Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.

2 TIMOTHY 3:11KJV
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2 Timothy 3:11 (KJV)

What does 2 Timothy 3:11 mean?

2 Timothy 3:11 describes how Paul experienced persecutions and hardships in cities like Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra, but emphasizes that the Lord rescued him from all of them. Paul is reminding Timothy that, despite severe trials, God’s deliverance was always present.

Paul is writing to Timothy, a younger co-worker, recalling specific times when he faced serious opposition and suffering for his faith. These cities were places where Paul’s ministry met strong resistance, but he wants Timothy to see that God’s help was real and consistent. The verse highlights both the reality of suffering and the faithfulness of God in difficult circumstances.

The Greek behind 2 Timothy 3:11

  • “Persecutions” (διωγμοί, diōgmoi): This word refers to being hunted or pursued, often for one’s beliefs. Paul uses it to highlight the active opposition he faced.
  • “Afflictions” (παθήματα, pathēmata): This term means sufferings or hardships, not just physical pain but any kind of distress. It shows that Paul’s troubles were varied, not just limited to persecution.
  • “Delivered” (ἐρύσατο, erusato): This word means to rescue or save from danger. Paul’s use of it points to God’s active intervention, not just survival by chance.

Why 2 Timothy 3:11 matters

  • This verse helps clear up the idea that following God means an easy life; Paul’s example shows that hardship is part of the journey, but God’s help is real.
  • By naming specific cities, Paul grounds his message in real history, reminding Timothy (and readers) that faithfulness often comes with real-world costs.
  • The verse ties into the wider passage, where Paul is encouraging Timothy to stay strong and faithful, even when facing difficulties, just as Paul did.

Where else these words appear

“endured” Greek G5297 · used in 3 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
  • 1 Peter 2:19 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.

“Iconium” Greek G2430 · used in 6 verses

  • Acts 13:51 But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.
  • Acts 14:1 And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.
  • Acts 14:21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,

“Lystra” Greek G3082 · used in 6 verses

  • Acts 14:6 They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:
  • Acts 14:8 And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:
  • Acts 16:1 Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:

“Persecutions” Greek G1375 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 13:21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
  • Mark 10:30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.
  • Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?