What traditions are referred to in 2 Thessalonians 2:15, and how are they received? Setting the Scene – Paul writes to believers unsettled by rumors about the Day of the Lord (2 Thessalonians 2:1-2). – He reassures them: “stand firm… cling to the traditions… we taught you” (2 Thessalonians 2:15). – “Traditions” here are not human customs but God-given teachings transmitted by the apostles. Identifying the Traditions 1. The gospel message itself (1 Colossians 15:3-4). 2. Core doctrines Paul had already explained in person (Acts 17:2-3; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2). 3. Ethical commands for holy living (1 Thessalonians 4:3-8). 4. Instruction on church order and discipline (2 Thessalonians 3:6-15). 5. Eschatological truth about Christ’s return (2 Thessalonians 2:1-12). Scriptural Parallels – 1 Corinthians 11:2: Paul commends believers for holding the traditions he delivered. – 2 Timothy 1:13-14: “Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching… guard the good deposit.” – Jude 3: “Contend for the faith once for all delivered to the saints.” – Acts 2:42: Early church “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching.” These passages confirm that “traditions” equal Spirit-inspired apostolic doctrine now preserved in Scripture. Means of Reception • Oral: Paul’s preaching, personal instruction, mentoring. • Written: Inspired letters copied, circulated, and finally collected in the New Testament canon. • Verified: Bereans tested Paul’s words against the Scriptures they already had (Acts 17:11). How Believers Respond – Stand firm—refuse to be moved by false prophecy or forged letters. – Hold fast—grip truth with mind, heart, and action; obey what has been taught. – Pass it on—teach the same doctrine to the next generation (2 Titus 2:2). – Guard against additions or subtractions (Galatians 1:8-9; Revelation 22:18-19). Living It Today Scripture is the written form of those apostolic traditions; faithful preaching and teaching echo the original oral deposit. To “stand firm” means daily anchoring ourselves in the Bible, measuring every idea against it, and living out its commands in the power of the Spirit. |
    |