¹⁵So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.

Circling back to how he began this chapter, Paul encourages the believers at Thessalonica to stand firm. The discussion about end times, the man of apostasy, the deluding influence and so on, all compose Paul’s response to the false teaching that had started to infiltrate their fellowship:

We request . . . that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. (2 Thess. 2:1–2)

Letters had begun to circulate falsely claiming Paul as the author, and this had greatly unsettled the believers. Is this not the case even today, when new converts, after rejoicing in the new-found truth of the gospel and eagerly embracing the teachings first shared with them, become exposed to contrary teachings? This can be a very disturbing experience!

As a new believer, I was quite eager to share my faith in Jesus Christ. Very soon after, I found myself talking with two people at my door telling me about their religion. Very quickly it became clear that they taught that Jesus Christ was not God, but just a good, holy man. I was confused but went back to my spiritual mentor, who wisely took me to Scripture. In time, I became quite expert at showing that Jesus Christ is indeed God in the flesh (see Col. 1:19, 2:9, and many other verses and clear reasoning from the Bible).

So Paul encourages the believers concerning the return of the Lord. If any new teaching does not line up with what he has already taught them, then it is to be rejected. They should stand firm on the original teaching of the apostle Paul.

The word “traditions” does not refer to man-made practices (Col. 2:8) but means “that which is handed down,” that is, from the apostle Paul and his associates, Silvanus and Timothy. He refers to both oral teaching and writings. In the Thessalonians’ case, that would mean Paul’s first letter to them.

In fact, the early church was “continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching . . .” (Acts 2:42). After the apostles passed off the scene, the early believers relied heavily on their writings that could be proven to be authentic. Any additional teaching must be consistent with apostolic teaching or else be rejected.

Our beliefs are to rest squarely on the Bible, the Word of God, which is inspired and authoritative for our lives.

Lord, I stand firm on Your Word, and I am committed to knowing it well.