2 Thessalonians 2:15

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

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}.

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

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

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

2 Thessalonians 2:15 serves as a powerful exhortation from the Apostle Paul, urging the Thessalonian believers to remain steadfast in their faith amidst growing deception. This verse follows Paul's detailed warnings about the coming apostasy and the revelation of the "man of sin," providing a clear directive for how believers should conduct themselves in uncertain times.

Context

This verse comes immediately after Paul has described a significant period of spiritual deception and the revealing of the "man of lawlessness" (or Antichrist), whose coming is associated with false signs and wonders (2 Thessalonians 2:9). Paul had previously expressed concern that the Thessalonians were being troubled by false reports regarding the day of the Lord (2 Thessalonians 2:2). In light of these future deceptions and present anxieties, Paul pivots to a practical call to action, reminding them of the solid foundation they already possess in the teachings they received from him and his companions.

Key Themes

  • Steadfastness in Faith: The command to "stand fast" (Greek: stēkete) implies a firm, unyielding posture. It is a military term, suggesting holding one's ground against an adversary. In a spiritual sense, it means to remain firm in conviction and conduct, not being easily swayed by error or fear. This echoes similar calls for spiritual resilience found elsewhere in Paul's letters, such as Ephesians 6:13, where believers are exhorted to "stand therefore."
  • Holding Apostolic Traditions: The "traditions" (Greek: paradoseis) mentioned here are not human customs or later church doctrines, but specifically the authoritative teachings "handed down" by the apostles. These were the core truths of the Gospel, moral instructions, and practical guidance for Christian living that Paul and his co-workers had delivered to the Thessalonians. Paul emphasizes that these traditions were conveyed in two ways:
    • "by word": This refers to the oral teaching and preaching Paul delivered during his time with them.
    • "or our epistle": This refers to his written letters, including 1 Thessalonians and possibly this second letter itself.
    This highlights the dual nature of early apostolic transmission of truth—both spoken and written—which formed the basis of sound doctrine for the early church.
  • The Authority of Apostolic Teaching: Paul’s appeal is grounded in his authority as an apostle of Christ. The teachings he imparted, whether spoken or written, were not personal opinions but divine truth intended to guide the church. Believers are called to discern and adhere to these foundational teachings to avoid being led astray by false doctrines or spiritual confusion.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "traditions," paradoseis (παραδόσεις), literally means "things handed down" or "transmitted." In this context, it refers to the legitimate, divine teachings passed on by the apostles, in contrast to the negative connotation it sometimes carries when referring to human traditions that nullify God's commands (e.g., Mark 7:8). Here, it specifically refers to the body of truth and practice that constituted the apostolic witness to Christ.

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 Thessalonians 2:15 remains highly relevant. It underscores the importance of being firmly rooted in biblical truth, especially in an age of diverse and often conflicting information. We are called to:

  • Be Grounded in Scripture: Just as the Thessalonians held fast to Paul's oral and written instruction, Christians are to cling to the inspired Word of God as their ultimate authority for faith and practice. This means diligent study and application of the Bible.
  • Discern False Teachings: The command to "stand fast" implies a constant vigilance against error and deception. Understanding sound doctrine equips believers to identify and reject teachings that deviate from biblical truth.
  • Persevere in Faith: Life presents challenges and uncertainties, but this verse encourages unwavering commitment to Christ and His teachings, knowing that our foundation is secure in Him.

Ultimately, this verse is a timeless reminder to embrace and live by the foundational truths of the Christian faith that have been "handed down" to us, enabling us to stand firm in every circumstance.

Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.
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