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NASB | 2 Thessalonians 2:15 So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 2 Thessalonians 2:15 So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold [tightly] to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us. |
Subject: the Bible Alone |
Bible Note: Greetings Robin! I have a couple of quick questions for you my friend. The word 'tradition' is only used 13 times in the NT. Nine times it refers to the traditions of the Jews. Eight (Mt. 15:2, 3, 6; Mk. 7:3, 5, 8, 9, and 13) of these occurances are in a negative light concerning how the Jews had ignored God's commands in favor of their traditions. One of them is used in a neutral sense (Gal. 1:14). One occurance (Col. 2:8) is also used negatively of traditons of men in general. The other three (1 Cor. 11:2, 2 Thess. 2:15, and 2 Thess. 3:6) all reference the teachings passed on by Paul. So, here are my questions: 1) Where do any of these verses place tradition on equal footing with Scripture? 2) What was the content of these teachings? It may have simply been that Paul is refering to the teaching of Scripture when he speaks of these 'traditions' since they are not clearly spelled out. The best case that could be made is that Paul had a 'tradition' that was to be followed by those to whom he had taught it, but there is no command to pass this tradtion on or that anyone else other than Paul (though Paul uses a plural verb in 2 Thess. - it is not clear if the plural is a literary device or if literal who the others were) has the authority to produce binding tradition. We do know quite clearly from Scripture though that tradition can be opposed to God's word and condemned. p.s. - I agree with you concerning your example of the definition of the trinity in the Nicene Creed as a fine example of good tradtion. However, I would also note that it is grounded in Scripture. It has authority because it is grounded in Scripture. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |