Articles
Stand Firm - 2 Thess. 2
Stand Firm - 2 Thess. 2
After discussing the great apostasy that would come, and the fact that many people would not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved, Paul exhorts the brethren:
(15) So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us. (16) Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, (17) comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word. (2 Thessalonians 2:15-17)
In the face of such strong opposition to the Way of Jesus, they simply can NOT give in or give up. They are to stand firm, holding the things handed down to them by the apostles. The idea that there might come ‘false letters’ claiming a different gospel, a different teaching was indeed a great danger. There WERE such letters! The brethren knew what had been taught, and to ‘teach any other gospel’ was just not acceptable! Read again Gal. 1:8-9!
In standing firm, they are to help their brethren that are weak and/or struggling with their faith. Thank God for brethren! By sticking together, we can be overcome such opposition. This in fact is a mark of strength in the faith – it reaches out and supports those who are weaker! Those that are more knowledgeable are to teach and remind the others of these traditions that they had been taught.
Stand firm in the faith (1 Peter. 5:8-10). Know what has been taught by the apostles and prophets. Love one another.
Hugh DeLong
