II 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.”
At first read it appears to mean religious and cultural traditions. This is concerning as those can be numerous and possibly wrong. Part of Jesus’ complaint against the pharisees was their diluting God’s Word with their traditions.
So what is Paul referring to when he tells them to hold to the traditions that were taught? The New Testament wasn’t canonized yet. They didn’t have a personal copy to read. So, they would live off the “word of mouth” from their pastors and teachers. Those leaders were referencing the words of Jesus and the apostles.
This is the second letter the Thessalonians had received from Paul. As we know now, they both eventually became scripture. So did Peter’s letters and the gospels. Today’s passage would be worded differently, if it were written today. It would read, “stand firm and hold to the Lord’s Word, scripture.”
Why is the Bible so important? It’s primarily believing right, but right belief connects us to God and His power. The book of Hebrews says that the Bible is “living and active”. In the parable of the sower, Jesus describes how God’s Word comes alive as it is planted in our hearts. Paul knows this and wants us to immerse ourselves in His Word.
Following Paul’s train of thought, a few verses earlier he spoke about God’s choosing us from the beginning. God delights in us and has so before our birth. He wants us to stand firm in that. It lifts us and greatly improves our relationship with Him.
Lord, thank You for Your Word. Thank You for the power it contains. Help us to stay in it.