Charles Ellicott Commentary 2 Thessalonians 2:15

"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 (ASV)

Therefore, brothers, stand firm — Such an exhortation is, in itself, a conclusive argument against a theory of irreversible predestination. The logic is, “Because God chose you from eternity and called you in time, therefore stand your ground.” If it were impossible for them to lose their standing, it would be unnecessary to urge them to maintain it. If it were possible for them to lose their standing and yet be just as well off in the end, it would also be unnecessary. At the same time, the word “therefore” does not draw its conclusion from 2 Thessalonians 2:14 alone. Instead, it summarizes the entire discussion of the chapter: “Now that you are reminded of the true doctrine of the Advent.”

Hold the traditions — This is the very same word used in Mark 7:3-4 and Mark 7:8, holding the tradition of the elders, and also in the same metaphorical sense in Colossians 2:19 and Revelation 2:13. The action expressed is a vigorous and tenacious grasp, like that of the lame man clutching the Apostles in Acts 3:11. St. Chrysostom remarks: “It is plain from this that they did not deliver all their tradition by letter, but much of it without writing, and that both are equally worthy of belief. Therefore, let us consider the Church’s tradition worthy of belief. It is tradition; ask no further questions.”

What were these “traditions” that were so essential to keep? The context shows that the particular traditions most prominent in St. Paul’s mind at the moment were his eschatological teachings, which he had given them while he was among them. He has been briefly reminding them of this teaching in this chapter (2 Thessalonians 2:5–6), for the exhortation is practically a restatement of the one given in 2 Thessalonians 2:2–3: “Instead of being seduced by forged prophecies or 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” to all his traditions, and these would include doctrinal (1 Corinthians 15:3; Jude 1:3), ceremonial (1 Corinthians 11:2, 23), and moral instructions (2 Thessalonians 3:6; 2 Peter 2:21).

As a matter of controversy, it is not as remarkable that he should urge his converts to cling to his own oral teaching (“whether by word”) as it is that he should, at such an early period, call their special attention to what would gradually supplant all independent, unwritten tradition (at least in doctrinal matters): the Holy Scripture (“our Epistle”). On occasion, St. Paul can speak as contemptuously of the “traditions of men” as our Lord did (Colossians 2:8). Of course, whether a tradition is to be “held” or condemned as merely “human” depends entirely on its individual character and origin. In the Church, mutually contradictory traditions cannot be held together. Therefore, any tradition delivered “by word” that disagrees with the written tradition (that is, Scripture) is necessarily condemned.

By word, or our epistle — The word “our” applies to both parts of the phrase: “whether by word of ours or epistle of ours.” Unless St. Paul had written them another letter that is now lost, this proves that the “First” Epistle was, in fact, written earlier. The verb translated “have been taught” should be rendered in the simple past tense: “you were taught.”