stand firm
The Greek word for "stand firm" (στήκετε, stēkete) conveys a sense of steadfastness and immovability. In the context of the early church, this was a call to remain resolute in the face of persecution and false teachings. Historically, the Thessalonian church faced significant challenges, and Paul's exhortation is a reminder to hold their ground spiritually and doctrinally.

and cling to the traditions
The phrase "cling to the traditions" (κρατεῖτε τὰς παραδόσεις, krateite tas paradoseis) highlights the importance of holding onto the teachings and practices passed down from the apostles. The word "traditions" here refers to the apostolic teachings, both oral and written, that were foundational to the early church. In a conservative Christian perspective, this underscores the importance of adhering to the core doctrines and practices established by the apostles, which are seen as divinely inspired and authoritative.

we taught you
This phrase emphasizes the personal and direct transmission of teachings from Paul and his companions to the Thessalonians. The verb "taught" (ἐδιδάχθητε, edidachthēte) suggests a process of instruction and learning. It reflects the apostolic authority and the responsibility of the early church leaders to ensure that the teachings of Christ were accurately conveyed and preserved.

whether by speech or by letter
This phrase indicates the dual method of communication used by Paul and the apostles. "By speech" refers to the oral teachings delivered in person, while "by letter" refers to the written epistles, such as this one. The inclusion of both methods highlights the adaptability and commitment of the apostles to ensure that the message of the Gospel was accessible and preserved. In a historical context, letters were a vital means of communication for the early church, allowing for instruction, correction, and encouragement across distances.

Hold the traditions.--The very same word as in Mark 7:3-4; Mark 7:8, "holding the tradition of the elders;" also in the same metaphorical sense in Colossians 2:19; Revelation 2:13. The action expressed is a vigorous and pertinacious grasp, as (for instance) of the lame man clutching the Apostles in Acts 3:11. St. Chrysostom remarks: "It is plain from hence that they used not to deliver all their tradition by letter, but much without writing besides, and that both are equally worthy of belief. Therefore, let us consider the Church's tradition worthy of belief. It is tradition: ask no further questions." What were these "traditions" which it was so essential to keep? The context shows that the particular traditions which were most consciously in St. Paul's mind at the moment, were his eschatological teachings, given to them while he was among them--the lore of which he has been briefly reminding them in this chapter (2Thessalonians 2:5-6): for the exhortation is practically a resumption of that given in 2Thessalonians 2:2-3. "Instead of being seduced by the forgers of prophecies or of communications from us, remember the careful instructions we gave you once for all." At the same time, he speaks generally, and we must not limit his words to that particular tradition. Whatever can be traced to apostolic-origin is of the essence of the faith. They are to "hold tenaciously" all his traditions, and these would include instructions doctrinal (as 1Corinthians 15:3; Jude 1:3), ceremonial (1Corinthians 11:2; 1Corinthians 11:23), and moral (2Thessalonians 3:6; 2Peter 2:21). As a matter of controversy, it is not so remarkable that he should exhort his converts to cling to his own oral teaching ("whether by word") as that he should at so early a period call their special attention to what was gradually to supplant (at least, in doctrinal matters) all independent unwritten tradition--the Holy Scripture ("our Epistle"). St. Paul can speak on occasion as contemptuously of the "traditions of men" as our Lord did (Colossians 2:8). Of course, it depends entirely on the individual character of any tradition whether, and to what extent, it is to be "held" or condemned as "human." In the Church no mutually contradictory traditions can be held together'; and therefore any tradition "by word" which is in disagreement with the written tradition (i.e., Scripture) stands necessarily condemned. . . .