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.
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.
- BSB Therefore, brothers, stand firm and cling to the traditions we taught you, whether by speech or by letter.
- 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.
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 praise you, brothers, that you remember me in all things, and hold firm the traditions, even as I delivered them to you.
- 2 Th 3:6Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother who walks in rebellion, and not after the tradition which they received from us.
- 2 Th 2:2not to be quickly shaken in your mind, nor yet be troubled, either by spirit, or by word, or by letter as from us, saying that the day of Christ had come.
- 1 Cor 16:13Watch! Stand firm in the faith! Be courageous! Be strong!
- Phil 4:1Therefore, my brothers, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.
- Rom 16:17Now I beg you, brothers, look out for those who are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and turn away from them.
- 1 Cor 15:58Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
- 2 Th 3:14If any man doesn’t obey our word in this letter, note that man, that you have no company with him, to the end that he may be ashamed.
- Jude 1:3Beloved, while I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I was constrained to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.
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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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