2 Thessalonians 2:15

KJV

Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore {G686}{G3767}, brethren {G80}, stand fast {G4739}, and {G2532} hold {G2902} the traditions {G3862} which {G3739} ye have been taught {G1321}, whether {G1535} by {G1223} word {G3056}, or {G1535}{G1223} our {G2257} epistle {G1992}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, brothers, stand firm; and hold to the traditions you were taught by us, whether we spoke them or wrote them in a letter.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore, brothers, stand firm and cling to the traditions we taught you, whether by speech or by letter.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Thessalonians 2:15 serves as a pivotal apostolic exhortation, urging believers to maintain unwavering steadfastness and fidelity to the foundational truths they received from Paul and his companions. Coming immediately after a detailed warning about future apostasy and the revelation of the "man of lawlessness," this verse provides a crucial directive for navigating spiritual deception by firmly adhering to the authoritative traditions conveyed through both oral teaching and written epistles. It underscores the enduring importance of apostolic instruction as the bulwark against error and a guide for faithful living in uncertain times.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a significant transition in Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians. Chapters 1 and the beginning of chapter 2 address the believers' persecution and clarify misunderstandings about the "day of the Lord." Paul has just concluded a lengthy discussion (2 Thessalonians 2:1-12) detailing the coming "apostasy" (a great falling away) and the revelation of the "man of lawlessness," a figure empowered by Satan who will deceive those who refuse to love the truth. He describes this figure's deceptive signs and wonders, and the ultimate judgment awaiting those who embrace falsehood. Immediately preceding 2 Thessalonians 2:15, Paul expresses profound gratitude to God that the Thessalonian believers are among those chosen for salvation and sanctification through belief in the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14). Therefore, 2 Thessalonians 2:15 acts as a logical and imperative conclusion to this theological exposition, pivoting from future eschatological warnings and divine election to a present, practical command for the believers: to stand firm in the truth they have already received.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Thessalonian church was relatively young, having been founded by Paul during his second missionary journey (Acts 17). They faced significant external persecution from both Jewish and Gentile opposition (1 Thessalonians 2:14; 2 Thessalonians 1:4). Internally, they were grappling with confusion and anxiety, particularly concerning the timing of the Lord's return and the resurrection of the dead (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2). False teachers or misinterpretations of Paul's previous letter had led some to believe that the "day of the Lord" had already arrived, causing distress and even idleness among some members (2 Thessalonians 3:6-12). In this environment of external pressure and internal confusion, Paul's emphasis on "traditions" was crucial. Unlike the later negative connotations of "traditions" as human-made rules (e.g., [Mark 7:8](/mark/7-8 "Mark 7:8 - Human Traditions vs. God's Command")), Paul here refers to the authoritative, divinely revealed teachings "handed down" by the apostles themselves, which were the bedrock of their faith and practice.
* **Key Themes:** Second Thessalonians 2:15 contributes significantly to several major themes within the epistle and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Steadfastness and Perseverance** in the face of adversity and deception. The command to "stand fast" is a military metaphor, urging believers to hold their ground against spiritual enemies and false doctrines, echoing similar calls for resilience found in passages like [Ephesians 6:13](/ephesians/6-13 "Ephesians 6:13 - Standing Firm in Spiritual Warfare"). Secondly, it highlights the **Authority and Sufficiency of Apostolic Teaching**. Paul emphasizes that the "traditions" he delivered, whether orally or in writing, were not mere human opinions but divine truth, forming the indispensable foundation for Christian faith and conduct. This theme is vital for understanding the early church's reliance on direct apostolic witness. Finally, the verse implicitly addresses the theme of **Discernment and Truth**. In a context where "strong delusion" (2 Thessalonians 2:11) is a real threat, adhering to the established truth becomes the primary means by which believers can distinguish genuine revelation from deceptive falsehoods, ensuring their spiritual stability and growth.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **stand fast (Greek, _stḗkō'_):** From the perfect tense of _hístēmi_, meaning "to be stationary," this word is used figuratively here to mean "to persevere." It conveys the idea of holding one's ground firmly, not giving way under pressure. In a military context, it describes a soldier maintaining their position against an attacking force. Spiritually, it implies an unwavering commitment and stability in faith and doctrine, refusing to be moved by false teachings or persecution.
