What does our brother Paul mean by the words "the tradition" in 2 Thessalonians 3:6?

Pyong Ping

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What does our brother Paul mean by the words "the tradition" in 2 Thessalonians 3:6?

2 Thessalonians 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

"tradition", "traditions" - bad sense
Matthew 15:2 - Matthew 15:3 - Matthew 15:6
Mark 7:3 - Mark 7:5 - Mark 7:8 - Mark 7:9 - Mark 7:13
Galatians 1:14
Colossians 2:8
1 Peter 1:18

In certain passages the word "custom" simply means a positive habit, or repeated action (Luke 4:16, likewise "manner" (Acts 17:2)).

Other times it means a place of gathering taxation, as "sitting at the receipt of custom" (Matthew 9:9 - Mark 2:14 - Luke 5:27), or giving "custom to whom custom" (Romans 13:7) is due.

Also, it can mean a bad tradition, a wicked custom.

"custom" - evil or heathen sense
1 Samuel 2:13
John 18:39
1 Corinthians 11:16

"customs" - wicked sense
Leviticus 18:30
Jeremiah 10:3

There are two known places that the word "tradition" is utilized in a positive meaning.

"tradition" - good sense
2 Thessalonians 2:15
2 Thessalonians 3:6

Brothers and sisters, we should study this together and look at all of the connecting words, and ask our Father for understanding to understand what this means so that we are united together by the word. Let us read the surrounding words, and allow the Holy Spirit of God to enlighten us by teaching us what these things mean.
 

Ken Rank

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What does our brother Paul mean by the words "the tradition" in 2 Thessalonians 3:6?

2 Thessalonians 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

"tradition", "traditions" - bad sense
Matthew 15:2 - Matthew 15:3 - Matthew 15:6
Mark 7:3 - Mark 7:5 - Mark 7:8 - Mark 7:9 - Mark 7:13
Galatians 1:14
Colossians 2:8
1 Peter 1:18

In certain passages the word "custom" simply means a positive habit, or repeated action (Luke 4:16, likewise "manner" (Acts 17:2)).

Other times it means a place of gathering taxation, as "sitting at the receipt of custom" (Matthew 9:9 - Mark 2:14 - Luke 5:27), or giving "custom to whom custom" (Romans 13:7) is due.

Also, it can mean a bad tradition, a wicked custom.

"custom" - evil or heathen sense
1 Samuel 2:13
John 18:39
1 Corinthians 11:16

"customs" - wicked sense
Leviticus 18:30
Jeremiah 10:3

There are two known places that the word "tradition" is utilized in a positive meaning.

"tradition" - good sense
2 Thessalonians 2:15
2 Thessalonians 3:6

Brothers and sisters, we should study this together and look at all of the connecting words, and ask our Father for understanding to understand what this means so that we are united together by the word. Let us read the surrounding words, and allow the Holy Spirit of God to enlighten us by teaching us what these things mean.
The word tradition simply means, "that which is handed down." It can be positive, negative, or even neither.... indifferent... it all depends on the context in which it is used. "Traditions of men" when talking about adding to God's will is bad.... holding fast to the traditions handed down to us in the bible, good.
 
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Pyong Ping

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The word tradition simply means, "that which is handed down." It can be positive, negative, or even neither.... indifferent... it all depends on the context in which it is used. "Traditions of men" when talking about adding to God's will is bad.... holding fast to the traditions handed down to us in the bible, good.
I agree with you brother! How then shall we understand Paul's use here?

In prayerfully reading the text, and asking God about this, I continued to read, and here is what I was shown in the same place.

(6) Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
(7) For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
(8) Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:
(9) Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.
(10) For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
(11) For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
(12) Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
(13) But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
(14) And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.
(15) Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

As instructed of God, "the tradition" that Paul speaks of is not "walking disorderly" (6), and to "follow us", being the example of Paul and others, who "walked not disorderly" (7), and did not "eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you" (8), so that they would be an "ensample unto you who follow us" (9).

