you have learned them.15From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
From a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures - The early religious education of Timothy has been already sufficiently noticed; see Ti2 1:5, and the preface to the first epistle. St. Paul introduces this circumstance again here for the confirmation of Timothy's faith. He had learned the doctrines of Christianity from a genuine apostle; and, as Christianity is founded on the law and the prophets, Timothy was able to compare its doctrines with all that had been typified and predicted, and consequently was assured that the Christian religion was true. Able to make thee wise unto salvation - The apostle is here evidently speaking of the Jewish Scriptures; and he tells us that they are able to make us wise unto salvation provided we have faith in Jesus Christ. This is the simple use of the Old Testament. No soul of man can be made wise unto salvation by it, but as he refers all to Christ Jesus. The Jews are unsaved though they know these Scriptures, because they believe not in Christ; for Christ is the end of the law for the justification of all that believe.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
from a child--literally, "from an infant." The tender age of the first dawn of reason is that wherein the most lasting impressions of faith may be made. holy scriptures--The Old Testament taught by his Jewish mother. An undesigned coincidence with Ti2 1:5; Act 16:1-3. able--in themselves: though through men's own fault they often do not in fact make men savingly alive. wise unto salvation--that is, wise unto the attainment of salvation. Contrast "folly" (Ti2 3:9). Wise also in extending it to others. through faith--as the instrument of this wisdom. Each knows divine things only as far as his own experience in himself extends. He who has not faith, has not wisdom or salvation. which is in--that is, rests on Christ Jesus.
John Gill Bible Commentary
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,.... That is, all holy Scripture; for of that only the apostle is speaking; and he means the whole of it; not only the books of the Old Testament, but of the New, the greatest part of which was now written; for this second epistle to Timothy is by some thought to be the last of Paul's epistles; and this also will hold good of what was to be written; for all is inspired by God, or breathed by him: the Scriptures are the breath of God, the word of God and not men; they are "written by the Spirit", as the Syriac version renders it; or "by the Spirit of God", as the Ethiopic version. The Scriptures are here commended, from the divine authority of them; and which is attested and confirmed by various arguments; as the majesty and loftiness of their style, which in many places is inimitable by men; the sublimity of the matter contained in them, which transcends all human understanding and capacity ever to have attained unto and discovered; as the trinity of persons in the Godhead, the incarnation of Christ, the resurrection of the dead, &c. The purity and holiness of them before observed, show them to be the word of him that is of purer eyes than to behold iniquity; as also their harmony and agreement, though wrote by different persons, in different places, and ages, and at sundry times, and in divers manners; what seeming inconsistencies are observed in them may, with labour and industry, by divine assistance, be reconciled. The predictions of future events in them, as particularly concerning Josiah and Cyrus, by name, long before they were born, and especially concerning Jesus Christ, and which have had their accomplishment, and many others in the New Testament both by Christ and his apostles, are a proof that they could not be the writings of men, but must have the omniscient God for their author; the impartiality of the writers of them, in not concealing the mean extract of some of them, the sins of others before conversion, and even their sins and failings afterwards, as well as those of their nearest relations and dearest friends, strengthens the proof of their divine authority; to which may be added, the wonderful preservation of them, through all the changes and declensions of the Jewish church and state, to whom the books of the Old Testament were committed; and notwithstanding the violence and malice of Heathen persecutors, particularly Dioclesian, who sought to destroy every copy of the Scriptures, and published an edict for that purpose, and notwithstanding the numbers of heretics, and who have been in power, as also the apostasy of the church of Rome; and yet these writings have been preserved, and kept pure and incorrupt, which is not the case of other writings; nor are there any of such antiquity as the oldest of these: to which may be subjoined the testimony of God himself; his outward testimony by miracles, wrought by Moses and the prophets, concerned in the writings of the Old Testament, and by the apostles in the New; and his internal testimony, which is the efficacy of these Scriptures on the hearts of men; the reading and hearing of which, having been owned for the conversion, comfort and edification of thousands and thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand: and is profitable for doctrine; for the discovering, illustrating, and confirming any doctrine concerning God, the being, persons, and perfections of God; concerning the creation and fall of man; concerning the person and offices of Christ, redemption by him, justification by his righteousness, pardon by his blood, reconciliation and atonement by his sacrifice, and eternal life through him, with many others. The Scripture is profitable for ministers to fetch doctrine from, and establish it by; and for hearers to try and prove it by: for reproof; of errors and heresies; this is the sword of the Spirit, which cuts all down. There never was, nor is, nor can be any error or heresy broached in the world, but there is a sufficient refutation of it in the Scriptures; which may be profitably used for that purpose, as it often has been by Christ and his apostles, and others since in all ages: for correction; of vice; there being no sin, but the evil nature of it is shown, its wicked tendency is exposed, and the sad effects and consequences of it are pointed out in these writings: for instruction in righteousness; in every branch of duty incumbent upon men; whether with respect to God, or one another; for there is no duty men are obliged unto, but the nature, use, and excellency of it, are here shown: the Scriptures are a perfect rule of faith and practice; and thus they are commended from the usefulness and profitableness of them.
