Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Thessalonian 2:15
Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
15. Therefore, brethren, stand fast) So then (R.V.), as in 1Th 5:6 (see note): the practical conclusion in which the Apostle gathers up all he has been saying in this letter. “Since the Lord’s return is delayed and its time uncertain, and in prospect of the coming of Antichrist, whose deceptive influence is already secretly at work, inasmuch as God by our means has made you heirs of His glorious kingdom Stand Fast.” Comp. 1Co 15:58; Col 1:23, where, as in this place, hope is the incentive to steadfastness.
and hold the traditions which ye have been taught ] “Hold” is an emphatic word: stand firm and hold fast (Ellicott) gives the Greek sense more adequately.
In traditions which you were taught there is no suggestion of the Romanist idea of Tradition, conceived as an authority distinct from the written Word of God; for the Apostle continues, whether by word or latter of ours (the pronoun belongs to both nouns). He bids them hold by what he had taught, whether it came through this channel or that, provided it were really from himself (comp. 2Th 2:2, and ch. 2Th 3:14; 2Th 3:17). He is now beginning to communicate with the Churches by letter, and stamps his Epistles with the authority of his spoken word. The sentence asserts the claim of the true Apostolic teaching, as against any who would “beguile” the Church away from it. Comp. 1Co 11:2: “I praise you that in all things you remember us, and hold fast the traditions, even as I delivered them to you.”
The Apostle’s “traditions” included, besides doctrine, also the “charges” (or “commands”) he gave on matters of morals and practical life (ch. 2Th 3:4; 1Th 4:2). The body of Christian doctrine, brought to its finished form, he calls in his last letters “the deposit” (1Ti 6:20; 2Ti 1:12; 2Ti 1:14); while his practical teaching is “the charge” (or “commandment”), 1Ti 1:5; 1Ti 1:18.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Therefore – In view of the fact that you are thus chosen from eternity, and that you are to be raised up to such honor and glory.
Stand fast – Amidst all the temptations which surround you; compare the notes on Eph 6:10-14. And hold the traditions which ye have been taught On the word traditions, see the notes on Mat 15:2. It means properly things delivered over from one to another; then anything orally delivered – any precept, doctrine, or law. It is frequently employed to denote that which is not written, as contradistinguished from that which is written (compare Mat 15:2), but not necessarily or always; for here the apostle speaks of the traditions which they had been taught by his epistle; compare the notes, 1Co 11:2. Here it means the doctrines or precepts which they had received from the apostle, whether when he was with them, or after he left them; whether communicated by preaching or by letter. This passage can furnish no authority for holding the traditions which have come down from ancient times, and which profess to have been derived from the apostles; because:
(1)There is no evidence that any of those traditions were given by the apostles;
(2)Many of them are manifestly so trifling, false, and contrary to the writings of the apostles, that they could not have been delivered by them;
(3)If any of them are genuine, it is impossible to separate them from those which are false;
(4)We have all that is necessary for salvation in the written word; and,
(5)There is not the least evidence that the apostle here meant to refer to any such thing.
He speaks only of what had been delivered to them by himself, whether orally or by letter; not of what was delivered from one to another as from him. There is no intimation here that they were to hold anything as from him which they had not received directly from him, either by his own instructions personally or by letter. With what propriety, then, can this passage be adduced to prove that we are to hold the traditions which professedly come to us through a great number of intermediate persons? Where is the evidence here that the church was to hold those unwritten traditions, and transmit them to future times?
Whether by word – By preaching, when we were with you. It does not mean that he had sent any oral message to them by a third person.
Or our epistle – The former letter which he had written to them.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
2Th 2:15
Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions
Inspired traditions viewed in relation to the ministry and the Church
(Text and 2Th 2:13-14):–
I.
The doctrines which constitute these traditions.
1. That human redemption had its rise in sovereign favour (2Th 2:13).
2. That we are indebted solely to the Scriptures for our knowledge of salvation.
3. That Christ is the central truth of the Bible.
4. That sanctification by the Spirit through belief of the truth is obligatory on all Christians.
II. The duties of the Church in regard to these traditions.
1. Stability. Stand fast.
2. Fidelity. Hold. (J. Woodward.)
The Scripture sufficient without unwritten traditions
I. Our duty is to stand fast in the faith of Christ and profession of godliness whatever temptations we have to the contrary. Stand fast, being a military word, alludes to a soldiers keeping his ground, and is opposed to two things–
1. A cowardly flight, i.e., our being overcome in the evil day. Wherefore we are exhorted to put on the armour of God (Eph 6:13), which helps us to withstand and to stand. The first is the act of a soldier, the second the posture of a conqueror. Here we make our way to heaven by conflict and conquest; hereafter we triumph.
2. A treacherous revolt, or yielding to the enemy, by complying with those things which are against the interest of Christ for advantage sake (2Ti 4:10; Heb 12:15-16).
II. The means of standing fast is to hold the traditions taught by the apostles.
1. The doctrine of Christianity is a tradition.
(1) Matters not evident by the light of nature or revelation must be either an invention or a tradition.
(a) An invention is something in religion not evident by natural light, nor agreeable to sound reason, but is some cunningly devised fable, obtruded by various artifices upon the belief of the world (Ecc 7:29; Rom 1:21-22).
(b) The gospel is none of this sort, but a tradition, or delivery of truth upon the testimony of One come from God to instruct the world, and reduce it to Him (Heb 2:3-4). Christ delivered it to the apostles, and the apostles to others (2Ti 2:2), until it came to us. This testimony is as binding as if we had heard Christ or the apostles, for we have their word in writing. And that these are their writings appears by the constant tradition of the Church, the acknowledgment of enemies, the blessing of God upon them to the conversion of souls, their power to protect the Church and promote its conquests, and their survival in spite of persecution and debate.
(2) The Christian religion must needs be a tradition.
(a) Because it is built on matter of fact, viz., that the Son of God came from God to bring us to God, confirming the truth of His mission by such miracles as showed Him to be the Son of God and the Saviour of the world. Now a testimony or tradition is needful in matters of fact which must be confined to some time or place. Christ could not be always working, dying, rising, etc., everywhere. Those things were once to be done in one place before competent witnesses. But because the knowledge of them concerned all the world they were by them attested to others (Act 1:8-22; Act 2:32; Act 3:15; Act 10:39-41.)
(b) Because it is matter of faith, or doctrine, built upon matter of fact. We cannot properly believe a thing but upon testimony. If one asks, Do you believe the sun shines? you answer, No, I see it. Do you believe that twice two make four? No, I know it. But if he should ask Do you believe that the sun is bigger than the earth? you reply, Yes, not because it appears so, but because competent judges tell you such is the case. Apply it now to the mysteries of the gospel. They cannot be seen by the eye, for they are invisible; nor comprehended by the reason, for they are above it; but we believe them because revealed to prophets and apostles. And this is more certain than sense. The eye may be deceived, and reason may err, but it is impossible for God to deceive or be deceived (1Jn 5:9).
2. The holding this tradition is the great means of standing fast in the faith of Christ and the confession of His name. For in it there is sure direction to walk by, and sure promises to build upon (2Pe 1:16-17; 1Jn 1:2-4). By this we have all that belongs–
(1) To faith. There can be no faith till we have a sure testimony of Gods revelation; for faith is a believing such things as God hath revealed, because He hath revealed them.
(2) Nor obedience, for that is doing what God commands, because He commands (1Th 4:3; 1Th 5:18; 1Pe 2:15).
(3) Nor certain expectation of happiness. We are never safe till we know by what rule Christ will judge us (Rom 2:16; 1Th 1:8).
III. Since the apostles have gone to God, and we cannot receive their doctrine by word of mouth, we must stick to the written word.
