Paul's words in 3:14-17 erect a strong, protective fence around the first tender shoots of the Christian faith communities. Planting his faith firmly in the rich soil of Scripture and tradition, Paul offers Timothy sure guidelines and positive perimeters as protection against wrong ideas and dangerous theologies. Focusing on the strength and faithfulness that come from tradition and Scripture, Paul urges Timothy to remember the sound teaching he has received from his devoted teachers and family members.

Paul is here preaching an unmitigating message of Scripture's divine origins and unquestionable worth. As Scripture, all the words of God, no matter how hard or bitter, how amazing and triumphant, are to play a part in faithfulness - "for teaching, for re- proof, for correction, and for tr…