What is the meaning of 2 Thessalonians 2:15? Therefore - Paul’s “Therefore” looks back to God’s sovereign work just described (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14). Because God “chose you from the beginning for salvation” and “called you through our gospel,” what follows is not optional advice but a necessary response. - The same pattern appears in Romans 12:1—after eleven chapters of doctrine, Paul says, “Therefore, I urge you…” The gospel’s indicatives ground the imperatives. - Knowing our security in Christ fuels steadfast obedience (Philippians 2:12-13). Brothers - The word signals family solidarity. We stand together, not as isolated believers but as siblings adopted by the Father (Galatians 4:4-7). - This shared identity heightens responsibility to help each other hold the line (Hebrews 3:13). Stand firm - “Stand firm” pictures a soldier holding ground under pressure (Ephesians 6:13-14). - In context, the pressure is deception about “the man of lawlessness” and false reports claiming “the day of the Lord has come” (2 Thessalonians 2:2-3). - Standing firm means: • Refusing to be shaken by sensational rumors. • Anchoring convictions on God’s unchanging Word (Psalm 119:89). • Persisting in faith even when culture shifts (1 Corinthians 15:58). Cling to the traditions - “Traditions” here are not human customs but apostolic teaching—the gospel and its ethical implications (1 Corinthians 11:2). - Clinging implies an active, intentional grip: • Memorize and meditate (Psalm 1:2). • Teach and remind one another (Colossians 3:16). • Reject additions or subtractions (Revelation 22:18-19). We taught you - Authority rests in the teaching Paul and his companions delivered, not in later opinions. - The Thessalonians had already received everything necessary for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). - Today, that same apostolic deposit is preserved in Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Whether by speech - Oral instruction was primary during Paul’s visits (Acts 17:2-4). - Hearing truth preached builds faith (Romans 10:17). - Local churches should prioritize expository preaching that passes on the unchanged message (1 Timothy 4:13). Or by letter - Written communication provides a permanent, checkable record (Colossians 4:16). - Letters like 1-2 Thessalonians were circulated and read publicly, functioning as Scripture (2 Peter 3:15-16). - Today, our confidence rests on the completed canon, safeguarding us from counterfeit revelations (Jude 3-4). summary Paul commands the Thessalonian family—and us—to plant our feet where God has already secured us. Because we are chosen and called, we must hold our ground, locking arms as brothers and sisters. We grip the apostolic message with both hands, whether it first reached us through preaching or through the written Word. By standing firm in that unaltered truth, we resist deception, remain fruitful, and honor the Lord until He comes. |
    |