1. Because we are taught to do so by Christ and the apostles (Mat 15:2; Luk 16:31; Act 26:22; 2Pe 1:19).
2. Because these things were written for our sakes (1Jn 1:4). They knew the slipperiness of mens memory, and the danger of corrupting Christian doctrine, if there were not a sure authentic record left; therefore they wrote fully.
3. Because the Scriptures are perfect, and give us a knowledge of those things which concern–
(1) Our faith. If there be enough written for that, we need not unwritten traditions to complete our rule (Joh 20:30-31). What would men have more?
(2) Our duty; that is sufficiently provided for (Tit 2:12); therefore we need no other rule.
(3) Our happiness: the doctrine that is able to make us wise unto salvation, is enough for us (2Ti 3:15; 2Ti 3:17). (T. Manton, D. D.)
Scripture and tradition
There was a flute in the Temple, says the Talmud, preserved from the days of Moses; it was smooth, thin, and formed of a reed. At the command of the king it was overlaid with gold, which ruined its sweetness of tone until the gold was taken away. There were also a cymbal and a mortar, which had become injured in the course of time, and were mended by workmen from Alexandria, summoned by the wise men, but their usefulness was so completely destroyed by this process that it was necessary to restore them to their former condition. Are not these things an allegory? Do they not imply that by overlaying the written Law with what they called gold, but what was in reality the dross and tinsel of tradition, the rabbis had destroyed or injured its beauty and usefulness. (Archdeacon Farrar.)
Stand fast
Let us stand fast as men who are appointed to keep their places until their guard is relieved by the coming of their Lord. If you have won the day, oh, do keep it! You must not suppose that the whole of religion is wrapped up in the day or two, or week or two which surround conversion. Godliness is a life long business.
1. Stand fast doctrinally. In this age all the ships are pulling up their anchors. Now, put your anchors down. Learn no teaching but what Christ teaches you. If you see a truth in Gods Word, grip it; and if it be unpopular, grip it the more. The one watchword now for the whole army of God is, Stand fast.
2. Stand fast practically. All the barriers are broken down. People try to make the Church and world meet. Therefore, it becomes Christians to gather up their skirts, and be more precise than ever they were.
3. Mind that you stand fast experimentally. Pray that your inner experience may be a close adhesion to your Master. Stand fast without wandering into sin. Only so will you be preserved from the vortex of iniquity. Stand fast without wearying. Stand fast without dallying with any kind of error. The weather is very bad just now spiritually. Stand fast because of your citizenship. (C. H. Spurgeon.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 15. Therefore, brethren, stand fast] Their obtaining eternal glory depended on their faithfulness to the grace of God; for this calling did not necessarily and irresistibly lead to faith; nor their faith to the sanctification of the spirit; nor their sanctification of the spirit to the glory of our Lord Jesus. Had they not attended to the calling, they could not have believed; had they not believed, they could not have been sanctified; had they not been sanctified they could not have been glorified. All these things depended on each other; they were stages of the great journey; and at any of these stages they might have halted, and never finished their Christian race.
Hold the traditions which ye have been taught] The word , which we render tradition, signifies any thing delivered in the way of teaching; and here most obviously means the doctrines delivered by the apostle to the Thessalonians; whether in his preaching, private conversation, or by these epistles; and particularly the first epistle, as the apostle here states. Whatever these traditions were, as to their matter, they were a revelation from God; for they came by men who spake and acted under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit; and on this ground the passage here can never with any propriety be brought to support the unapostolical and anti-apostolical traditions of the Romish Church; those being matters which are, confessedly, not taken from either Testament, nor were spoken either by a prophet or an apostle.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
The former verses contained consolation, this is an exhortation: the apostle had assured them of their being elected and called, yet exhorts them to their duty. Assurance of salvation doth not encourage negligence; the apostle takes his argument from thence to quicken them:
Therefore, & c. And that which he exhorts them to is:
1. To stand fast; a military word, speaking as a captain to his soldiers; so 1Co 16:13; Eph 6:14; having before foretold a great apostacy that would come. Or because he had told them of the great glory they had been called to the obtaining of by the gospel, he exhorts them to stand fast, which implies a firm persuasion of mind and constant purpose of will, and stands opposite to hesitation and despondency.
2. To hold the traditions which they had been taught. The word tradition signifies any thing delivered to another; especially meant of doctrines. The Pharisees doctrine is called tradition, Mat 15:3; and so the true doctrines of the gospel, being such as the apostles delivered to the people; as the doctrine of the Lords supper is said to be delivered, 1Co 11:23; and so Rom 6:13.
Whether by word, or our epistle; by word of mouth in public preaching, or private instruction. The apostle had both preached and written to these Thessalonians, before he wrote this Second Epistle. And that the papists should hence infer that there are matters of necessary consequence in religion, not contained in the Scriptures, is without ground. These they call traditions, some whereof are concerning faith, others concerning manners, others ritual, with respect to the worship of God, or the external polity of the church. But who can assure us what these are? What a door is here opened to introduce what men please into the church, under pretence of tradition! Who were the persons the apostle intrusted to keep these traditions? Why should he not declare the whole system of gospel truths he had received from Christ in writing, as well as part? Why should he conceal some things, when he wrote others? And doth not the apostle assure Timothy that All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof for correction, for instruction; that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works? 2Ti 3:16,17. What need then traditions? And how can we know that they are by Divine inspiration, as we are assured all Scripture is? Our Saviour reproved the Pharisees about their traditions, when from hence they would observe and impose ceremonies of washing hands, cups, and platters, Mat 15:2-6, yea, and by them make the commandments of God of none effect; which the apostle cautions the Colossians about, Col 2:8; and whereof Paul declares his zeal before his conversion, Gal 1:14; and we find mens zeal still more about them than moral duties, and express institutions of Gods worship. All the apostles doctrine,
whether by word or epistle, he calls by the name of traditions in the text here, and he commends the Corinthians, 1Co 11:2, that they kept the traditions delivered to them; but were not they all committed to writing in some place or other of his Epistles? And which were, and which were not, who can be certain? And why should traditions be confined only to those things which the apostle did not write? He exhorts the Thessalonians to hold the traditions which they had been taught, whether by word or epistle. And if they hold them with strength, as the word is, by this means they would stand fast.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
15. ThereforeGod’s sovereignchoice of believers, so far from being a ground for inaction on theirpart, is the strongest incentive to action and perseverance in it.Compare the argument, Phi 2:12;Phi 2:13, “Work out yourown salvation, FOR itis God which worketh in you,” c. We cannot fully explain this intheory but to the sincere and humble, the practicalacting on the principle is plain. “Privilege first, dutyafterwards” [EDMUNDS].
stand fastso as not tobe “shaken or troubled” (2Th2:2).
holdso as not to letgo. Adding nothing, subtracting nothing [BENGEL].The Thessalonians had not held fast his oral instructions but hadsuffered themselves to be imposed upon by pretendedspirit-revelations, and words and letters pretending to be from Paul(2Th 2:2), to the effect that”the day of the Lord was instantly imminent.”
