Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
Read it in contextStand fast in received teaching
Start reading at 2 Thessalonians 2:13 (2 Thessalonians 2:13 to 2 Thessalonians 2:17).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Thanksgiving and exhortation direct the readers back to the gospel and received teaching rather than fear-driven speculation.
2:13But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
2:14Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2:15Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
2:16Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,
2:17Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Paul is the named author, with Silvanus and Timothy as co-senders; the closing greeting identifies Paul's hand. Biblical references: 2 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 3:17. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 Thessalonians 1:1–3:18): Paul, with Silvanus and Timothy named as co-senders, addresses the Thessalonian church about persecution, confusion over the day of Christ, and disorderly conduct among some members. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The church of the Thessalonians, encouraged in affliction and corrected about the day of the Lord and disorderly conduct. Biblical references: 2 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 2:1; 2 Thessalonians 3:6. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? Stand fast in received teaching. Read 2 Thessalonians 2:13 through 2 Thessalonians 2:17 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? Thanksgiving and exhortation direct the readers back to the gospel and received teaching rather than fear-driven speculation. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The letter addresses continuing persecution and confusion concerning the day of Christ. It does not state a calendar date. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The church at Thessalonica is addressed; the place of writing is not explicitly named. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Stand fast in received teaching (2 Thessalonians 2:13 to 2 Thessalonians 2:17).
Start reading at 2 Thessalonians 2:13. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The return of the Lord Jesus is joined with judgment, rest for the afflicted, and correction of misleading claims. Details should be read within this argument without asserting modern identifications as facts. See 2 Thessalonians 1:7, 2 Thessalonians 2:1, 2 Thessalonians 2:2. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Stand fast, resist misleading claims, and continue responsible work. Anticipation of the Lord's coming is not presented as a reason to abandon ordinary obligations. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
2 Thessalonians 2
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul, Silvanus, and Timotheus address the Thessalonian church again amid persecution and confusion about the day of Christ. The letter joins correction of that confusion with steadfastness, prayer, and responsible work.
Connection to the wholePaul answers alarming claims with teaching about events connected to the day, including deception and judgment; he does not name modern individuals or set dates.
Connection to the wholeThanksgiving and exhortation direct the readers back to the gospel and received teaching rather than fear-driven speculation.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
2 Thessalonians
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul, Silvanus, and Timotheus address the Thessalonian church again amid persecution and confusion about the day of Christ. The letter joins correction of that confusion with steadfastness, prayer, and responsible work.