2 Timothy 3:16-17—Is the Bible Sufficient?

Question

The Watchtower Teaching. The New World Translation renders 2 Timothy
3:16-17: “All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for
reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, that the man
of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work.”
Though the Jehovah’s Witnesses give lip-service to believing this verse,43 in
their actions they deny it. A person cannot become “equipped” by reading the
Bible alone, they say, but must read Watchtower literature. Without this literature

it is alleged, a person cannot truly understand the Bible. One former Jehovah’s
Witness said that to gain eternal life, he was told that certain things were
necessary: “[I was told] I should study the Bible diligently, and only through
Watchtower publications

We see this same mentality illustrated in the Watchtower publication,

Studies in the Scriptures:
Not only do we find that people cannot see the divine plan in studying the
Bible by itself, but we see, also, that if anyone lays the Scripture Studies
aside, even after he has used them, after he has become familiar with them,
after he has read them for ten years—if he then lays them aside and ignores
them and goes to the Bible alone, though he has understood his Bible for ten
years, our experience shows that within two years he goes into darkness

On
the other hand, if he had merely read the Scripture Studies with their
references, and had not read a page of the Bible, as such, he would be in the
light at the end of the two years, because he would have the light of the
Scriptures.

The Biblical Teaching. There are two key questions that must be asked of

the Jehovah’s Witness in regard to this issue.

How did people understand the Bible for the nineteen centuries prior
to the existence of the Watchtower Society? (If one cannot
understand the Bible without Watchtower literature, as claimed, then
apparently people could not understand the Bible for nineteen
centuries.)
• What kind of a God would give His people a Bible with no means of
understanding it?

verse 15
where Paul tells Timothy that “from childhood you have known the sacred writings
which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is
in Christ Jesus” (NASB, italics added).

my name has jesus on the front because im a witness 4 jesus christ not jehovah im awitness of what jesus did for me in my life by confesijn him as lord and almighty god and savior

Answer 1

Sadly, this so-called "question" wastes the readers' time. The fact remains that Jehovah's Witnesses do not believe or teach as this supposed "question" describes.

The accusations, allegations, and "anecdotes" of those who are now anti-Witness activists would hardly seem to be an objective source of information regarding this religion that for decades has continued to build a global reputation for its unmatched bible education program and devoted volunteer ministers.

Also, the majority of Jehovah's Witnesses have never heard of "Studies in the Scriptures" since these books are literally about a hundred years old. If some teaching or belief truly reflects their religion, surely Jehovah's Witnesses must have mentioned it again in some publication from a more recent decade. It would be better to quote from the works of Jehovah's Witnesses published since 1985, because the majority of Jehovah's Witnesses have aligned themselves with the religion since that year.

Despite the protestations of anti-Witness activists, Jehovah's Witnesses consider the Bible to be the only infallible inspired means of determining God's will and purposes. Jehovah's Witnesses consider the Holy Scriptures as the final word in all matters of worship, and actually encourage their adherents to elevate the bible over the human traditions which pass as worship for too many humans.

(Matthew 15:3,9) [Jesus] said to them: “Why is it you also overstep the commandment of God because of your tradition? ...It is in vain that they keep worshiping [God], because they teach commands of men as doctrines.

(Mark 7:8) Letting go the commandment of God, you hold fast the
tradition of men.

(Colossians 2:8) Look out: perhaps there may be someone who will carry you off as his prey through the philosophy and empty deception according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary things of the world and not according to Christ


The many fine publications of Jehovah's Witnesses could no more replace the bible than a pair of eyeglasses could replace the eyes.

Learn more:
http://watchtower.org/bible/2ti/chapter_003.htm#bk16
http://watchtower.org/e/19991115/article_01.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/t13/article_01.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/20010801/article_01.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/20000622/article_01.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/20050715/article_01.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/19981001/article_01.htm

Answer 2

I don't understand your question. Are you supporting the watchtower alongside the bible, or are you trying to provide evidence that the bible is enough?

The reason I am confused is your username has the word Jesus in it, and most Jehovah's witnesses don't call him by Jesus, they call him by Jehovah.

My personal opinion is to be watchful of any literature aside from the bible no matter the religious basis. The Bible in it's Design is sufficient, secondary literature can be supportive or at times elusive and disagree with the bible. Read carefully and completely and know for sure that the WatchTower could never stand alone... but the bible can and will do just that!

Answer 3

Since Moses, Jehovah has used an organization to help people understand His Laws and Word.

When people rebelled from His organization they didn't prosper, they were destroyed or punished.

Korah, the 10 tribe Kingdom of Israel.

Even Aaron when Moses wasn't around, listened to the people's voice and created the golden calf.

When Cornelius was chosen by Jehovah to become a disciple, Peter was sent.

Paul was told to go to Ananias,

Ethiopian eunuch admitted that unless someone instructed him, how could he learn.

Jesus is a faithful witness, of whom? Himself?

No to his God see vs 6

Rev 1: 5 and from Jesus Christ, “the Faithful Witness,” “The firstborn from the dead,” and “The Ruler of the kings of the earth.”

To him that loves us and that loosed us from our sins by means of his own blood— 6 and he made us to be a kingdom, priests to his God and Father—yes, to him be the glory and the might forever. Amen.

As John tells us Let us glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Answer 4

I read the Bible sans watch tower and will go toe to toe in the understanding of scripture with any one who wishes we learn together. I use no commentaries until after I have read a particular scripture 40 times. Watch Tower is a commentary. Another persons hidden agenda can get in the way of you understand the message God has for you.

Any idea that leads to the separations in the ones who Love the God of Abraham is an idea God directly forbids as He admonishes us to be of one accord and love each other. May those who would separate us recieve no reward in heaven other than watching others receive their rewards.

Answer 5

2Ti 3:16 All scripture, inspired of God, is profitable to teach, to reprove, to correct, to instruct in justice:
2Ti 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, furnished to every good work.

The 31,000 different Protestant creeds prove the JW's right on that one, not that the boys in Brooklyn could recognize the truth, even if somebody translated it into proper Greek for them.

Even a busted clock is right twice a day.

Answer 6

The Bible alone is sufficient for the work of salvation to take place.
No other books of interpretation are required, nor desired.

Do you recall when Jesus walked on the road to Emmaus and met two disciples who did not recognize Him right away?
He took them through the Old Testament and showed them all the scriptures that pertained to Messiah.

Answer 7

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Answer 8

Teaches that Jesus is God. Read ITim 3:16

Answer 9

The Bible is sufficient unto its self. There is nothing else required.

Answer 10

Jesus Himself is sufficient. The BIble is the beat of His heart for us!