traditionstruthsdelivered and transmitted orally, or in writing(2Th 3:6; 1Co 11:2;Greek, “traditions”). The Greek verb fromwhich the noun comes, is used by Paul in 2Th 2:11;2Th 15:3. From the threepassages in which “tradition” is used in a good sense, Romehas argued for her accumulation of uninspired traditions,virtually overriding God’s Word, while put forward as of co-ordinateauthority with it. She forgets the ten passages (Mat 15:2;Mat 15:3; Mat 15:6;Mar 7:3; Mar 7:5;Mar 7:8; Mar 7:9;Mar 7:13; Gal 1:14;Col 2:8) stigmatizing man’suninspired traditions. Not even the apostles’ sayings were allinspired (for example, Peter’s dissimulation, Ga2:11-14), but only when they claimed to be so, as in their wordsafterwards embodied in their canonical writings. Oral inspiration wasnecessary in their case, until the canon of the written Word shouldbe complete; they proved their possession of inspiration by miracleswrought in support of the new revelation, which revelation, moreover,accorded with the existing Old Testament revelation; an additionaltest needed besides miracles (compare Deu 13:1-6;Act 17:11). When the canon wascomplete, the infallibility of the living men was transferred to thewritten Word, now the sole unerring guide, interpreted by the HolySpirit. Little else has come down to us by the most ancientand universal tradition save this, the all-sufficiency ofScripture for salvation. Therefore, by tradition, we are constrainedto cast off all tradition not contained in, or not provable by,Scripture. The Fathers are valuable witnesses to historical facts,which give force to the intimations of Scripture: such as theChristian Lord’s day, the baptism of infants, and the genuineness ofthe canon of Scripture. Tradition (in the sense of humantestimony) cannot establish a doctrine, but canauthenticate a fact, such as the facts just mentioned.Inspired tradition, in Paul’s sense, is not a supplementary oraltradition completing our written Word, but it is identicalwith the written Word now complete; then the latter not beingcomplete, the tradition was necessarily in part oral, in partwritten, and continued so until, the latter being complete before thedeath of St. John, the last apostle, the former was no longer needed.Scripture is, according to Paul, the complete and sufficient rule inall that appertains to making “the man of God perfect,throughly furnished unto all good works” (2Ti 3:16;2Ti 3:17). It is by leavingPaul’s God-inspired tradition for human traditions that Rome hasbecome the forerunner and parent of the Antichrist. It is strikingthat, from this very chapter denouncing Antichrist, she should drawan argument for her “traditions” by which she fostersanti-Christianity. Because the apostles’ oral word was as trustworthyas their written word, it by no means follows that the oral word ofthose not apostles is as trustworthy as the writtenword of those who were apostles or inspired evangelists. No traditionof the apostles except their written word can be provedgenuine on satisfactory evidence. We are no more bound to acceptimplicitly the Fathers’ interpretations of Scripture, because weaccept the Scripture canon on their testimony, than we are bound toaccept the Jews’ interpretation of the Old Testament, because weaccept the Old Testament canon on their testimony.
our epistleasdistinguished from a “letter AS from us,” 2Th2:2, namely, that purports to be from us, but is not. He refersto his first Epistle to the Thessalonians.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Therefore, brethren, stand fast,…. In the doctrine of the Gospel in general, and in the article of Christ’s second coming in particular, and not in the least waver about the thing itself, nor be shaken in mind, and troubled as if it was just at hand; and the rather it became them to be concerned that they stood fast in the truth, and persevered unto the end, since there was to be a falling away, and the mystery of iniquity was already working, and antichrist would shortly appear, whose coming would be with all deceivableness, of unrighteousness; and they had the greater encouragement to continue firm and unmoved, seeing they were chosen from eternity unto salvation through sanctification and belief of the truth, and were called in time by the Gospel to the enjoyment of the glory of Christ in another world.
And hold the traditions which ye have been taught: meaning the truths of the Gospel, which may be called traditions, because they are delivered from one to another; the Gospel was first delivered by God the Father to Jesus Christ, as Mediator, and by him to his apostles, and by them to the churches of Christ; whence it is called the form of doctrine delivered to them, and the faith once delivered to the saints: and also the ordinances of the Gospel which the apostles received from Christ, and as they received them faithfully delivered them, such as baptism and the Lord’s supper; as well as rules of conduct and behaviour, both in the church, and in the world, even all the commandments of Christ, which he ordered his apostles to teach, and which they gave by him; see 2Th 3:6. And so the Syriac version here renders it, “the commandments”: and these were such as these saints had been taught by the apostles, under the direction of Christ, and through the guidance of his Spirit; and were not the traditions of men or the rudiments of the world, but what they had received from Christ, through the hands of the apostles:
whether by word, or our epistle, that is, by “our” word, as well as by our epistle, and so the Arabic version reads; these doctrines, ordinances, and rules of discipline were communicated to them, both by word of mouth, when the apostles were in person among them, and by writing afterwards to them; for what the apostles delivered in the ministry of the word to the churches, they sent them in writing, that they might be a standing rule of faith and practice; so that this does not in the least countenance the unwritten traditions of the Papists; and since these were what were taught them, “viva voce”, and they received them from the mouth of the apostles, or by letters from them, or both, it became them to hold and retain them fast, and not let them go, either with respect to doctrine or practice.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
So then ( ). Accordingly then. The illative is supported (Ellicott) by the collective as in 1Thess 5:6; Gal 6:10, etc. Here is the practical conclusion from God’s elective purpose in such a world crisis.
Stand fast (). Present imperative active of the late present from (perfect active of ). See on 1Th 3:8.
Hold the traditions ( ). Present imperative of , old verb, to have masterful grip on a thing, either with genitive (Mr 1:31) or usually the accusative as here. (tradition) is an old word for what is handed over to one. Dibelius thinks that Paul reveals his Jewish training in the use of this word (Ga 1:14), but the word is a perfectly legitimate one for teaching whether oral,
by word ( ), or written,
by epistle of ours (‘ ). Paul draws here no distinction between oral tradition and written tradition as was done later. The worth of the tradition lies not in the form but in the source and the quality of the content. Paul in 1Co 11:23 says: “I received from the Lord what I also handed over () unto you.” He praises them because ye “hold fast the traditions even as I delivered them unto you.” The
tradition may be merely that of men and so worthless and harmful in place of the word of God (Mark 7:8; Col 2:6-8). It all depends. It is easy to scoff at truth as mere tradition. But human progress in all fields is made by use of the old, found to be true, in connection with the new if found to be true. In Thessalonica the saints were already the victims of theological charlatans with their half-baked theories about the second coming of Christ and about social duties and relations.
Which ye were taught ( ). First aorist passive indicative of , to teach, retaining the accusative of the thing in the passive as is common with this verb like doceo in Latin and teach in English.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
Traditions [] . See on 1Co 11:2. Not emphasizing a distinction between written and oral tradition. Tradition, in the scriptural sense, may be either written or oral. It implies on the part of a teacher that he is not expressing his own ideas, but is delivering or handing over [] a message received from some one else. See 1Co 11:23. The prominent idea of paradosiv is therefore that of an authority external to the teacher. Comp. by word nor by letter, ver. 2.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “Therefore, brethren, stand fast” (ara oun, adelphoi, stekete) “So then, brethren, stand ye”; as a sentry soldier, alert, watchful, ready, in the faith and truth, as opposed to such as follow the ways of the anti-Christ, lawlessness and rebellion, 1Co 15:1; 1Co 16:13; Php_4:1.
2) “And hold the traditions” (kai krateite tas paradoseis) “ana hold ye the traditions”, good customs, traditions, ways the apostles and saints have trod, 1Co 11:2; 2Th 3:6.
3) “Which ye have been taught” (has edidachthete)
which ye were taught”; Jud 1:1-3. They had been taught in the way of truth, regarding salvation, separated living, sanctification of life, and obedient service to Jesus Christ through His Church, 1Th 2:7-14.
4) “Whether by word” (eite dia logou) “Either through (media of) speech”, when Paul was with them, 1Th 1:5-7; 2Th 2:1-5.