2 Timothy 3:15
All Scripture Is God-Breathed
14But as for you, continue in the things you have learned and firmly believed, since you know from whom you have learned them.15From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Loved With Everlasting Love - Part 3
By Paris Reidhead3.3K45:11Everlasting LoveMAT 4:19JHN 3:6ACT 2:422TI 3:15JAS 2:17In this sermon, the preacher discusses the process of receiving the word of God. He emphasizes the importance of being awakened to the danger of self-love and selfishness, and being convicted of one's sins. The preacher explains that when the Holy Spirit seals believers, they are able to receive the broadcast from the antenna of Calvary, which leads to repentance and faith. He also highlights the different types of faith, including head faith (intellectual ascent), dead faith (religious rituals), and heart faith (totality of being). The sermon encourages listeners to have a genuine, heartfelt faith in God.
Where in the World Is the Church?
By Paul Washer3.0K1:18:33The Sufficiency of ScriptureThe Nature of the ChurchReformation2TI 3:15Paul Washer emphasizes the urgent need for the church to return to the sufficiency of Scripture and the importance of deep theological understanding. He laments the current state of the church, which he believes has strayed from biblical truth and is filled with ignorance about God, the gospel, and the nature of true conversion. Washer calls for men of God to be grounded in prayer and the Word, warning against the distractions of modern culture and the superficiality of contemporary church practices. He stresses that true regeneration and understanding of the gospel are essential for a vibrant faith and a healthy church. Ultimately, he encourages believers to seek a deeper relationship with God and to uphold the truth of Scripture in all aspects of church life.
Question and Answer - Part 3 (W/ Paul Washer)
By Voddie Baucham2.7K11:46Genuine SalvationNurturing Faith in ChildrenPRO 22:6MAT 18:3JHN 3:3ACT 16:31ROM 10:9GAL 2:20EPH 2:82TI 3:151PE 2:21JN 5:13Voddie Baucham, in his sermon with Paul Washer, discusses the nature of genuine salvation, particularly in children, emphasizing that a lack of dramatic change does not equate to a lack of authenticity in faith. He argues that the true testimony of grace is when children grow up with Christian values and are saved at a young age, rather than having to experience a dramatic transformation from a life of sin. Baucham warns against the artificial means often used to lead children to profess faith, advocating for a nurturing approach that allows children to express their beliefs while ensuring they understand the depth of true conversion. He stresses the importance of guiding children in their faith journey rather than rushing to declare them saved based on superficial indicators. Ultimately, Baucham calls for a return to biblical understanding of salvation, free from heretical practices that can lead to false assurance.
What's Wrong With Preaching Today?
By Albert N. Martin2.6K1:06:26PreachingPSA 119:11PRO 4:23MAT 7:23MAT 25:411TI 4:162TI 3:15REV 21:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and weight of the Scriptures. He explains that the key to a powerful sermon lies in packing it with solid biblical substance, making the audience feel the presence of divine truth. The preacher also highlights the importance of audience contact and effective communication, urging preachers to be sensitive to whether their message is being understood and received. He uses personal experiences, such as a cultural reference to Mickey Mantle, to illustrate the need for clear and relatable language in preaching. Ultimately, the sermon encourages preachers to have a sense of urgency and to focus on specific application in their messages.
What Love Is This? - Part 3
By Dave Hunt2.4K09:49JHN 3:16JHN 7:17ACT 8:362TI 3:15This sermon delves into the complexities of Calvinism, exploring the doctrines of Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and Perseverance of the Saints. It questions the idea of Christ's blood being wasted if not all are saved, the concept of irresistible grace, and the assurance of salvation for the elect. The sermon challenges the interpretation of scripture within the framework of Calvinism and its historical roots in Augustine's teachings.