* **hold (Greek, _kratéō'_):** Derived from _krátos_ (strength), this verb means "to use strength, to seize or retain." It implies a firm grip or tenacious adherence. In this context, it is not merely passive reception but an active, strong retention of the truths received. Believers are not just to know the traditions but to grasp them firmly and maintain them against any attempts to dislodge them.
* **traditions (Greek, _parádosis'_):** From _paradídōmi_ (to hand over), this term literally means "transmission" or "things handed down." Crucially, in this context, it refers to the authoritative teachings and practices transmitted by the apostles. Unlike the negative sense of human traditions that supersede God's commands (e.g., [Matthew 15:2-6](/matthew/15-2-6 "Matthew 15:2-6 - The Tradition of the Elders")), Paul uses _parádosis_ here positively to denote the divinely inspired body of truth, doctrine, and moral instruction that he and his fellow apostles delivered to the churches.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore, brethren,"**: The conjunction "Therefore" (Greek: _ára oûn_) signals a logical conclusion drawn from the preceding discussion, particularly Paul's thanksgiving for their election and calling to salvation (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14). It transitions from theological exposition to practical exhortation. "Brethren" (_adelphós_) is a common Pauline term of endearment, emphasizing the familial bond and shared spiritual identity among believers, softening the command with pastoral affection.
* **"stand fast,"**: This is a direct, imperative command (Greek: _stḗkete_). It calls for a firm, unyielding posture in their faith and conduct. In light of the deceptions described earlier in the chapter, this is an urgent call to spiritual stability and steadfastness, resisting any force that would seek to move them from their foundation.
* **"and hold the traditions"**: This second imperative (Greek: _krateíte_) complements "stand fast," indicating the specific object of their steadfastness. They are to "hold fast" or "retain firmly" the _parádosis_, the specific body of teaching and practice that Paul and his co-workers had communicated to them. This is an active, ongoing responsibility to guard and live by these truths.
* **"which ye have been taught,"**: The relative pronoun "which" (_hós_) clarifies that these "traditions" are not vague or undefined, but precisely those specific teachings that the Thessalonians had already received. The passive voice "ye have been taught" (Greek: _edidáchthēte_) highlights that these truths were authoritatively delivered to them by the apostles.
* **"whether by word,"**: This specifies the first mode of transmission. "By word" (Greek: _diá lógou_) refers to the oral instruction, preaching, and personal teaching that Paul and his missionary team imparted during their time in Thessalonica (e.g., [Acts 17:1-4](/acts/17-1-4 "Acts 17:1-4 - Paul's Ministry in Thessalonica")). This acknowledges the vital role of spoken apostolic authority in the early church.
* **"or our epistle."**: This specifies the second mode of transmission. "Our epistle" (Greek: _hēmōn epistolḗ_) refers to Paul's written correspondence, primarily his first letter to the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians) and perhaps even this second letter, which itself contains further apostolic teaching. This highlights the dual nature of apostolic authority: both spoken and written communication served as authoritative sources of divine truth for the early church.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several effective literary devices in 2 Thessalonians 2:15. The primary device is **Exhortation**, as the verse functions as a direct, imperative command ("stand fast," "hold") to the believers. This direct address underscores the urgency and importance of the message. There is also an implicit **Contrast** at play; having just warned about the "strong delusion" and "lying wonders" of the man of lawlessness, Paul presents the "traditions" as the antithesis and antidote to such deception. By adhering to what is true, they can resist what is false. Furthermore, the phrase "stand fast" utilizes **Military Imagery** or **Metaphor**, evoking the posture of a soldier holding their ground against an enemy. This metaphor powerfully conveys the idea of spiritual resilience, firmness, and unwavering commitment in the face of spiritual warfare, encouraging the believers to maintain their position and not retreat from the truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound theological implication of 2 Thessalonians 2:15 lies in its affirmation of the authoritative nature of apostolic teaching as the foundational source of Christian truth. In a world prone to deception, Paul grounds the believers' stability not in subjective experience or fleeting trends, but in the objective, divinely revealed "traditions" handed down by those directly commissioned by Christ. This highlights the early church's reliance on both the oral proclamation and written documentation of the apostles as the definitive standard for doctrine and practice. It underscores the necessity of a fixed, external standard of truth—what would later become the inspired Scriptures—to guard against error and ensure genuine faith. The verse thus champions the principle of *sola Scriptura* in its nascent form, emphasizing that the church's stability rests on adherence to the revealed Word of God, whether initially spoken or subsequently written.