5) “Or our epistle” (eite di’ epistoles hemon) “or through (media of) our epistle”; this and the previously written letter or dissertation.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
He deduces this exhortation on good grounds from what goes before, inasmuch as our steadfastness and power of perseverance rest on nothing else than assurance of divine grace. When, however, God calls us to salvation, stretching forth, as it were, his hand to us; when Christ, by the doctrine of the gospel, presents himself to us to be enjoyed; when the Spirit is given us as a seal and earnest of eternal life, though the heaven should fall, we must, nevertheless, not become disheartened. Paul, accordingly, would have the Thessalonians stand, not merely when others continue to stand, but with a more settled stability; so that, on seeing almost all turning aside from the faith, and all things full of confusion, they will, nevertheless, retain their footing. And assuredly the calling of God ought to fortify us against all occasions of offense in such a manner, that not even the entire ruin of the world shall shake, much less overthrow, our stability.
15 Hold fast the institutions. Some restrict this to precepts of external polity; but this does not please me, for he points out the manner of standing firm. Now, to be furnished with invincible strength is a much higher thing than external discipline. Hence, in my opinion, he includes all doctrine under this term, as though he had said that they have ground on which they may stand firm, provided they persevere in sound doctrine, according as they had been instructed by him. I do not deny that the term παραδόσεις is fitly applied to the ordinances which are appointed by the Churches, with a view to the promoting of peace and the maintaining of order, and I admit that it is taken in this sense when human traditions are treated of, (Mat 15:6.) Paul, however, will be found in the next chapter making use of the term tradition, as meaning the rule that he had laid down, and the very signification of the term is general. The context, however, as I have said, requires that it be taken here to mean the whole of that doctrine in which they had been instructed. For the matter treated of is the most important of all — that their faith may remain secure in the midst of a dreadful agitation of the Church.
Papists, however, act a foolish part in gathering from this that their traditions ought to be observed. They reason, indeed, in this manner — that if it was allowable for Paul to enjoin traditions, it was allowable also for other teachers; and that, if it was a pious thing (691) to observe the former, the latter also ought not less to be observed. Granting them, however, that Paul speaks of precepts belonging to the external government of the Church, I say that they were, nevertheless, not contrived by him, but divinely communicated. For he declares elsewhere, (1Co 7:35,) that it was not his intention to ensnare consciences, as it was not lawful, either for himself, or for all the Apostles together. They act a still more ridiculous part in making it their aim to pass off, under this, the abominable sink of their own superstitions, as though they were the traditions of Paul. But farewell to these trifles, when we are in possession of Paul’s true meaning. And we may judge in part from this Epistle what traditions he here recommends, for he says — whether by word, that is, discourse, or by epistle. Now, what do these Epistles contain but pure doctrine, which overturns to the very foundation the whole of the Papacy, and every invention that is at variance with the simplicity of the Gospel?
(691) “ Une bonne chose et saincte;” — “A good thing and holy.”
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES
2Th. 2:15. Stand fast.Ready for any shock which may come unexpectedly through the insidious methods of Antichrist. Hold the traditions.As if the apostle said, keep a strong hand on them. Tradition is that which is handed over from one to another. Compare 1Co. 11:23. I received of the Lord I delivered unto you. He was betrayed. Here the words delivered and betrayed represent a doing, of which the word for tradition is the act completed. Paul handed over that which his Lord charged him to transmit; Judas handed over Christ to the Jews.
MAIN HOMILETICS OF 2Th. 2:15
Christian Steadfastness.
In all ages the people of God have been assailed with the weapons of a subtle and plausible philosophy which has sought to supplant the simple truth of the gospel with human opinions. The evil heart of man chafes under the righteous restrictions of the truth, and in its angry and delirious opposition has sought to rid itself of God and of all the laws that bind it to a life of obedience and holiness. And when it fancies it has succeeded in demolishing the truths it hated and against which it rebelled, it is aghast at the desolation it has wrought and recoils in alarm from the dark, horrible gulf to the brink of which it had forced itself. Stricken with bewilderment and despair, man strives to construct a religion for himself, and he seeks to substitute his own wild ravings for the truths of divine revelation. It is the attempt of a bold, impious infidelity to put error in the place of truth, philosophy in the place of religion, human opinion in the place of God. The exhortation of this verse is always timely.
I. Christian steadfastness is an important and ever-present duty.
1. It is necessary to growth and maturity in personal piety. Trees must grow or die. So it is with piety: it must grow or perish. No plant or tree can thrive that is being perpetually plucked up and transplanted; nor can the soul prosper unless it is steadfastly rooted in the soil of truth. Darwin describes a marine plantthe Macrocystis pyriferathat rises two hundred feet from the depths of the Western Ocean and floats for many fathoms on the surface, uninjured among the waves and breakers, which no masses of rock, however hard, can long withstand. It maintains its strength by clinging tenaciously to the rocks far down below the surface of the sea. So personal piety grows and flourishes by maintaining a firm hold of the Rock of Ages.
2. It is necessary in bearing witness for Christ.The value of a lighthouse or a landmark to the mariner is, that he can rely on always finding it in the same place. And the value of Christian testimony is that it is not erratic and changeful, but stable and reliable: it hesitates not to witness for Christ in any place. Fifty years ago at a dinner-party in the west end of London, the conversation was dishonouring to Christ. One guest was silent, and presently asked that the bell might be rung. On the appearance of the servant he ordered his carriage, and with polished courtesy apologised to his host for his enforced departure, saying, for I am still a Christian. This gentleman was the late Sir Robert Peel.
3. It is a stimulating example to the weak and faltering.There are timid, feeble followers of Christ who, until they become well grounded, lean on others; and if their exemplars vacillate and change, so do they. Few have the courage to break away from a pernicious example. When travelling on the Continent, Dr. Duff made the acquaintance of Cardinal Wiseman, and for some time travelled with him; but when at Antwerp he saw the cardinal prostrate himself before the Virgin, he courteously but firmly bade him good-bye.
II. Christian steadfastness is shown in an unflinching maintenance of apostolic doctrine.Hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. These traditions were the doctrines preached by the apostles. For some years after the ascension of Christ, there was no written gospel or epistle. The truth was taught orally by those who were living witnesses of the facts on which the doctrinesor traditionswere based.
1. Apostolic doctrine must be clearly apprehended.It must therefore be diligently studied, and the truth sifted from the mass of errors with which false teachers surround it. What is not intelligently comprehended cannot be firmly held.
2. Apostolic doctrine must be earnestly embraced.Not simply discussed, not simply admired and praised, but prayerfully and cordially acceptedtaken in as spiritual food, and systematically fed upon to give strength and stamina to the soul.
3. Apostolic doctrine must be firmly held and stoutly defended against all errors.Hold the traditions. Believe them when tempted to disbelieve; defend them when assailed by the enemy. A brave Athenian, who wrought deeds of valour in the battle of Marathon, seized with his right hand a stranded galley filled with Persians. When his right hand was cut off, he seized the boat with his left, and when that was smitten, he held on with his teeth till he died. The grasp of truth by a Christian believer should not be less tenacious than the dogged heroism of a heathen warrior.
III. Christian steadfastness is emphatically enforced.Therefore, brethren, stand fast. Though misunderstood and misrepresented, though savagely opposed by the enemies of the truth, stand fast. As the wings of the bird are strengthened by the resistance of the atmosphere in which it floats, so your graces will be strengthened by the opposition with which you resolutely contend. In order that your own personal piety may be matured, that your witnessing for Christ may be unmistakable, and that your example may be a stimulating encouragement to others, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught.
Lessons.
1. The unstable are the prey of every passing temptation.
2. The word of God is the unfailing source of moral strength.
Fuente: The Preacher’s Complete Homiletical Commentary Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Text (2Th. 2:15)
15 So then, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye were taught, whether by word, or by epistle of ours.
Translation and Paraphrase
15.
Therefore then, brethren, stand (solidly) and hold fast the teachings which ye were taught, whether by (our spoken)word or by our letter.
Notes (2Th. 2:15)
1.
If the Thessalonians did not stand fast in the traditions that they had been taught, they would soon be in the condition of those who loved not the truth, and were deceived by delusion. See 2Th. 2:10-12.
