2 Thessalonians 2:15
What is written? (ESV)
So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.
What does it say?
Therefore brethren, remember and continue in the traditions (teachings) of the apostles (“us”), whether what we spoke or sent by letter.
What is its immediate context?
Paul’s second letter to the church in Thessalonica where he is warning them about coming destructive forces to the faithful and letters that even seem like they may have come from the apostles (vs 2). At issue here is the false teaching that Jesus has already come (vs 2). Those that succumb to such teaching are possibly even helped by God who “sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false,” (vs 11) because they take “pleasure in unrighteousness” (vs 13).
How 2 Thessalonians 2:15 is applied across Bible answers
Are Jesus’ words (red letter Bible) more important than other Scripture?
Paul refers to the things they had been taught as from the apostles.
Is sola scriptura (scripture alone) enough?
Paul encourages the brethren to stick to the apostolic word (that is from God) - these are the only acceptable "traditions".10
Is the Bible the complete revelation of God?
Paul urges brethen to hold only to the words and writings of the apostles that were taught (past tense) and reject anything new or different.
