2 Timothy 3.16 is often cited as a rock-solid defense for the authority of scripture – “scripture is breathed out by God”, so God is the ultimate author of the Bible. In the verses just prior, Paul is instructing Timothy to “continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it” (vs 3.14). 

Paul gives a list of benefits provided by the “sacred writings” or “scripture,” which Timothy has learned and fully believed, knowing they are from God.  Scripture is

–          Able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ (wow!)

–          Profitable for teaching

–          Profitable for reproof

–          Profitable for correction

–          Profitable for training in righteousness

–          Leading the man of God (to) be competent and equipped for every good work (righteous)