We likewise must stand fast in what we have been taught. We cannot be revamping the gospel message in each generation to suit ourselves.
2.
We must mention again the use of that beautiful term, brethren. Christians ought to address one another as brother or sister.
3.
The command, Stand fast, is very emphatic. It enjoins us stand firm, persist and persevere. Compare 1Co. 16:13; Gal. 5:1.
4.
The reference to traditions in this verse might give some people the idea that the church today should have spoken traditions as a guide as well as the Written word. This is the Roman Catholic position.
A Catholic booklet entitled A Catechism For Inquirers says, Where is Gods revelation to man contained? The answer given is that Gods Revelation to man is contained in the Bible and in Tradition. It asks another question: Where else, then, is Gods Revelation contained? Answer: It is contained in Tradition, i.e. in the living word of Christ and His apostles, which was not written down by them. (The booklet here refers to 2Jn. 1:12 and 2Th. 2:14 as proof of their statement.) Another question from the same book asks, Where is this Tradition to be found? Answer: This Tradition is to be found chiefly in the writings of the Fathers of the Church of the first centuries of Christianity, in the decrees of the Church Councils, in the decisions of the Popes, and in the ceremonial of the Church.
5.
It is a fact that the early church depended partly on oral teaching. But it is a mistake to allege that the gift of inspired oral teaching has been preserved by the Church. By the close of Pauls life he wrote to Timothy and said, All Scripture is given by inspiration of God that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. 2Ti. 3:16-17. If the Scriptures alone can make us perfect, and thoroughly furnished unto ALL good works, we do not need any other traditions.
6.
Furthermore, there is a grave danger that we may fall into the same condemnation that the Jews received because they added human traditions to the laws of God. Jesus said, In vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Mat. 15:9. Also note Mar. 7:9 : Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.
7.
The only apostolic traditions we now have are those in the Scriptures. This was not true of the Thessalonians. They had oral information, and at the time Paul wrote to them very few of the New Testament books had been written.
8.
Paul declared that if anyone preached a gospel different from what he preached, he was to be accursed. Gal. 1:8-9. Paul told us that when we read, we may understand his knowledge of the mystery of Christ. Eph. 3:4. Let no one be misled or intimidated by people who claim to know more of Gods will than the apostles have left for us in the New Testament. Often we see things practiced by people who follow their traditions that are contrary to what we read in the Bible. Surely any tradition that contradicts what the New Testament says cannot be a tradition approved by God.
9.
Let us stand fast, and hold the apostolic traditions as we have been taught. The Thessalonians had been taught by word of mouth. We havent. Both we and the Thessalonians have been taught by Pauls letters. Let us hold fast to these teachings.
Fuente: College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
(15) Therefore, brethren, stand fast.Such an exhortation is, in itself, conclusive against a theory of irreversible predestination. Because God chose you from eternity, and called you in time, therefore stand your ground. If it were impossible for them to quit their ground, it would be needless to exhort them to maintain it. If it were possible for them to quit their ground, and yet be as well off after all, it would be needless also. At the same time, the therefore draws a conclusion, not from 2Th. 2:14 alone, but sums up the whole disquisition of the chapter: Now that you are reminded of the true Advent doctrine.
Hold the traditions.The very same word as in Mar. 7:3-4; Mar. 7:8, holding the tradition of the elders; also in the same metaphorical sense in Col. 2:19; Rev. 2:13. The action expressed is a vigorous and pertinacious grasp, as (for instance) of the lame man clutching the Apostles in Act. 3:11. St. Chrysostom remarks: It is plain from hence that they used not to deliver all their tradition by letter, but much without writing besides, and that both are equally worthy of belief. Therefore, let us consider the Churchs tradition worthy of belief. It is tradition: ask no further questions. What were these traditions which it was so essential to keep? The context shows that the particular traditions which were most consciously in St. Pauls mind at the moment, were his eschatological teachings, given to them while he was among themthe lore of which he has been briefly reminding them in this chapter (2Th. 2:5-6): for the exhortation is practically a resumption of that given in 2Th. 2:2-3. Instead of being seduced by the forgers of prophecies or of communications from us, remember the careful instructions we gave you once for all. At the same time, he speaks generally, and we must not limit his words to that particular tradition. Whatever can be traced to apostolic-origin is of the essence of the faith. They are to hold tenaciously all his traditions, and these would include instructions doctrinal (as 1Co. 15:3; Jud. 1:3), ceremonial (1Co. 11:2; 1Co. 11:23), and moral (2Th. 3:6; 2Pe. 2:21). As a matter of controversy, it is not so remarkable that he should exhort his converts to cling to his own oral teaching (whether by word) as that he should at so early a period call their special attention to what was gradually to supplant (at least, in doctrinal matters) all independent unwritten traditionthe Holy Scripture (our Epistle). St. Paul can speak on occasion as contemptuously of the traditions of men as our Lord did (Col. 2:8). Of course, it depends entirely on the individual character of any tradition whether, and to what extent, it is to be held or condemned as human. In the Church no mutually contradictory traditions can be held together; and therefore any tradition by word which is in disagreement with the written tradition (i.e., Scripture) stands necessarily condemned.
By word, or our epistle.The our belongs to both: whether by word or epistle of ours. Unless, St. Paul had written them some other letter, now lost, this proves that the First Epistle was in reality the earlier written. Have been taught should be were taughtthe historic tense.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
15. Therefore In view of the gracious things from the divine side, 2Th 2:13-14, perform your duty of perseverance in faith.
Stand fast In contrast with be shaken of 2Th 2:2.
Traditions His written or verbal deliverances to them. These traditions they had received from him personally. They have no connexion with the pretended traditions of the Romish Church, which have no valid proof of authenticity, and yet are reckoned by Romanists as authoritative part of “the word of God,” co-ordinate with the Scriptures.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘So then, brothers and sisters, stand fast, and hold the traditions which you were taught whether by word or by letter from us.’
Because of this working of God in His own they are exhorted to ‘stand fast’, both against the working of the Evil One and against the fears that pervade them. And one way to stand fast against all that the future holds is by ‘holding the traditions’. The word for ‘traditions’ signifies a body of truth which stands on its own. It would include the recognised traditions concerning the life and teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ which were circulated in the churches, and the letters of Paul, the foundation stones of the New Testament.
This cannot reasonably be applied to later traditions. Paul is not speaking of ‘the traditions of the church’, he is speaking of traditions, including his own Apostolic letters, which he brought to them and which he had authenticated (compare 2Th 3:6). All the writers of New Testament letters assumed that there was a body of recognised truth against which false teachers could be judged.
A similar thought occurs in 1Co 16:13 where we are told to ‘stand fast in the faith’. We are also to ‘stand fast in the liberty with which Christ has made us free’ and not to turn from dependence on the grace of God to any form of self-justification (Gal 5:1-4), to ‘stand fast in one spirit, with one mind’, united together in Christ (Php 1:27), to ‘stand fast in the Lord’, the sphere of strengthening and security (Php 4:1), For by this we life which is life indeed (1Th 3:8).
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
2Th 2:15. The traditions This probably refers to the prophesy concerning the man of sin in the preceding verses, and to the explication which the apostle had given of some particulars respecting it by word of mouth.
Inferences.With humble reverence let us behold the depths of the divine counsels and judgments: God hath been pleased to suffer the craft of Satan to display itself, in reducing from his allegiance a great part of the Christian world: yet has he taken the wise in his own craftiness, so far, as to make that very apostacy from Christianity an additional proof of its divine original. Who, that had only examined the genius of that holy religion, could have imagined that such a mystery of iniquity should have arisen in it, and that man of sin have been revealed? Surely, when the particulars of the description come to be compared with the accomplishment, it may seem owing to some wonderful infatuation, that men of deep policy and great penetration, with this very passage of scripture in their hands, should have suffered the marks of Antichrist to be so very apparent, even, in many instances, beyond what might have seemed absolutely necessary for establishing that secular kingdom which they sought: particularly that the pope, on high days, should set himself on a high throne, in the temple of God, to be there solemnly adored, and should have permitted his parasites so expressly to boast that he is God, and to give him, in some of their licensed and authorised works, divine titles!