We see "commandment" (6,10,12) in regards "the tradition" (10), in that "if any would not work, neither should he eat.", and that this was the orderliness and ensample of Paul's life. This is then contrasted in the next verse to those who are "disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies." (11). This same "command" and exhortation is that those who are presently "disorderly" should "with quietness they work, and eat their own bread." (12) as Paul and others did.

Paul finishes out by telling them who are orderly to "continue in well doing" (13), as they had learned of his own ensample and manner of living, laboring with his own hands to provide for himself while ministering the Gospel.

This is "the tradition", the living custom, the continued godly habit of Paul that he speaks of, and was this that is handed down, in example, in demonstration. Work for the Lord instead of going about as "busybodies", who are "working not at all", "walking disorderly", and who expected to eat of the food of the group, when they would not work with their hands as Paul. No free lunch, and whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might,, as unto the Lord, might best sum it up.
 
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JIMINZ

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What does our brother Paul mean by the words "the tradition" in 2 Thessalonians 3:6?

Simply, the word Tradition as used by Paul in this verse refers to (A Precept"

2Th 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

TRADITION:
G3862
παράδοσις
paradosis
par-ad'-os-is
A transmission, that is, (concretely) a precept; specifically the Jewish traditionary law: - ordinance, tradition.

PRECEPT:
G1785
ἐντολή
entolē
en-tol-ay'
From G1781; injunction, that is, an authoritative prescription: - commandment, precept.

G1781
ἐντέλλομαι
entellomai
en-tel'-lom-ahee
To enjoin: - (give) charge, (give) command(-ments), injoin.


What Paul commanded was.

2Th 3:10 For even when we were with you,
this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
2Th 3:11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.

This then was the Tradition (Precept) being spoke of by Paul.
"that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us."
 
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Ken Rank

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(6) Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
(
The brother that walks disorderly is ALSO not walking after the tradition they passed down... hence the 'and'. Withdraw from a disorderly brother AND one who doesn't walk after the tradition he received from the apostles.
 
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Pyong Ping

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The brother that walks disorderly is ALSO not walking after the tradition they passed down... hence the 'and'. Withdraw from a disorderly brother AND one who doesn't walk after the tradition he received from the apostles.
The "and" in this instance means in contrast between the false walking and the true walking.

Example

I can say, "Turn not to the left as others and turn to the right as myself."

"walking disorderly" is in contrast with the walking orderly which is "the tradition" or custom or habit set by Paul and others as the example.


2 Thessalonians 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

It could then be paraphrased as such

(paraphrased in part) withdraw yourselves away from every brother that is walking disorderly and not after the habit of orderly walking which he received of us by example.

See in vs (7)

2 Thessalonians 3:7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;

The "follow us" is "the tradition", the habit that Paul and others had set amongst them. May I show you? Paul refers back to the previous time in 1 Thessalonians


1 Thessalonians 4:1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.
 
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Pyong Ping

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Simply, the word Tradition as used by Paul in this verse refers to (A Precept"

2Th 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

TRADITION:
G3862
παράδοσις
paradosis
par-ad'-os-is
A transmission, that is, (concretely) a precept; specifically the Jewish traditionary law: - ordinance, tradition.

PRECEPT:
G1785
ἐντολή
entolē
en-tol-ay'
From G1781; injunction, that is, an authoritative prescription: - commandment, precept.

G1781
ἐντέλλομαι
entellomai
en-tel'-lom-ahee
To enjoin: - (give) charge, (give) command(-ments), injoin.


What Paul commanded was.

2Th 3:10 For even when we were with you,
this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
2Th 3:11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.

This then was the Tradition (Precept) being spoke of by Paul.
"that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us."
So you would see the "commandment" of "if any would not work, neither should he eat." as "the tradition" "received" by them from Paul's own life example of working, in contrast to those who did not, yes?
 
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JIMINZ

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So you would see the "commandment" of "if any would not work, neither should he eat." as "the tradition" "received" by them from Paul's own life example of working, in contrast to those who did not, yes?

.
No what I said was that Paul himself told them.

If you do not work you will not eat, that was his commandment to them that was the Precept given, that was the Tradition.
 
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Pyong Ping

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No what I said was that Paul himself told them.

