Reference: Tradition
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Col 2:8; Tit 1:14, a doctrine, sentiment, or custom not found in the Bible, but transmitted orally from generation to generation from some presumed inspired authority. In patriarchal times, much that was valuable and obligatory was thus preserved. But tradition has long been superseded by the successive and completed revelations of God's will which form the inspired Scriptures, the only perfect and sufficient rule of belief and practice. With this, even before the time of the Savior, Isa 8:20, all traditions were to be compared, as being of no value if they conflicted with it, added to it, or took from it, Re 22:19. The Jews had numerous unwritten traditions, which they affirmed to have been delivered to Moses on Mount Sinai, and by him transmitted to Joshua, the judges, and the prophets. After their wars with the Romans under Adrian and Severus, in view of their increasing dispersion over the earth, the Jews desired to secure their traditions by committing them to writing. Accordingly Rabbi Judah "the Holy," composed the Mishna, or second law, the most ancient collection of the Hebrew traditions, about A. D. 190-220. To this text two commentaries were afterwards added: the Gemara of Jerusalem, probably about A. D. 370; and the Gemara of Babylon, A. D. 500; forming, with the Mishna, the Talmud of Jerusalem and that of Babylon. The contents of these voluminous works poorly remunerate the student of the laborious task of reading them. Our Savior severely censured the adherents of such legendary follies in his own day, and reproached them with preferring the traditions of the elders to the law of God itself, and superstitiously adhering to vain observances while they neglected the most important duties, Mt 15:1-20; Mr 7:1-13. The traditions of the Romish church, with less apology than the ancient Jews had before the New Testament was written, are still more in conflict with the word of God, and still more deserving of the Savior's condemnation.
In 2Th 2:15; 3:6, "tradition" means inspired instructions from the lips of those who received them from God, and were authorized to dispense them in his name. These apostolic sayings were obligatory only on those who received them as inspired directly from the apostles. Had any of them come down to our times, the only means of endorsing them must be by showing their agreement with the word of God, since inspiration and miracles have ceased.
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Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees that were of Jerusalem, saying: Why do your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they do not wash their hands when they eat bread. read more. But he answered and said to them: And why do you transgress the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? For God commanded, saying, Honor your father and your mother; and, He that curses father or mother shall surely be put to death. But you say, Whoever shall say to his father or his mother, Whatever of mine might profit you, is a gift, he must in no way honor his father or his mother; and you make the commandment of God of no effect for the sake of your tradition. Hypocrites! well did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying, This people draws near to me with their mouth, and honors me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain, do they worship me, teaching precepts, the commandments of men. And he called the multitude to him, and said to them: Hear and understand; That which enters the mouth does not defile the man; but that which comes out of the mouth, this defiles the man. Then came his disciples and said to him: Dost thou know that the Pharisees, when they heard that saying, were offended? But he answered and said: Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted, shall be rooted up. Let them alone; they are blind leaders of the blind; and if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into the pit. But Peter answered and said to him: Explain to us this dark saying. Jesus replied: Are you also yet without understanding? Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth passes into the belly, and is cast out into the sink? But those things which go out from the mouth, come from the heart; and these defile the man. For from the heart come evil reasonings, murders, adulteries, lewd actions, thefts, false testimonies, impious words. These are the things that defile the man. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile the man.
And there came together to him the Pharisees, and some of the scribes, who had come from Jerusalem: and when they saw some of his disciples eating bread with common, that is, with unwashed hands: read more. (for the Pharisees and all the Jews eat not, unless they wash their hands carefully, because they hold the tradition of the elders: and when they come from the market, they do not eat, unless they immerse themselves. And there are many other things, which they have received to hold, as the immersion of cups and pitchers and brazen vessels and beds:) then the Pharisees and the scribes asked him: Why do your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands? He answered and said to them: "Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. In vain do they worship me, teaching precepts, the commandments of men. For, neglecting the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men, the immersion of pitchers and cups; and many other things like these you do. And he said to them: Well do you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your own tradition. For Moses said: Honor your father and your mother; and, He that curses father or mother shall surely be put to death. But you say: If a man shall say to his father or mother, What ever of mine might benefit you, is Corban, (which means, a gift,) you no longer suffer him to do any thing for his father or mother, making the word of God of no effect by your tradition, which you have delivered; and many things like these you do.