The scandalous and extravagant pretences which the followers of the papacy have made to miracles,exceeding in number, and some of them in wonderful circumstances, those of Christ and his apostles,plainly display the energy of Satan, that father of frauds, whether pious or impious. And the most incredible lies, which they have by solemn and irrevocable acts made essential to their faith, shew the strength of delusion, beyond what could have been imagined, had not fact led us into the theory. How dreadful is it to think of some of those expressions which the Spirit itself uses, when speaking of these artificers of deceit? that they should be abandoned by God to believe a lie; that they may all be damned, who have pleasure in unrighteousness;that they might bring upon themselves eternal aggravated damnation!
Who would not tremble, who would not grieve, for so many of our fellow-creatures, yea, of those, who, degenerate as their form of Christianity is, we must yet call our fellow christians, who are thus dishonoured, endured, endangered?The Lord grant that they may nor be utterly undone!Let them despise us; let them, by most solemn execrations, annually repeated, devote us to destruction, and prepare against us all the instruments of it in their power; yet still we will pray for them. God grant that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. 2Ti 2:26. Let us recommend to divine compassion the souls drawn after artful and wicked leaders, in the simplicity of their hearts; and take comfort in this thought,that the time is approaching, when the Lord shall destroy this son of perdition with the breath of his mouth, and the brightness of his coming. May the remnant of God’s people among them take the alarm, and come out from them in time, and be separate, that they may not be partakers with them in their plagues, Rev 18:4.
How wisely and happily does the apostle unite the views of the grace of God and the duties of men, while he represents our choice of salvation in a light so worthy of God,since this salvation is still to be obtained through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth. Our spirits must be sanctified by the operation of the divine Spirit: the truth must be not only speculatively, but powerfully, and practically believed, or all our hopes will be vain.But surely, were it possible that salvation could any other way be obtained, it would be less desirable; or rather, that which did not imply a sanctified spirit, and a heart open to receive and obey the truth, would not deserve the name of salvation.
Blessed be God, who in this view has called us to obtain salvation and glory by Jesus Christ, even God our Father who hath loved us. From him do these divine consolations flow: It is by his blessed and gracious operation, that we are strengthened and established in every good word and work. His fidelity stands engaged to do it, if we humbly commit ourselves to him, and wait upon him: in such case, the prayers of the apostles, dictated no doubt from above, concur with the promises to encourage our hopes, that he will direct our hearts into the love of God, and the patience of Christ. On the exercise of that love, and that patience, does the happiness of life chiefly depend. Too ready are our weak hearts to wander from it, and to faint under the difficulties which lie in our way. Let us then call on him to preserve and maintain the graces which he has implanted, that they may be exerted with growing vigour and constancy even unto the end.
Unreasonable and wicked men will naturally oppose the progress of the gospel, which has so powerful a tendency to promote holiness and comfort: and, as there are those who have not faith, they will be ready to labour for its destruction: but when the prayers of Christians are frequently engaged, that the word of God may run and be glorified, there is good reason to hope, that much of their perverse opposition may be overruled to the most contrary purposes; so that the wrath of man shall praise him, and the remainder of that wrath be restrained. Psa 76:10.
REFLECTIONS.1st, An error of a dangerous tendency had, it seems, crept into the church of the Thessalonians, that the coming of Christ to judge the world would be in their days. Whether this arose from their mistake of what the apostle had mentioned in his former epistle, or was propagated by some who vouched his authority to support what they advanced, he sets himself to confute the assertion, and to rectify their judgment in this matter.
1. He solemnly warns them not to be troubled with needless fears and apprehensions. Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him; by all the hopes you entertain of meeting him with joy in that day, I adjure you, that ye be not soon shaken in mind from the gospel which you have embraced, and tossed to and fro with every wind of doctrine; or be troubled by any assertions which may be advanced, or misconstructions which may arise; neither by spirit, by those who pretend to speak under divine inspiration; nor by word, however confidently any may advance this notion; nor by letter as from us, either counterfeiting our hand, or perverting our meaning; as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: the consequences of such a persuasion would be dangerous; and when you found yourselves disappointed of your vainly raised expectations, it might shake your faith in the truth of the whole gospel revelation. Note; (1.) One way in which the arch deceiver strikes at the faith of God’s people, is by endeavouring, through his emissaries pretending to revelation, or a knowledge of the prophetic word, to raise groundless hopes in their minds, and from the disappointment of them to suggest that the whole may be a delusion. (2.) Though we cannot fix the time of Christ’s coming, yet nothing is more certain, than that he that cometh shall come, and will not tarry: may we without fear or dismay be ready to meet him! (3.) However dispersed God’s faithful saints now may be in different regions, and living in different ages, they shall one day be gathered together around the throne of Jesus, and so shall be ever with the Lord.
2. He confutes the error which was propagated, by shewing, that many events which would require much time to fulfil them, must precede the second coming of Christ.
(1.) There must be first a general apostacy. For that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first from the doctrines of the gospel, and the practice of godliness, which shall usher in the reign of antichrist.
(2.) The rise of the antichristian power is described, 2Th 2:3-10. To whom what is here spoken belongs, has been a matter of much dispute: but I must declare, with the best protestant commentators, my full conviction, that the Popish hierarchy is the subject of this prophesy; wherein we have,
[1.] The names of the person, or rather state, here spoken ofThe man of sin, the son of perdition, that wicked one; which do not point out any individual, but a succession of men, carrying on the same destructive designs.
[2.] When that man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, he may be known by these characters: Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; assuming all power in heaven and in earth; undertaking to enact laws contrary to God’s word and will; and setting up himself above kings and emperors: so that he as God, arrogating divine perfections, sitteth in the temple of God, the church, where he has erected his unhallowed throne; shewing himself that he is God; assuming the blasphemous titles of, our God the pope, God upon earth, &c. usurping divine authority over the bodies and consciences of men, and pretending to pardon sin by his own power. Remember ye not, says the apostle, that when I was yet with you, I told you these things.
[3.] His rise is pointed out. And now ye know, if you reflect upon what I told you formerly, what withholdeth, that the man of sin does not immediately appear, even the power of the heathen Roman emperors. During their rule, the bishops of Rome were prevented from rising above their fellows; but this empire would in process of time moulder away, when he should be revealed in his timewhen God would permit the antichristian power to rear its head. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work, and the seeds of pride, dissention, and worldly ambition, have begun to be sown: but he that letteth, the Roman emperors, will let, until he be taken out of the way, their power declining, and the seat of empire being removed from Rome; and then shall that Wicked one be revealed, and the mystery of iniquity and the tyranny of the popish power soon arrive at their height.
[4.] His ruin is as certain as his rise. Whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming; raising up a noble army of preachers, who by the word of truth, accompanied with the Spirit’s power, shall cut in sunder the fetters wherewith superstition has enslaved the minds of men: and as the kingdom of antichrist shall be overturned hereby, so shall he and all who enter into his spirit perish at last in the lake of fire.
