š KJV BIBLE STUDY: 2 Thessalonians 2:15 Ā
š VERSE: Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
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[The Church] Phrase: "Therefore, brethren,"
Note: This phrase connects the immediate instructions back to the preceding context (the selection of the Thessalonians unto salvation, and the great falling away described in verses 3-12). It identifies the recipients as members of the Church, the Body of Christ.
[The Church] Phrase: "stand fast,"
Note: An imperative command to remain steady and stable. Given the threat of false doctrine (the Man of Sin having been revealed to them), the instruction is to maintain firm footing in the revealed truth delivered by the Apostle Paul.
Ā Ā Supporting Scriptures:
Ā Ā * 1 Corinthians 15:58: "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."
Ā Ā * Galatians 5:1: "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage."
[The Church] Phrase: "and hold the traditions which ye have been taught,"
Note: To 'hold the traditions' in the context of Paulās epistles means to adhere strictly to the revealed doctrine (the Mystery) committed to him by Christ. These are not the traditions of men, nor the traditions of Judaism (Israel's program), but the authoritative apostolic doctrine of the Gospel of Grace and the standing of the believer in Christ.
Ā Ā Supporting Scriptures:
Ā Ā * 2 Thessalonians 3:6: "Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us."
[How to Study] Phrase: "whether by word, or our epistle."
Note: Paul confirms the authoritative sources of the doctrine (tradition). It was delivered either through personal, verbal teaching ('by word') while he was present, or through his written, inspired Scripture ('our epistle'). Today, for the Body of Christ, the final authority is the complete written revelation preserved in the KJV, especially Paul's 13 epistles, which contain the entirety of the traditions necessary for doctrine and practice.
Ā Ā Supporting Scriptures:
Ā Ā * 2 Timothy 3:16: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"
Ā Ā * Ephesians 3:3-4: "How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)"
God bless,
Joyckers Ministry