Justification by Faith Alone - Part 2
By C.H. Spurgeon2.1K46:33GEN 15:6MAT 6:33ROM 5:19ROM 8:18GAL 3:7EPH 1:62TI 3:15In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of understanding that entering into a relationship with God does not mean an end to troubles and challenges. He uses the example of Abraham to illustrate this point. Despite being justified and blessed by God, Abraham was informed that his descendants would face oppression and affliction for four hundred years. The preacher emphasizes the need for believers to have faith in God's covenant, even in the midst of trials. He also highlights the significance of focusing on Jesus and growing in grace and knowledge of Him.
16 Vital Facets of the Word of God
By Keith Daniel1.4K1:27:00PSA 119:9PRO 14:13ROM 15:42TI 3:15HEB 11:331PE 1:23This sermon emphasizes the vital facets of the Bible, highlighting its role as the source of salvation, the evidence of true faith, the moral compass, and the means of spiritual growth, renewal, and survival. It delves into the importance of soaking oneself in the Word of God daily to combat backsliding, resist evil influences, and navigate life safely. The sermon also underscores the power of God's promises in testing and strengthening one's faith, offering hope, comfort, and courage in times of trial.
Faith
By Bill McLeod1.2K14:10FaithGAL 2:20GAL 3:11GAL 3:22EPH 2:8EPH 3:122TI 3:15HEB 10:22HEB 11:3HEB 11:7JAS 1:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of faith in pleasing God. He references Psalm 37:5 and Proverbs 3:5-6, which encourage believers to commit their ways to the Lord and trust in Him. The speaker highlights that faith allows Christians to have access to God, receive Christ, and be saved. He also mentions the power of faith and how it can bring about positive outcomes in our lives. The sermon concludes with a reminder to believe in God's promises and not lose faith, even when faced with challenges.
Pilgrims Problems No. 16 Private Interpretation
By Willie Mullan98952:58Private InterpretationMRK 4:33EPH 1:1EPH 6:42TI 3:152PE 1:20In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of using parables to convey the word of God. He emphasizes the need to study and understand the Bible, despite opposition from Rome, communists, and modernists. The preacher also discusses the different faculties of the mind, such as imagination and memory, and how they can be used to comprehend and apply the teachings of the Bible. He concludes by highlighting the significance of working diligently and obediently, as if working for Christ himself.
A Testimony
By G.W. North9062:28:49TestimonyPSA 42:1PSA 119:11MAT 6:33ACT 8:172TI 1:52TI 3:15JAS 1:22In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of preaching the Gospel and witnessing God's work. He talks about how he prayed for healing for hundreds of people who stood up during the service. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of showing love to others and sharing the message of Jesus. He concludes by mentioning that he was asked to share what makes him "tick" and decides to share his testimony to explain his faith.
The Study of the Scriptures
By Welcome Detweiler76110:09PSA 119:105MAT 6:33JHN 5:39ACT 17:11ROM 15:42TI 2:152TI 3:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of obeying and acting upon the word of God. He suggests that if individuals have not profited from what they have already understood, there would be no need for God to reveal more to them. The preacher encourages listeners to examine their obedience to the simple truths of the Bible, such as believing in Christ's sacrifice for their sins and trusting Him as their Lord and Savior. He also highlights the significance of studying the Scriptures, as it equips believers to lead others to Christ and answer their questions with biblical truth.
The Spirit of the Fear of the Lord
By Zac Poonen5131:23:49EXO 2:23PRO 9:10ISA 11:2JER 29:11MAT 11:281CO 14:202TI 3:15HEB 5:7HEB 11:6This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom from God's Word, highlighting the need to diligently study the Bible to grow in heavenly wisdom. It stresses the significance of surrendering to God, searching for new revelations in Scripture, and developing a childlike heart while maturing in thinking. The speaker encourages deep prayer, seeking God with all one's heart, and being free from partiality to truly grow in wisdom and overcome sin.
Parenting - Is It Controlled Chaos?
By Shane Idleman50750:45PSA 127:3PRO 22:6MAT 6:34EPH 6:4COL 3:212TI 3:15This sermon emphasizes the importance of parenting, highlighting the need for intentional and consistent guidance based on biblical principles. It addresses the challenges parents face in a chaotic world, the significance of disciplining children with love and wisdom, and the impact of parental influence on children's well-being and future. The message encourages parents to prioritize their relationship with God, invest time in teaching their children the ways of the Lord, and make necessary changes to strengthen family bonds.