[5.] The way in which this wicked one shall maintain his usurped dominion, is described. Whose coming is after the working of Satan, with all power, and signs, and lying wonders; with all Satanical influence and wiles, pretending to work miracles in support of his cause, and by a system of frauds deluding the nations of the earth, with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish, deceiving the souls of men to their eternal ruin; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved, but wilfully turned aside to the greatest errors, and wilfully chose their own delusions. And for this cause, in just judgment upon them, God shall send them strong delusion; abandoning them to their own hearts, and giving them up to judicial blindness; that they should believe a lie; all those absurd legends, forgeries, and falsehoods, with which the church of Rome abounds: that they all might be damned, who believed not the truth, wilfully rejecting Christ and his gospel; but had pleasure in unrighteousness, delighting in their errors, superstitions, and bloody persecutions, to fill up the measure of their iniquities. Note; It is just in God to abandon obstinate sinners to their own delusions, and to leave them to the damnation which themselves have chosen.
2nd, The apostle,
1. Expresses his thankfulness to God for his love. Such corruptions as the above mentioned will at length arise in the church; and we have hinted that something of this spirit is already beginning to work. But blessed be God that so little of it appears among you; on the contrary, we are sensible that we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, whom we have great reason to address as beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning [of our ministry] chosen you to salvation; for a participation of which you are prepared by that sanctification, which is the work of the Holy Spirit on your hearts, and that belief of the truth, which has so effectual a tendency to promote it. This is God’s appointed way of obtaining an interest in this salvation, to which he hath called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ; that glory which his mercy hath prepared for all his persevering saints, and to which his faithful care shall at length conduct them; in which they shall fully enjoy the rich provisions of his love, and be made like him in holiness and happiness.
[ See the Annotations, where this text is fully considered.]
2. He exhorts them to be faithful. Therefore, brethren, let me exhort you to stand fast, and strongly to retain the instructions which you have learned of us, whether by word or by our former letter, as you may be assured you have there a genuine representation of the contents of those important doctrines with which we are intrusted. Note; God’s word is our only rule of duty; thereunto we must cleave.
3. He closes with a fervent prayer for them. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, who alike are the objects of our worship, and are one in the glory of the same undivided godhead; who hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation, the foretastes of those joys which will hereafter be uninterrupted and eternal to all the faithful saints; and good hope through grace, built on the merit of his blood and our interest in him, comfort your hearts with a clearer knowledge of your invaluable privileges, and a brighter manifestation of his love to your souls, amidst all your trials and sufferings; and stablish you in every good word and work, that you may approve yourselves faithful, and unto death persevere immoveably in the doctrine and practice of the blessed gospel. Note; It is the Lord’s work to comfort and stablish our hearts; and while we are waiting upon him, we shall assuredly renew our strength.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
2Th 2:15 . ] wherefore then , as such an end awaits you.
] stand fast , comp. 1Th 3:8 . The opposite of , 2Th 2:2 .
] and hold fast to the traditions , instructions in Christianity. As here (comp. Mar 7:3 ), so does stand in 1Co 11:2 .
] See Winer, p. 204 [E. T. 284].
] whether by oral discourse.
] refers to the First Epistle to the Thessalonians.
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
Ver. 15. Stand fast ] Though never so many fall from the faith. Falling stars were never but meteors. God also will have the tree of his Church to be shaken sometimes, that rotten fruit may fall off; and that there may be a shedding of the good from temporaries.
Hold the traditions ] Hold fast by these, that ye may stand the faster.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
15 .] Therefore seeing that such is God’s intent respecting you. Prof. Jowett here describes the Apostle as being “unconscious of the logical inconsistency” of appealing to them to do any thing, after he has just stated their election of God. Rather we should say, that he was deeply conscious, as ever, of the logical necessity of the only practical inference which man can draw from God’s gracious purposes to him. No human reasoning powers can connect the two, God’s sovereignty and man’s freewill: all we know of them is, that the one is as certain a truth as the other. In proportion then as we assert the one strongly, we must ever implicate the other as strongly: a course which the great Apostle never fails to pursue: cf. Phi 2:12-13 , al. freq.
. is a contrast to , 2Th 2:2 . On the sense of , as relating to matters of doctrine , see Ellic.’s note, and the reff. given by him.
is the accusative of second reference.
. , as contrasted with the . of 2Th 2:2 , refers to 1 Thess.
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
2Th 2:15 . The divine purpose does not work automatically, but implies the cooperation of Christians in this case, a resolute stedfastness resting on loyalty to the apostolic gospel. In view of passages like 1Co 11:23 ; 1Co 15:5 , it is gratuitous to read any second-century passion for oral apostolic tradition into these words or into those of 2Th 3:6 .
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
stand fast. See 1Th 3:8.
hold = lay hold on, hold fast.
traditions. Greek. paradosis, as in 2Th 3:6.
our. Should come after “by”.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
15.] Therefore-seeing that such is Gods intent respecting you. Prof. Jowett here describes the Apostle as being unconscious of the logical inconsistency of appealing to them to do any thing, after he has just stated their election of God. Rather we should say, that he was deeply conscious, as ever, of the logical necessity of the only practical inference which man can draw from Gods gracious purposes to him. No human reasoning powers can connect the two,-Gods sovereignty and mans freewill: all we know of them is, that the one is as certain a truth as the other. In proportion then as we assert the one strongly, we must ever implicate the other as strongly: a course which the great Apostle never fails to pursue: cf. Php 2:12-13, al. freq.
. is a contrast to , 2Th 2:2. On the sense of , as relating to matters of doctrine, see Ellic.s note, and the reff. given by him.
is the accusative of second reference.
. , as contrasted with the . of 2Th 2:2, refers to 1 Thess.
Fuente: The Greek Testament
2Th 2:15. , therefore then) The conclusion.-, hold) adding nothing, subtracting nothing.- , the traditions) I wish that those who are most urgent on the subject of Traditions, had also from this passage held, and would hold, the traditions which Paul has furnished in this chapter. Tradition is a very great benefit. God bestows traditions by means of the messengers of the Gospel. Paul taught many years before he began to write. Tradition is given either by speaking [comp. 2Th 2:5] or by writing.- , by letter) He had written on this subject, 1 Thessalonians 4, 5.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
2Th 2:15
So then, brethren, stand fast,-Because they had been called by the gospel to this glorious end, he exhorts them to stand fast in the faith, and hold to the teaching they had received from him.
and hold the traditions which ye were taught,-Traditions were handed down from one to another or taught, and is used in both a good and a bad sense in the Scriptures. The people were warned against the traditions of the elders which displaced and made void the commandments of God. Jesus said: Ye leave the commandment of God, and hold fast the tradition of men. (Mar 7:8.) The traditions that they had been taught by Paul, by word or letter, were the commandments which he had given to them.
whether by word, or by epistle of ours.-[Traditions as used in this passage are the teachings and precepts which the inspired men taught as the precepts of God, whether they taught them by the word of mouth or by writing. Paul draws no distinction between oral and written tradition as was done later. The worth of tradition lies not in the form, but in the source and quality of the thing. Paul says: “For I received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which he was betrayed took bread; and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, This is my body, which is for you: this do in remembrance of me. (1Co 11:23-24.) In this he was communicating to the church by epistle and stamps it with the authority of his spoken word. The sentence asserts the claim of the true apostolic teaching as against any who would beguile the church away from it. Now I praise you that ye remember me in all things, and hold fast the traditions, even as I delivered them to you. (1Co 11:2.)]
