Note 1 at 2 Tim. 3:10: The Greek word which was translated by the phrase "fully known" is "PARAKOLOUTHEO" which means, "to follow near" (Strong). Rienecker's Linguistic Key to the Greek New Testament says this word means, "to follow along, to follow closely, to accompany. The word is also. . . defining the relation of a disciple to his master. . . ." Paul is saying Timothy had an intimate knowledge of all his ways.

Timothy was either converted directly through the ministry of the Apostle Paul, or his grandmother, Lois, and mother, Eunice, who were converted through Paul's ministry had shared their faith with Timothy (see note 1 at Acts 16:1, p. 665). This happened during Paul's first missionary trip (see note 2 at Acts 14:26, p. 658) through Galatia (see note 1 at Acts 16:6, p. 665) and when Paul came back through that area on his second missionary trip (see note 1 at Acts 18:22, p. 683) he chose Timothy to travel with him.

Timothy became Paul's "son in the faith" (1 Tim. 1:2). Paul said he had no other associate like Timothy with whom he was "likeminded" (Phil. 2:20). Timothy had witnessed Paul's persecutions first hand (see note 6 at v. 11)

Note 2 at 2 Tim. 3:10: The Greek word "DIDASKALIA" which was translated "doctrine" here differs somewhat from other Greek words which were also translated as "doctrine" in the New Testament (see note 7 at 1 Cor. 14:26, p. 949). "DIDASKALIA" means, "the way one leads his life, manner of life, which a man's closest associate can never fail to know in all its aspects (Rienecker's).

Paul is speaking of Timothy knowing more about him than just what he believes. He is stating that Timothy knew completely who he really was. Timothy knew Paul as no other person did.

Note 3 at 2 Tim. 3:10: The word "purpose" was translated from the Greek word "AGOGE" which means, ". . . mode of living" (Strong). Rienecker's Linguistic Key to the Greek New Testament says this word means, "the guiding motive of his life and work". Timothy knew more about Paul than just his actions, he knew his heart.

Note 4 at 2 Tim. 3:10: The same Greek word "MAKROTHUMIA" which was translated "longsuffering" here was also translated as "patience" in Hebrews 6:12 and James 5:10. The New International Version translates it as "patience" in this verse (see note 5 at this v.).

Note 5 at 2 Tim. 3:10: The Greek word "HUPOMONE" which was translated "patience" here was translated as "patience" a total of 29 times in the New Testament. It was translated as "enduring" once (2 Cor. 1:6); as "patient continuance" once (Rom. 2:7); and as "patient waiting" once (2 Th. 3:5). The New International Version translated it as "endurance" in this verse.

The difference between "patience" and "longsuffering" is slight but must exist since Paul used these two different words in the same list in the same verse. The dictionary defines "longsuffering" as, "patiently enduring pain or difficulties." "Patience" is defined as, "enduring affliction with calmness; tolerant; understanding; persevering; steadfast." (NAHD).

The words "patient" and "patience" can be used in a context where there is no pain or suffering involved. The word longsuffering can not be used that way. The inclusion of the word "suffering" in "longsuffering" suggest the difference between just "patience" and "longsuffering."