NOTES for Th2 2:15

The apostle Paul calls his spiritual children to faithfulness. To "stand" means not to "sit" and not to "lie down," that is, not to be relaxed, not to flee from that spiritual battle which Christian life in this world proves to be.

Of course, this is not easy, but there is something that can strengthen us in such "standing." Paul calls this spiritual weapon "tradition," that is, what has been handed on to us by someone who received it from the Source of spiritual strength, from Christ Himself. We, in turn, having received this weapon through instruction, can become able to pass it on further to other people who need strengthening.

Let us note that Paul speaks of two ways of instruction: through the spoken word and through the written word. By this he indicates that important for us are both Revelation fixed in written form, Holy Scripture, and the experience accumulated by the Church in interpreting Scripture and preaching the Word of God, Holy Tradition. Taken together, they become the spiritual weapon that strengthens us in "standing."

Let us note this detail for ourselves: "taken"! A weapon is useless if it has not been taken; therefore in the apostle Paul's call to faithfulness there are these words: "hold to the traditions."