See that no one make you the victims of imposture by means of philosophy and vain deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the rudiments of the world, and not ac cording to Christ:
Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which you have been taught, whether by word or by our letter.
Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother that walks disorderly, and not according to the tradition which he received from us.
and not give heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men that turn away from the truth.
And if any one take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life, and from the holy city; which things are written in this book.
Easton
any kind of teaching, written or spoken, handed down from generation to generation. In Mr 7:3,9,13; Col 2:8, this word refers to the arbitrary interpretations of the Jews. In 2Th 2:15; 3:6, it is used in a good sense. Peter (1Pe 1:18) uses this word with reference to the degenerate Judaism of the "strangers scattered" whom he addresses (comp. Ac 15:10; Mt 15:2-6; Ga 1:14).
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Why do your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they do not wash their hands when they eat bread. But he answered and said to them: And why do you transgress the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? read more. For God commanded, saying, Honor your father and your mother; and, He that curses father or mother shall surely be put to death. But you say, Whoever shall say to his father or his mother, Whatever of mine might profit you, is a gift, he must in no way honor his father or his mother; and you make the commandment of God of no effect for the sake of your tradition.
(for the Pharisees and all the Jews eat not, unless they wash their hands carefully, because they hold the tradition of the elders:
And he said to them: Well do you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your own tradition.
making the word of God of no effect by your tradition, which you have delivered; and many things like these you do.
Now, therefore, why do you put God to the proof, by placing a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers, nor we ourselves, were able to bear?
and I surpassed in Judaism many of my own age and nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the tradition of my fathers.
See that no one make you the victims of imposture by means of philosophy and vain deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the rudiments of the world, and not ac cording to Christ:
Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which you have been taught, whether by word or by our letter.
Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother that walks disorderly, and not according to the tradition which he received from us.
because you know that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver or gold, from your vain mode of life received by tradition from your fathers,
Fausets
Greek paradosis, instructions "delivered" (1Co 15:3) as inspired, whether orally or in writing, by the apostles (2Th 2:15; 3:6,10). The only oral tradition designed by God to be obligatory on the church in all ages was soon committed to writing in the apostolic age, and recognized as inspired by the churches then having the gift of discerning spirits. Only in three passages (1Co 11:2 margin; 2Th 2:15; 3:6) has tradition a good sense; in ten a bad sense, man's uninspired tradition (Mt 15:2-3,6; Mr 7:3,5,8-9,13; Ga 1:14; Col 2:8). Jesus charges the Jews with "making the commandment of God of none effect through your tradition." Hilary the deacon says, "a surfeit to carnal sense is human tradition."
Tradition clogs heavenly perceptions. Paradosis is one of the only two nouns in 2,000 in the Greek Testament which numerically equals 666, the mark of the beast (Re 13:18). Tradition is the grand corrupter of doctrine, as "wealth" (euporia; Ac 19:25, the other equivalent of 666) is of practice. Only those words of the apostles for which they claim inspiration (their words afterward embodied in canonical writing) are inspired, not their every spoken word, e.g. Peter's dissimulation (Ga 2:11-14). Oral inspiration was needed until the canon of the written word was completed. The apostles' and evangelists' inspiration is attested by their miracles; their New Testament Scriptures had the additional test without which even miracles would be inconclusive (De 13:1-6), accordance with the existing Old Testament revelation (Ac 17:11).