* [1 Corinthians 11:2](/1_corinthians/11-2 "1 Corinthians 11:2 - Paul Commends Adherence to Traditions")
* [1 Corinthians 15:3](/1_corinthians/15-3 "1 Corinthians 15:3 - The Gospel Handed Down")
* [Philippians 4:9](/philippians/4-9 "Philippians 4:9 - Practice What You Have Learned")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In an age characterized by a proliferation of information, diverse ideologies, and often conflicting spiritual claims, 2 Thessalonians 2:15 serves as a timeless anchor for believers. The call to "stand fast" and "hold the traditions" is profoundly relevant, urging us to cultivate a deep and unwavering commitment to the foundational truths of the Christian faith. This means more than passive agreement; it demands active engagement with and adherence to the inspired Word of God, which is the written embodiment of the apostolic traditions. We are called to be discerning, to rigorously test all teachings against the plumb line of Scripture, and to resist the allure of novel doctrines or cultural currents that deviate from biblical truth. Our spiritual stability and resilience in the face of deception, doubt, or difficulty are directly proportional to our steadfastness in the revealed truth. This verse encourages us to be learners and doers of the Word, building our lives on the unshakeable foundation of Christ's teachings as delivered through His apostles, thereby enabling us to navigate the complexities of life with clarity, conviction, and courage.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "traditions" or core biblical truths am I currently struggling to "stand fast" in or "hold" firmly?**
* **How do I actively discern between genuine biblical teaching and false doctrines in my daily life?**
* **In what ways can I deepen my commitment to studying and applying the "word" and "epistle" (Scripture) in my own life?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "traditions" in this verse, and how does it differ from other uses of the word?**

Answer: In 2 Thessalonians 2:15, "traditions" (Greek: _parádosis_) refers specifically to the authoritative, divinely revealed teachings, doctrines, and moral instructions that Paul and his fellow apostles personally delivered to the Thessalonian believers. These were the core truths of the Gospel, communicated both orally ("by word") during their ministry among them and in written form ("our epistle," referring to his letters like [1 Thessalonians](/1_thessalonians/1 "1 Thessalonians - Paul's First Letter to the Thessalonians")). This usage stands in stark contrast to other instances where "traditions" refers to human-made customs or religious rules that often contradict or nullify God's commands, as seen in Jesus's rebuke of the Pharisees' traditions in [Mark 7:8-13](/mark/7-8-13 "Mark 7:8-13 - Jesus Condemns Human Traditions"). Here, Paul emphasizes the legitimacy and divine origin of the apostolic traditions as the essential foundation for Christian faith and practice, a bulwark against the very deceptions he warns about in [2 Thessalonians 2:9-12](/2_thessalonians/2-9-12 "2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 - The Deception of the Man of Lawlessness").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Second Thessalonians 2:15, while a direct command to the Thessalonians, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. He is the very content and embodiment of the "traditions" that Paul handed down. Jesus is the "Word" (Greek: _lógos_) made flesh, the ultimate revelation of God (as seen in [John 1:1-14](/john/1-1-14 "John 1:1-14 - The Word Became Flesh") and [Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1-3 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God's Final Word in His Son")). The apostolic teaching, whether oral or written, was fundamentally about Christ—His life, death, resurrection, and future return. Therefore, to "stand fast" and "hold the traditions" is, at its core, to stand fast in Christ and hold fast to the truth about Him. He is the "way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), the one in whom all truth resides. The steadfastness commanded in this verse is ultimately a steadfastness *in Him*, for it is by being rooted and built up in Him that believers are strengthened in the faith and guarded against deception, as highlighted in [Colossians 2:6-7](/colossians/2-6-7 "Colossians 2:6-7 - Rooted and Built Up in Christ"). Thus, the enduring power and relevance of these "traditions" stem from their origin and focus on the Lord Jesus Christ, through whom believers are called to salvation and sanctification ([2 Thessalonians 2:13-14](/2_thessalonians/2-13-14 "2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 - God's Choice and Call")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 11:2

Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered [them] to you.

2 Thessalonians 3:6

¶ Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

2 Thessalonians 2:2

That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

1 Corinthians 16:13

¶ Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

Philippians 4:1

¶ Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, [my] dearly beloved.

1 Corinthians 15:58

¶ Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Romans 16:17

¶ Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.