The Centrality of the Word of God
By Roy Daniel3631:12:45Word Of GodMAT 6:33LUK 11:28LUK 12:48JHN 3:3JHN 5:392CO 3:142TI 3:15In this sermon, the speaker criticizes a woman who distorts and adds to God's word, using emotional experiences and pantheistic ideas that are not supported by the Bible. The speaker also mentions the desire for entertainment in the conservative church, particularly among young people. They briefly discuss the history of the Bible, including its canonization and translation into multiple languages. The speaker emphasizes the importance of the Word of God and warns against relying on external experiences or music to determine one's salvation.
1. a Godly Heritage
By Denny Kenaston0DEU 6:6PSA 78:1PSA 127:3PRO 22:6MAT 19:14EPH 6:4COL 3:202TI 3:15Denny Kenaston preaches about the importance of having a godly home, inspired by the example of the John Gerber family. He emphasizes the need for parents to set a vision and goal for their families, to raise children who are a testimony to the glory of God. Through personal experiences and reflections, he encourages families to prioritize devotions, singing, and prayer together, and to seek revival in their homes. He challenges parents to be diligent, purposeful, and intentional in raising their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, following the examples of godly families like the Gerbers.
Letters to Parents [#2]
By Charles Finney0Child DisciplineParentingPSA 34:14PRO 15:1PRO 22:6PRO 29:17EPH 6:4PHP 4:7COL 3:211TH 5:142TI 3:15JAS 1:19Charles Finney emphasizes the critical role of parents in the moral and emotional training of their children, urging them to avoid insincerity, impatience, and scolding. He advocates for a calm and deliberate approach to discipline, encouraging parents to model honesty and regularity in their own lives to maintain their influence. Finney warns against fostering fears and bad tempers in children, advising parents to be mindful of their words and actions. He stresses the importance of creating a structured environment and maintaining a peaceful spirit to positively impact their children's development.
God's Word Gives Light
By A.W. Tozer0The Power of ScriptureUnderstanding Our Identity in Christ2TI 3:15A.W. Tozer emphasizes that we are all strangers in a confusing world, often seeking answers from those equally lost. However, he reassures us that God's Word provides the light we need to navigate our uncertainties and understand our purpose. By studying the Scriptures with faith and humility, we can find wisdom and guidance that dispels spiritual ignorance. Tozer highlights that the Scriptures are inspired by God and are essential for our growth in righteousness. Ultimately, through faith in Christ, we transition from being strangers to becoming sons of God.
Letters to Parents No. 3
By Charles Finney0ObedienceParentingDEU 6:6PSA 127:3PRO 13:24PRO 22:6PRO 29:15EPH 6:4COL 3:211TI 4:72TI 3:15HEB 12:11Charles Finney emphasizes the critical role of parents in shaping their children's will and character through proper physical and moral training. He argues that parents must first address their children's bodily appetites to prevent the formation of harmful habits and ensure a foundation for temperance. Finney stresses the importance of early intervention to master the child's will, advocating for consistent and firm guidance to instill obedience and submission. He warns against relying solely on reasoning with children, asserting that parental authority must be established first to prepare them for moral truths later in life. Ultimately, he highlights that the effectiveness of moral training is directly linked to the strength of parental influence over the child's will.
The Marks of a True Church
By Francis Turretin0PSA 19:7PRO 29:18ISA 8:20JHN 8:31JHN 10:27ACT 2:421CO 2:15GAL 1:81TI 3:152TI 3:15Francis Turretin discusses the importance of identifying the true visible church by examining its marks, particularly focusing on the truth of doctrine and its conformity with the word of God through pure preaching and lawful administration of sacraments. He emphasizes the necessity of distinguishing the genuine society of pious Christians from heretical groups, highlighting the significance of joining a church that upholds the true teachings of Scripture for salvation. Turretin explains that the marks of the church, such as the preaching of the word and the administration of sacraments, are essential for recognizing the true church and avoiding false assemblies. He argues that the church's purity in doctrine and worship, rooted in Scripture, is a fundamental criterion for discerning the true church from heretical congregations.
