Question:
Please explain Jeremiah 2:13 and 2 Thessalonians 2:15.
Answer:
“For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.” (Jeremiah 2:13)
That scripture discusses how the people of ancient Israel not only abandoned God, the true source of life, but also turned to other gods that were as useless as broken cisterns. In times of need, these false gods offered no assistance, and during droughts, the cisterns provided no water. This message remains relevant today for those who depart from God’s Word in favor of human errors.
“Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.” (2 Thessalonians 2:15)
The second text emphasizes that the brethren in Thessalonica should hold firmly to the teachings of the apostles, whether conveyed through spoken word or written letters. The term “tradition,” derived from the Greek word “paradosis,” means “delivery,” “handing over,” or “transmission.” It refers to what is communicated in terms of teaching, precept, or doctrine. For example, in 1 Corinthians 11:2, “paradosis” is translated as “ordinances.” In 2 Thessalonians 2:15, “traditions” pertain to the teachings that Christ entrusted to His apostles. To ensure we understand what was taught through the spoken word, God has provided us with the written Word. It is important to note that this text does not refer to erroneous traditions that falsely claim apostolic origin; such traditions should always be evaluated against the written Word.
