Therefore, brothers, stand firm and cling to the traditions we taught you, whether by speech or by letter.
Parallel translations
- WEB So then, brothers, stand firm, and hold the traditions which you were taught by us, whether by word, or by letter.
- KJV Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
- NKJV Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.
- NASB So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold on to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.
- NLT With all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you both in person and by letter.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Therefore Paul urges them to stand firm and hold fast to the teachings he delivered, whether spoken or written. Assurance of God's grace leads to steadfast obedience, not passivity.
Overview
Because of God's saving work, believers are to "stand firm" and hold the apostolic "traditions," meaning the authoritative teaching Paul handed on by word and letter. Here "traditions" refers to the apostles' inspired instruction, the foundation that would become Scripture, not later human additions. The verse shows that being chosen by God energizes rather than excuses faithful perseverance.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 9
- 1 Cor 11:2Now I commend you for remembering me in everything and for maintaining the traditions, just as I passed them on to you.
- 2 Th 3:6Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from any brother who leads an undisciplined life that is not in keeping with the tradition you received from us.
- 2 Th 2:2not to be easily disconcerted or alarmed by any spirit or message or letter seeming to be from us, alleging that the Day of the Lord has already come.
- 1 Cor 16:13Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.
- Phil 4:1Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you must stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.
- Rom 16:17Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them.
- 1 Cor 15:58Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
- 2 Th 3:14Take note of anyone who does not obey the instructions we have given in this letter. Do not associate with him, so that he may be ashamed.
- Jude 1:3Beloved, although I made every effort to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt it necessary to write and urge you to contend earnestly for the faith entrusted once for all to the saints.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
Christ will be revealed from heaven in flaming fire, glorified in his saints, overthrowing the lawless one — the certain hope that steadies the suffering church.
How 2 Thessalonians 2:15 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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