The Child and the Infidel
By D.L. Moody0Childlike FaithEvangelismMAT 18:3MAT 19:14MRK 10:14LUK 18:16JHN 1:12JHN 3:16ROM 10:171CO 1:272TI 3:15HEB 11:6D.L. Moody shares a powerful story about a Sabbath-school teacher who successfully led her students to Christ and encouraged them to reach out to others. One child, facing resistance from an infidel father, boldly asked him why he didn't love Jesus, which deeply troubled the man. Despite his initial dismissal, the question haunted him throughout his day and night, leading him to search the Scriptures for answers. Ultimately, he found no justification for his disbelief and was converted through the very question posed by the innocent child. Moody emphasizes the profound impact of a child's faith and the power of persistent inquiry about Jesus.
Reading on 2 Timothy 3
By John Nelson Darby0Divine InspirationAuthority of Scripture2TI 3:15John Nelson Darby emphasizes the significance of Scripture in his sermon on 2 Timothy 3, asserting that all Scripture is divinely inspired and holds authority over believers. He discusses the importance of recognizing the Scriptures as the word of God, contrasting it with temporary prophecies and addressing common misconceptions about the Apocrypha and other writings. Darby highlights the necessity of divine teaching for understanding Scripture's authority and the role of the Holy Spirit in discerning its truth. He also reflects on the personal acquaintance with Scripture that Timothy had, underscoring the direct authority of God's word over individual lives. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper engagement with the Scriptures to experience their transformative power.
Objections Answered
By George Cutting02CH 26:16JER 15:19PHP 1:202TI 2:192TI 3:15George Cutting preaches about the importance of aligning our lives with God's Word, emphasizing the need for personal responsibility in correcting our ways according to Scripture. He highlights the necessity of fleeing from sinful desires and pursuing righteousness, faith, love, and peace in fellowship with other believers. Cutting uses examples from the lives of biblical figures like Jeremiah and Saul of Tarsus to illustrate the principle of following God's will above personal preferences or human traditions.
Holiness: The False and the True - Part 1 of 2
By Harry Ironside0SalvationHolinessPRO 1:24MAT 5:8LUK 19:10JHN 3:16ROM 3:19GAL 5:16PHP 3:122TI 3:15HEB 12:141JN 1:8Harry Ironside shares his early struggles and experiences in seeking holiness during the first six years of his Christian life. He reflects on the profound impact of his father's legacy and his mother's prayers, which instilled in him a desire to live for God. Despite his initial understanding of salvation, he grappled with the difference between believing about Jesus and truly believing in Him as his personal Savior. Ironside recounts his journey through religious experiences, the pursuit of sanctification, and the realization that true holiness is not merely about outward appearances but a deep, personal relationship with Christ. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's own sinful nature and the need for continual reliance on God's grace.
Christian Fundamentalism - 1
By Anton Bosch0DEU 5:32ISA 66:2MRK 7:13JHN 8:311CO 2:132TI 3:152PE 1:19REV 3:8REV 22:18Anton Bosch discusses the varying definitions of Christian labels and emphasizes the importance of understanding Christian Fundamentalism according to Professor Malan's comprehensive definition. Christian Fundamentalists strongly adhere to basic Scriptural principles and values, recognizing the authority of the Bible as the literal and inerrant Word of God inspired by the Holy Spirit. They interpret Scripture literally, reject spiritualization, acknowledge spiritual realities, and maintain theological conservatism by interpreting the Bible in its plain meaning without altering its fundamental truths.
Winning and Holding
By J. Wilbur Chapman0PSA 119:11MAT 28:192TI 3:15TIT 2:7JAS 1:221PE 5:8J. Wilbur Chapman preaches on the invaluable inheritance of Timothy, who from childhood knew the Holy Scriptures, emphasizing the profound influence of a good ancestry in leading children to Christ and preventing them from drifting away. Chapman highlights the urgent need for continued interest in young people, as many are wasting themselves through destructive habits. He stresses the importance of holding onto souls won for Christ, especially during the critical ages of twelve to twenty, to prevent them from drifting and making shipwreck of their lives.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
From a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures - The early religious education of Timothy has been already sufficiently noticed; see Ti2 1:5, and the preface to the first epistle. St. Paul introduces this circumstance again here for the confirmation of Timothy's faith. He had learned the doctrines of Christianity from a genuine apostle; and, as Christianity is founded on the law and the prophets, Timothy was able to compare its doctrines with all that had been typified and predicted, and consequently was assured that the Christian religion was true. Able to make thee wise unto salvation - The apostle is here evidently speaking of the Jewish Scriptures; and he tells us that they are able to make us wise unto salvation provided we have faith in Jesus Christ. This is the simple use of the Old Testament. No soul of man can be made wise unto salvation by it, but as he refers all to Christ Jesus. The Jews are unsaved though they know these Scriptures, because they believe not in Christ; for Christ is the end of the law for the justification of all that believe.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
from a child--literally, "from an infant." The tender age of the first dawn of reason is that wherein the most lasting impressions of faith may be made. holy scriptures--The Old Testament taught by his Jewish mother. An undesigned coincidence with Ti2 1:5; Act 16:1-3. able--in themselves: though through men's own fault they often do not in fact make men savingly alive. wise unto salvation--that is, wise unto the attainment of salvation. Contrast "folly" (Ti2 3:9). Wise also in extending it to others. through faith--as the instrument of this wisdom. Each knows divine things only as far as his own experience in himself extends. He who has not faith, has not wisdom or salvation. which is in--that is, rests on Christ Jesus.