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
stand: 1Co 15:58, 1Co 16:13, Phi 4:1
hold: 2Th 3:6, 1Co 11:2
the traditions: Rom 16:17, Jud 1:3,*Gr.
whether: 2Th 2:2, 2Th 3:14
Reciprocal: 1Co 15:2 – keep in memory Gal 5:1 – Stand 1Th 5:21 – hold 1Ti 6:20 – keep Tit 1:9 – Holding
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
2Th 2:15. Stand fast denotes that they were to remain firm in their belief of this Gospel, and not be deceived by the tricky teachers of the Romish system. Traditions is from PARADOSIS, which Thayer defines, “a giving over, giving up; i.e. the act of giving up, the surrender. A giving over which is done by word of mouth or in writing.” The word is used in both a good and a bad sense in the New Testament. Any doctrine or rule of conduct becomes a tradition when it has once been given over from one person to another. Whether it is good or bad, and whether it is of any authority or not, depends upon the person or persons handing over the doctrine. Hence the traditions Paul is recommending to the Thessalonians are of authority since they come from him, either “by word of mouth” (oral preaching), or by his epistle.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
2Th 2:15. Therefore, brethren, stand fast. It might seem as if, when election is spoken of, God had already done all, and nothing was left for man to do. The opposite inference is that of the apostle (Jowett). But the inference expressed in the word therefore is not from the immediately preceding assurance, but from the whole account he has been giving of the future; and his meaning is: Since these other events must precede the coming of Christ, be not shaken and troubled (2Th 2:2) as if this coming were imminent, but stand fast; and that you may do so, do not listen to what every one says, but keep clearly in mind what I have communicated to you, and maintain your faith in that.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
Our apostle having abundantly comforted the Thessalonians in the former verses, from their election and vocation, he closes the chapter with an exhortation to them to perseverance and constancy in the truth; Therefore, brethren, stand fast.
Observe, 1. The illative particle, therefore that is, because God hath chosen and called you, and given you such assurance of his favour, and such advantages against error and seduction, therefore let it be your care to persevere; assurance of salvation doth not encourage negligence, but engage to greater diligence.
Observe, 2. The duty inferred: stand fast; it is a military word, used by captains to their soldiers, to prevent a cowardly and treacherous revolt; he had been describing a great apostasy that would come, now bids them be upon their guard and stand fast.
Observe, 3. The means directed to, in order to their steadfastness and perseverance, namely, to hold the traditions which they had been taught, either by word or by epistle.
Here note, (1.) The act, hold, with a strong hand, hold against all assaults, whether of error or persecution.
(2.) The object, the traditions taught, either by word, or by epistle.
Where mark, That all the apostle’s doctrines, whether preached when amongst them, or written to them in his absence from them, he calls traditions; so that holding the traditions here, is nothing else but perseverance in apostolical doctrine.
From the whole note, 1. That what assurance soever we have of God’s preserving us in the truth, yet are we bound to use all possible care and caution in order to our own preservation.
Note, 2. That it is our duty to stand fast in the faith of Christ, and professions of godliness, whatsoever dangers or temptations we may be exposed to.
Note, 3. That the doctrine of Christianity taught by the apostles is a tradition, and that holding this tradition is the best means for standing fast in the faith of Christ.
Note, 4. That while the apostles were in being, there were two ways of delivering the truth, namely, by word of mouth and writing; Whether by word or our epistle.
Note, 5. That now, when they are long since dead, and we cannot receive the doctrine of life from them by word of mouth, we must stick to the scriptures and written word, against all pretences to unwritten traditions, or pretended revelations, because the scriptures are a perfect rule both for our faith and practice.
Fuente: Expository Notes with Practical Observations on the New Testament
Paul’s Exhortation and Prayer for Thessalonica
Paul’s desire was that the Lord, Savior and King of all believers, with his Father, who loved the lost ( Joh 3:16 ), would encourage and strengthen them in righteous words and works. It should be noted that the Father and Son are considered to be the common source of these things, thus acknowledging their equality. Christians have the eternal comfort of heaven before them because of the unmerited favor they bestowed ( 2Th 2:15-17 ).
Fuente: Gary Hampton Commentary on Selected Books
2Th 2:15-17. Therefore, brethren, stand fast In your adherence to the truth and possession of the grace of the gospel; and hold Without adding to or diminishing from them; the traditions which ye have been taught The instructions which have been delivered to you; whether by word When we were present with you; or our former epistle He preached to them before he wrote, and he had written concerning the things which he wished them to hold fast in his former epistle. The name traditions is here given by the apostle to the doctrines and precepts of the gospel, on a double account; first, because they were delivered by Christ and by the Spirit to the apostles, merely on the authority of revelation; and, secondly, because the apostles delivered them to the world on the same authority, without attempting to prove them by any other argument. And this precept, hold the traditions, applies to no instructions or directions but those which the apostles and other inspired teachers delivered to the world as revelations from God. And though the inspired teachers, to whom these doctrines were revealed, communicated them to the world first of all by word of mouth, they cannot now be known to be theirs, but by their holding a place in those writings which are allowed to be the genuine productions of these inspired teachers. The traditions, therefore, on which the Church of Rome lays so great a stress, are of no manner of value. Now our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father Here again, as in 1Th 3:11, prayer is addressed by the apostle to Christ as well as to the Father, and in the same words; who hath loved us As a father loves his children; and hath given us everlasting consolation Hath opened to us the sources thereof in his gospel, or furnished us with the means of it; and of good hope That is, a well-grounded hope, namely, of the glorification of both our bodies and souls; through grace 1st, Justifying us, and entitling us to that felicity; 2d, Sanctifying us, and preparing us for it; and, 3d, Strengthening us, and enabling us to withstand our spiritual enemies, and do and suffer the will of God to the end, and thereby bringing us to it. Comfort your hearts Under all the afflictions you endure for the gospel; and establish you in every good word and work That is, in every good doctrine and practice, in opposition to all the efforts of your enemies to seduce you, whether visible or invisible.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
So then, brethren, stand fast [in contrast to being shaken, as stated in verse 2], and hold the traditions which ye were taught, whether by word, or by epistle of ours. [God was doing his part in calling and in sanctifying, and so the Thessalonians are here exhorted to do their part in firmly adhering to the truth which they had believed. For if one would hold the gospel salvation he must hold the gospel truths. These truths are here called traditions; for, though inspired truths, they were as yet falling from the lips of living men, and were not yet reduced to writing, though we see by these two epistles of Paul that the New Testament record was in process of construction.]
Fuente: McGarvey and Pendleton Commentaries (New Testament)
15. Then, therefore, brethren, stand and hold the commandments which you have been taught, whether by our word or epistle. Traditions, in E.V., is by no means a good translation, as that word in modern use conveys the idea. of something vague and shadowy transmitted to us. There is no such an idea in the original. He simply exhorts them to be steadfast, and hold pertinaciously all of his teaching, whether oral, in their presence, or epistolary in their absence.
Fuente: William Godbey’s Commentary on the New Testament
Verse 15
The traditions; the instructions.
Fuente: Abbott’s Illustrated New Testament
2:15 {11} Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
(11) The conclusion: it remains then that we continue in the doctrine which was delivered to us by the mouth and writings of the apostles, through the free good will of God, who comforts us with an invincible hope, and that we also continue in all godliness our whole life long.
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
In view of their calling, Paul urged his readers not to abandon what he and his associates had taught them in person and by letter. He wanted them to hold firmly to the inspired instructions that he handed on to them (i.e., "the traditions").
"We are almost incurably convinced that the use of notebooks is essential to the learning process. This, however, was not the case in the first century. Then it was often held that if a man had to look something up in a book he did not really know it. The true scholar was a person who had committed to memory the things he had learned. Until a man had a teaching in his memory he was not considered really to have mastered it." [Note: Leon Morris, The Gospel According to John: Revised Edition, pp. 38-39.]
"There is a distinction in the Pauline writings between the gospel received by revelation (as in Gal 1:12) and the gospel received by tradition (as in 1Co 15:3), and the language of didache ["teaching"] and paradosis ["tradition"] is appropriate to the latter, not to the former. Even communications made dia pneumatos ["by the Spirit"] must be tested by their conformity to the paradosis and if they conflict with it they are to be refused (cf. 1Th 5:19-22)." [Note: Bruce, pp. 193-94.]