2 Thessalonians 2:15

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 2 Thessalonians 2:15 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “So then, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye were taught, whether by word, or by epistle of ours.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

So then, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye were taught, whether by word, or by epistle of ours.
2 Thessalonians 2:15 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Thessalonians 2

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
15So then, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye were taught, whether by word, or by epistle of ours.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Therefore, brethren, stand fast, &c.] In the doctrine of the Gospel in general, and in the article of Christ's second coming in particular, and not in the least waver about the thing itself, nor be shaken in mind, and troubled as if it was just at hand; and the rather it became them to be concerned that they stood fast in the truth, and persevered unto the end, since there was to be a falling away, and the mystery of iniquity was already working, and antichrist would shortly appear, whose coming would be with all deceivableness, of unrighteousness; and they had the greater encouragement to continue firm and unmoved, seeing they were chosen from eternity unto salvation through sanctification…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Therefore--God's sovereign choice of believers, so far from being a ground for inaction on their part, is the strongest incentive to action and perseverance in it. Compare the argument, Phi 2:12-13, "Work out your own salvation, FOR it is God which worketh in you," &c. We cannot fully explain this in theory; but to the sincere and humble, the practical acting on the principle is plain. "Privilege first, duty afterwards" [EDMUNDS]. stand fast--so as not to be "shaken or troubled" (Th2 2:2). hold--so as not to let go. Adding nothing, subtracting nothing [BENGEL]. The Thessalonians had not held fast his oral instructions but had suffered themselves to be imposed upon by pretended…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Therefore - In view of the fact that you are thus chosen from eternity, and that you are to be raised up to such honor and glory. Stand fast - Amidst all the temptations which surround you; compare the notes on Ephesians 6:10-14. And hold the traditions which ye have been taught On the word “traditions,” see the notes on Matthew 15:2. It means properly things delivered over from one to another; then anything orally delivered - any precept, doctrine, or law. It is frequently employed to denote that which is not written, as contradistinguished from that which is written (compare Matthew 15:2), but not necessarily or always; for here the apostle speaks of the “traditions which they had been…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Hold - Without adding to, or diminishing from, the traditions which ye have been taught - The truths which I have delivered to you. Whether by word or by our epistle - He preached before he wrote. And he had written concerning this in his former epistle. Next: 2 Thessalonians Chapter 3”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“2:15 Ever since the founding of the Thessalonian church, Paul had been concerned for the stability of their faith (1 Thes 3:2, 5, 8; 4:1-2) and their adherence to his teaching (2 Thes 3:6; 1 Cor 11:2; 15:3; see Jude 1:3).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“stand: Co1 15:58, Co1 16:13; Phi 4:1 hold: Th2 3:6; Co1 11:2 the traditions: Rom 16:17; Jde 1:3 \*Gr. whether: Th2 2:2, Th2 3:14 2 Thessalonians 2:16”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification