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NASB | 2 Peter 3:18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 2 Peter 3:18 but grow [spiritually mature] in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory (honor, majesty, splendor), both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. |
Subject: What does it mean to be Christ like? |
Bible Note: Greetings Colin! In 2 Thessalonians 2:15, Paul mentions 'the traditions', which includes all of the teachings that Paul had shared with the Thessalonians. Up until the New Testament was written and distributed among Christians, essential Christian teaching and doctrine was passed along by tradition, just as rabbinic law was handed down from generation to generation. During the time of Jesus, the rabbinic tradition was in oral form, since the traditions of the elders were not included in the Mishnah until around A.D. 200. Therefore, the 'traditions' that Paul speaks of here could be either oral or written, and they include all that he has directed the Thessalonians to do in his two letters. The word 'traditions' in this verse refers to instructions that are passed on from one person to another. Sometimes the word refers to human traditions, or people's opinions and speculations. But in this case Paul is referring to the revealed truth of God that contains no error. This is what Paul had passed on to them. He had communicated some of God's truth when he was preaching among them, further truth by his first epistle, and now he was communicating even more truth through a second letter to them. The New Testament had not been written, or assembled so as we know it today, and the essential truths of the Christian faith were being communicated through the apostles' preaching and letters. Having believed this truth, the Thessalonians are now directed to maintain the communicated truth and stand fast in their faith. In 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, Paul reminds the Corinthian church of the tradition that they are to hold onto, that is, "that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,.." And that is the very same truth that we find ourselves preaching, being stewards of (ministering), and passing along to others this very day; passing it from one person to the next, until the Day of the Lord has come. How convenient the typed letter, the printing press, and crystalite pages of Scripture have become in helping us to stand fast and pass along that truth! Blessings to you, Makarios |