Funny Timothy knew what the "sacred writings" were. I suppose he failed to informed the rest of the Church and it took everyone else 300 years to figure it out?
Isn't it quite obvious that Paul is refering to the Old Testament? Those of Timothy's YOUTH! The New Testament was not even written yet...
Regards
14 But continue thou in those things which thou hast learned, and which have been committed to thee: knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And because from thy infancy thou hast known the holy scriptures, which can instruct thee to salvation, by the faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture, inspired of God, is profitable to teach, to reprove, to correct, to instruct in justice, 17 That the man of God may be perfect, furnished to every good work.What do we see here? First, verse 14 refers to oral teaching. Second, that the scripture thus described is something Timothy knew from infancy, which means the Old Testament. Third, that such scripture that is inspired is useful in teaching, correction, and generally in every good work. Now, what do we not see? We do not see that Timothy knows the New Testament Canon, which as of St. Paul's writing did not exist yet. Generally, in this passage we do not see any way to tell which scripture is inspired.(2 Timothy 3)
He is referring to the OLD testament