2 Thessalonians 2:15

“So then, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye were taught, whether by word, or by epistle of ours”

“So then”: Great truths must have great conclusions or applications. “Stand fast”: See 1 Corinthians 15:58; 1 Corinthians 16:13; Galatians 5:1; 1 Peter 1:27; 1 Peter 4:1). In the context "standing fast" means that one remains firm in the teachings handed down through the Apostles. The phrase "stand fast" infers that one can be fully convicted, and one can stand firm in the truth. The Bible is very clear and understandable, because one cannot stand firm in something that one does not or cannot understand. Black and white do exist and the Christian is expected to take. firm stand in doctrinal issues (2 John 1:9). “Hold”: “Keep. tight grip on” (Wms). “Present imperative, to have masterful grip on. thing” (Robertson p. 54). “Traditions”: The word "tradition" simply refers to that which has been "handed down". What is handed down may be either God's views or man's views (Matthew 15:2). The "traditions" that these Christians are to hold on to are those teachings passed down to them by the apostles.

“Which ye were taught, whether by word, or by epistle of ours”: “Whether by my words or by my letters” (Con). “Orally or by letter” (Mof). What is written has just as much authority as hearing Jesus or the apostles speak in person (1 Corinthians 14:37). The oral traditions of the above verse refer to what Paul taught these Christians while with them, that is, in public or private classes. Such teaching was then incorporated into his letters (2 Thessalonians 2:5). Hence, Paul is saying, “Hold to what. have taught you, whether you heard that teaching in. sermon. delivered or whether you read it in my letter”. Obviously, the letters of the apostles were binding upon all Christians. Paul is not talking about holding on to traditions which are invented by men. Many of those traditions, if accepted would cause one to reject God's truth (Mark 7:8). “He exhorts the readers to stick to what he had actually said and written and not to accept other views” (Marshall p. 210). The Catholic Church perverts this passage into meaning that the writings of those who lived after the apostles, the decrees of various Church Councils and the decisions of the Pope comprise. body of truth that is equal in weight to Scripture.

Paul's Prayer for Them