The Scripture Sufficient Without Unwritten Traditions
T. Manton, D. D. 2 Thessalonians 2:15 Therefore, brothers, stand fast, and hold the traditions which you have been taught, whether by word, or our letter. I. OUR DUTY IS TO STAND FAST IN THE FAITH OF CHRIST AND PROFESSION OF GODLINESS WHATEVER TEMPTATIONS WE HAVE TO THE CONTRARY. "Stand fast," being a military word, alludes to a soldier's keeping his ground, and is opposed to two things — 1. A cowardly flight, i.e., our being overcome in the evil day. Wherefore we are exhorted to put on the armour of God (Ephesians 6:13), which helps us to withstand and to stand. The first is the act of a soldier, the second the posture of a conqueror. Here we make our way to heaven by conflict and conquest; hereafter we triumph. 2. A treacherous revolt, or yielding to the enemy, by complying with those things which are against the interest of Christ for advantage sake (2 Timothy 4:10; Hebrews 12:15, 16). II. THE MEANS OF STANDING FAST IS TO HOLD THE TRADITIONS TAUGHT BY THE APOSTLES. 1. The doctrine of Christianity is a tradition. (1) Matters not evident by the light of nature or revelation must be either an invention or a tradition. (a) An invention is something in religion not evident by natural light, nor agreeable to sound reason, but is some cunningly devised fable, obtruded by various artifices upon the belief of the world (Ecclesiastes 7:29; Romans 1:21, 22). (b) The gospel is none of this sort, but a tradition, or delivery of truth upon the testimony of One come from God to instruct the world, and reduce it to Him (Hebrews 2:3, 4). Christ delivered it to the apostles, and the apostles to others (2 Timothy 2:2), until it came to us. This testimony is as binding as if we had heard Christ or the apostles, for we have their word in writing. And that these are their writings appears by the constant tradition of the Church, the acknowledgment of enemies, the blessing of God upon them to the conversion of souls, their power to protect the Church and promote its conquests, and their survival in spite of persecution and debate. (2) The Christian religion must needs be a tradition. (a) Because it is built on matter of fact, viz., that the Son of God came from God to bring us to God, confirming the truth of His mission by such miracles as showed Him to be the Son of God and the Saviour of the world. Now a testimony or tradition is needful in matters of fact which must be confined to some time or place. Christ could not be always working, dying, rising, etc., everywhere. Those things were once to be done in one place before competent witnesses. But because the knowledge of them concerned all the world they were by them attested to others (Acts 1:8-22; Acts 2:32; Acts 3:15; Acts 10:39-41.)(b) Because it is matter of faith, or doctrine, built upon matter of fact. We cannot properly believe a thing but upon testimony. If one asks, "Do you believe the sun shines?" you answer, "No, I see it." "Do you believe that twice two make four?" "No, I know it." But if he should ask "Do you believe that the sun is bigger than the earth?" you reply, "Yes," not because it appears so, but because competent judges tell you such is the case. Apply it now to the mysteries of the gospel. They cannot be seen by the eye, for they are invisible; nor comprehended by the reason, for they are above it; but we believe them because revealed to prophets and apostles. And this is more certain than sense. The eye may be deceived, and reason may err, but it is impossible for God to deceive or be deceived (1 John 5:9). 2. The holding this tradition is the great means of standing fast in the faith of Christ and the confession of His name. For in it there is sure direction to walk by, and sure promises to build upon (2 Peter 1:16, 17; 1 John 1:2-4). By this we have all that belongs — (1) To faith. There can be no faith till we have a sure testimony of God's revelation; for faith is a believing such things as God hath revealed, because He hath revealed them. (2) Nor obedience, for that is doing what God commands, because He commands (1 Thessalonians 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; 1 Peter 2:15). (3) Nor certain expectation of happiness. We are never safe till we know by what rule Christ will judge us (Romans 2:16; 1 Thessalonians 1:8). III. SINCE THE APOSTLES HAVE GONE TO GOD, AND WE CANNOT RECEIVE THEIR DOCTRINE BY WORD OF MOUTH, WE MUST STICK TO THE WRITTEN WORD. 1. Because we are taught to do so by Christ and the apostles (Matthew 15:2; Luke 16:31; Acts 26:22; 2 Peter 1:19). 2. Because these things were written for our sakes (1 John 1:4). They knew the slipperiness of men's memory, and the danger of corrupting Christian doctrine, if there were not a sure authentic record left; therefore they wrote fully. 3. Because the Scriptures are perfect, and give us a knowledge of those things which concern — (1) Our faith. If there be enough written for that, we need not unwritten traditions to complete our rule (John 20:30, 31). What would men have more? (2) Our duty; that is sufficiently provided for (Titus 2:12); therefore we need no other rule. (3) Our happiness: the doctrine that is able to make us wise unto salvation, is enough for us (2 Timothy 3:15, 17). (T. Manton, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. WEB: So then, brothers, stand firm, and hold the traditions which you were taught by us, whether by word, or by letter.