2 Thessalonians 2:15
What does 2 Thessalonians 2:15 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Thessalonians 2:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Thessalonians 2:15 means
“So then, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye were taught, whether by word, or by epistle of ours.” The right response to God’s choosing and calling is steadfast adherence to apostolic teaching. “Traditions” here means the authoritative instruction handed down by the apostles, whether given orally when present or in their letters. In a world ripe for deception, stability comes from gripping what God has already said through His appointed messengers. Standing fast is active: it resists novelty that denies the gospel and continues in the truth that sanctifies. The church’s safety lies not in speculation about times but in faithful retention of Scripture-shaped doctrine.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000So then, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye were taught, whether by word, or by epistle of ours.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901So then, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye were taught, whether by word, or by epistle of ours.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So then, brothers, be strong in purpose, and keep the teaching which has been given to you by word or by letter from us.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862so, then, brethren, stand ye fast, and hold the deliverances that ye were taught, whether through word, whether through our letter;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God and our Father, who hath loved us and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope in grace,
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890So then, brethren, stand firm, and hold fast the instructions which ye have been taught, whether by word or by our letter.
Context
On the heels of God’s gracious work (vv13–14), Paul issues a clear exhortation to perseverance grounded in apostolic authority. This prepares naturally for the benediction in vv16–17, where Paul prays that the Lord Jesus and God the Father would themselves comfort and establish the believers in “every good work and word.” The flow moves from gift (grace) to responsibility (stand fast) to prayer for enabling grace.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 11:2
Now I praise you that ye remember me in all things, and hold fast the traditions, even as I delivered them to you.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:2
to the end that ye be not quickly shaken from your mind, nor yet be troubled, either by spirit, or by word, or by epistle as from us, as that the day of the Lord is just at hand;
- 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 they received of us.
- Romans 16:17
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them that are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which ye learned: and turn away from them.
- Philippians 4:1
Wherefore, my brethren beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my beloved.
- 1 Corinthians 16:13
Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
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