If you do not work you will not eat, that was his commandment to them that was the Precept given, that was the Tradition.
I agree the command is there by Paul.

I see yet a little more in that Paul bases that commandment on his own manner and habit and knowledge of the scriptures, as he himself followed the example of Jesus to work with his own hands and to follow the commandments of God in the word of God.

Paul was raised as an Hebrew of the Hebrews, and thus skills, such as tent making, carpentry, fishing and the like were taught unto the children in life, that they might find the enjoyment and blessing of true labouring, to reap the reward through such. Like as gardening. He who does not sow does not reap. Paul would also have backing for this in the Old Testament texts,


Proverbs 12:24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
Proverbs 12:27 The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.

Proverbs 18:9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.

Proverbs 19:24 A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.

Proverbs 26:15 The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.
 
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JIMINZ

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I agree the command is there by Paul.

I see yet a little more in that Paul bases that commandment on his own manner and habit and knowledge of the scriptures, as he himself followed the example of Jesus to work with his own hands and to follow the commandments of God in the word of God.

Paul was raised as an Hebrew of the Hebrews, and thus skills, such as tent making, carpentry, fishing and the like were taught unto the children in life, that they might find the enjoyment and blessing of true labouring, to reap the reward through such. Like as gardening. He who does not sow does not reap. Paul would also have backing for this in the Old Testament texts,


Proverbs 12:24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
Proverbs 12:27 The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.

Proverbs 18:9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.

Proverbs 19:24 A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.

Proverbs 26:15 The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.

True, I agree with your assessment of Paul's understanding.
 
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What does our brother Paul mean by the words "the tradition" in 2 Thessalonians 3:6?

2 Thessalonians 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

"tradition", "traditions" - bad sense
Matthew 15:2 - Matthew 15:3 - Matthew 15:6
Mark 7:3 - Mark 7:5 - Mark 7:8 - Mark 7:9 - Mark 7:13
Galatians 1:14
Colossians 2:8
1 Peter 1:18

In certain passages the word "custom" simply means a positive habit, or repeated action (Luke 4:16, likewise "manner" (Acts 17:2)).

Other times it means a place of gathering taxation, as "sitting at the receipt of custom" (Matthew 9:9 - Mark 2:14 - Luke 5:27), or giving "custom to whom custom" (Romans 13:7) is due.

Also, it can mean a bad tradition, a wicked custom.

"custom" - evil or heathen sense
1 Samuel 2:13
John 18:39
1 Corinthians 11:16

"customs" - wicked sense
Leviticus 18:30
Jeremiah 10:3

There are two known places that the word "tradition" is utilized in a positive meaning.

"tradition" - good sense
2 Thessalonians 2:15
2 Thessalonians 3:6

Brothers and sisters, we should study this together and look at all of the connecting words, and ask our Father for understanding to understand what this means so that we are united together by the word. Let us read the surrounding words, and allow the Holy Spirit of God to enlighten us by teaching us what these things mean.
The one in 2Thess 3:6 is explained by what follows it. Namely to work for a living, paying your way, not being a burden to others. And he ends with "If anyone will not work, neither let him eat." This as opposed to those who unnecessarily rely upon the graciousness of Christians to support them.
 
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Pyong Ping

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The prayerful and thoughtful responses, along with the unity of thought have helped solidify the conclusion arrived at concerning the words of Paul in regards "the tradition" in 2 Thessalonians 3:6.

I have heard others give an entirely different meaning to these words which could not be reconciled with the text itself and strained them by forcing them to mean what they wanted them to mean, and they could not justify their position based upon the words themselves, but only added to the words their own meanings and definitions, to suit their own practices; whatever those were.

When someone brings up the word "tradition" in regards their teaching or action, we ought to then be more careful to discern, and to ask for evidence from God's word about such practices or teaching, whether it be of God or of men.

As a challenge to myself, and to all who read, a question to ask oneself.

Is there anything which I personally do as a habit, a custom, a tradition, even a teaching, or even a thinking, which cannot be sustained by God's word, and might be contrary to that example therein and if so, will I give it up to follow God?
 
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