ACC ~ 2 Timothy 3 v16

A LIFETIME OF STUDY. APHRAHAT: For if the days of a man should be as many as all the days of the world from Adam to the end of the ages and he should sit and meditate upon the holy Scriptures, he would not comprehend all the force of the depth of the words. And man cannot rise up to the wisdom of God. DEMONSTRATIONS 22.26.

PROFITABLE FOR CORRECTION. CHRYSOSTOM: By Scripture we may disprove what is false, be corrected, be brought to a right understanding, and be comforted and consoled. HOMILIES ON 2 TIMOTHY 9.

SCRIPTURES TEACH RIGHTEOUSNESS. THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA: The usefulness of Scripture lies in its detailing of what one ought to do, either to convict sinners or to clarify what correction is necessary for penitents or to teach what can bring persons to righteousness. COMMENTARY ON 2 TIMOTHY.

RELIABILITY OF SCRIPTURE. ANONYMOUS: Indeed the words of Scripture, the very breath of God, are true and very dependable, whether concerning favors or punishments. THE REGULATIONS OF HORIESIOS 52.

THE PROFIT OF SCRIPTURE. GREGORY OF NYSSA: The Scripture is “given by inspiration of God,” as the apostle says. The Scripture is of the Holy Spirit, and its intention is the profit of men. For “every Scripture,” he says, “is given by inspiration of God and is profitable.”The profit is varied and multiform, as the apostle says—“for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” Such a gift as this, however, is not within any man’s reach to lay hold of. Rather, the divine intention lies hidden under the body of the Scripture, as it were under a veil, some legislative enactment or some historical narrative being cast over the truths that are contemplated by the mind. AGAINST EUNOMIUS 3.7.1.

ABSOLUTELY DEPENDABLE. AUGUSTINE: The Scriptures are holy, they are truthful, they are blameless. … So we have no grounds at all for blaming Scripture if we happen to deviate in any way, because we haven’t understood it. When we do understand it, we are right. But when we are wrong because we haven’t understood it, we leave it in the right. When we have gone wrong, we don’t make out Scripture to be wrong, but it continues to stand up straight and right, so that we may return to it for correction. SERMONS 23.3.

THE SOUL REFRESHED BY SCRIPTURE. JOHN OF DAMASCUS: To search the sacred Scripture is very good and most profitable for the soul. For, “like a tree which is planted near the running waters,” so does the soul watered by sacred Scripture also grow hearty and bear fruit in due season. This is the orthodox faith. It is adorned with its evergreen leaves, with actions pleasing to God. THE ORTHODOX FAITH 4.17.

2 Tim