John Gill Bible Commentary
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,.... That is, all holy Scripture; for of that only the apostle is speaking; and he means the whole of it; not only the books of the Old Testament, but of the New, the greatest part of which was now written; for this second epistle to Timothy is by some thought to be the last of Paul's epistles; and this also will hold good of what was to be written; for all is inspired by God, or breathed by him: the Scriptures are the breath of God, the word of God and not men; they are "written by the Spirit", as the Syriac version renders it; or "by the Spirit of God", as the Ethiopic version. The Scriptures are here commended, from the divine authority of them; and which is attested and confirmed by various arguments; as the majesty and loftiness of their style, which in many places is inimitable by men; the sublimity of the matter contained in them, which transcends all human understanding and capacity ever to have attained unto and discovered; as the trinity of persons in the Godhead, the incarnation of Christ, the resurrection of the dead, &c. The purity and holiness of them before observed, show them to be the word of him that is of purer eyes than to behold iniquity; as also their harmony and agreement, though wrote by different persons, in different places, and ages, and at sundry times, and in divers manners; what seeming inconsistencies are observed in them may, with labour and industry, by divine assistance, be reconciled. The predictions of future events in them, as particularly concerning Josiah and Cyrus, by name, long before they were born, and especially concerning Jesus Christ, and which have had their accomplishment, and many others in the New Testament both by Christ and his apostles, are a proof that they could not be the writings of men, but must have the omniscient God for their author; the impartiality of the writers of them, in not concealing the mean extract of some of them, the sins of others before conversion, and even their sins and failings afterwards, as well as those of their nearest relations and dearest friends, strengthens the proof of their divine authority; to which may be added, the wonderful preservation of them, through all the changes and declensions of the Jewish church and state, to whom the books of the Old Testament were committed; and notwithstanding the violence and malice of Heathen persecutors, particularly Dioclesian, who sought to destroy every copy of the Scriptures, and published an edict for that purpose, and notwithstanding the numbers of heretics, and who have been in power, as also the apostasy of the church of Rome; and yet these writings have been preserved, and kept pure and incorrupt, which is not the case of other writings; nor are there any of such antiquity as the oldest of these: to which may be subjoined the testimony of God himself; his outward testimony by miracles, wrought by Moses and the prophets, concerned in the writings of the Old Testament, and by the apostles in the New; and his internal testimony, which is the efficacy of these Scriptures on the hearts of men; the reading and hearing of which, having been owned for the conversion, comfort and edification of thousands and thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand: and is profitable for doctrine; for the discovering, illustrating, and confirming any doctrine concerning God, the being, persons, and perfections of God; concerning the creation and fall of man; concerning the person and offices of Christ, redemption by him, justification by his righteousness, pardon by his blood, reconciliation and atonement by his sacrifice, and eternal life through him, with many others. The Scripture is profitable for ministers to fetch doctrine from, and establish it by; and for hearers to try and prove it by: for reproof; of errors and heresies; this is the sword of the Spirit, which cuts all down. There never was, nor is, nor can be any error or heresy broached in the world, but there is a sufficient refutation of it in the Scriptures; which may be profitably used for that purpose, as it often has been by Christ and his apostles, and others since in all ages: for correction; of vice; there being no sin, but the evil nature of it is shown, its wicked tendency is exposed, and the sad effects and consequences of it are pointed out in these writings: for instruction in righteousness; in every branch of duty incumbent upon men; whether with respect to God, or one another; for there is no duty men are obliged unto, but the nature, use, and excellency of it, are here shown: the Scriptures are a perfect rule of faith and practice; and thus they are commended from the usefulness and profitableness of them.