Bible Strands
2 Thessalonians 2:15
Therefore, brothers, stand firm and cling to the traditions we taught you, whether by speech or by letter.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Thessalonian believers immediately after detailing the end-times deception in chapter 2. He addresses them to anchor their community in his apostolic instruction before closing the section with a blessing.
The words — The Greek verbs στήκετε (stēkete) and κρατεῖτε (krateite) literally command the readers to "do stand firm" and "do hold fast." These imperatives stress continuous, active resistance to destabilizing teachings rather than passive acceptance.
The thread — Paul echoes this preservation of apostolic teaching in 1 Corinthians 11:2 and 2 Thessalonians 3:6. He pairs the command with similar exhortations to maintain doctrinal stability in 1 Corinthians 16:13.
Why it lands — The text requires readers to actively maintain the oral and written instruction they received from the apostles. It demands doctrinal steadiness over speculative curiosity about future events.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
Cross-references
- 1 Corinthians 11:2 Now I commend you for remembering me in everything and for maintaining the traditions, just as I passed them on to you.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from any brother who leads an undisciplined life that is not in keeping with the tradition you received from us.
- 1 Corinthians 16:13 Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:2 not to be easily disconcerted or alarmed by any spirit or message or letter seeming to be from us, alleging that the Day of the Lord has already come.
- Philippians 4:1 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you must stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.
- Romans 16:17 Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them.
- 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:14 Take note of anyone who does not obey the instructions we have given in this letter. Do not associate with him, so that he may be ashamed.
- Jude 1:3 Beloved, although I made every effort to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt it necessary to write and urge you to contend earnestly for the faith entrusted once for all to the saints.