When the canon was complete the infallibility was transferred from living men's inspired sayings to the written word, now the sole unerring guide, interpreted by the Holy Spirit; comparison of Scripture with Scripture being the best commentary (1Co 2:12-16; 1Jo 2:20,27; Joh 1:33; 3:34; 15:26; 16:13-14). The most ancient and universal tradition is the all-sufficiency of Scripture for salvation, "that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" (2Ti 3:15-17). The apostles never appeal to human tradition, always to Scripture (Ac 15:2,15-17; 17:11; 24:14; 1Co 15:3-4). If tradition must be followed, then we ought to follow that oldest tradition which casts away all tradition not in, or provable by, Scripture.
We receive the Christian Lord's day and infant baptism not on the inherent authority of the fathers, but on their testimony as witnesses of facts which give force to the infiltrations of Scripture. Tradition can authenticate a fact, but not establish a doctrine. Paul's tradition in 2Th 2:15 is inspired, and only continued oral in part until the Scripture canon was completed by John; altogether different from Rome's supplementary oral tradition professing to complete the word which is complete, and which we are forbidden to add to, on penalty of God's plagues written therein (Re 22:18). By adding human tradition Rome becomes parent of antichrist. How remarkable it is that from this very chapter (2Th 2:15), denouncing antichrist, she draws her argument for tradition which fosters antichristianity. Because the apostles' oral word, whenever they claim inspiration, was as trustworthy as the written word, it does not follow that the oral word of those neither apostles nor inspired is as trustworthy as the written word of those who were apostles or inspired.
No tradition of the apostles except their written word can be proved genuine on certain evidence. The danger of even a genuine oral tradition (which scarcely any of the so-called traditions are) is illustrated in the "saying" that went abroad among the brethren that John should not die, though Jesus had not said this, but "if I will that he tarry until I come, what is that to thee?" (Joh 21:22-23). We are no more bound to accept the fathers' interpretation (which by the way is the reverse of unanimous; but even suppose it were so) of Scripture, because we accept the New Testament canon on their testimony, than to accept the Jews' interpretation of the Old Testament because we accept the Old Testament canon on their testimony; if we were, we should be as bound to reject Jesus, with the Jews, as to reject primitive Scripture Christianity with the apostate church.
See the Church of England Articles 6, 8, 20, 22-34, on the due and the undue place of tradition in the church. What were once universal traditions (e.g. the epistles for centuries ascribed to 11 popes, from Anacletus, A.D. 101, to Victor I, A.D. 192, now universally admitted to be spurious) are no longer so regarded. Whately likened tradition to the Russian game a number sit in a circle, the first reads a short story in the ear of his next neighbour, he repeats it orally to the next, and so on; the last writes it as it, reaches him; the amusement is, when read and compared with the original story it is found wholly metamorphosed, and hardly recognizable as the same story.
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Why do your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they do not wash their hands when they eat bread. But he answered and said to them: And why do you transgress the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?
and you make the commandment of God of no effect for the sake of your tradition.
(for the Pharisees and all the Jews eat not, unless they wash their hands carefully, because they hold the tradition of the elders:
then the Pharisees and the scribes asked him: Why do your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?
For, neglecting the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men, the immersion of pitchers and cups; and many other things like these you do. And he said to them: Well do you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your own tradition.
making the word of God of no effect by your tradition, which you have delivered; and many things like these you do.
And I knew him not; but he that sent me to immerse in water, said to me, On whom you shall see the Spirit descending and remaining, this is he that immerses in the Holy Spirit.
For he whom God has sent, speaks the words of God; for God gives not the Spirit by measure to him.
But when the Paraclete has come, whom I will send to you from my Father, the Spirit of the truth, which proceeds from the Father, he will testify of me;
But when he, the Spirit of the truth, has come, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak of himself; but what he hears, that will he speak, and he will show you things to come. He will glorify me; for he will take of mine, and show it to you.
Jesus said to him: If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? Do you follow me. Therefore, this saying went out among the brethren, that that disciple should not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?
Therefore, after Paul and Barnabas had no little dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain others from among them, should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question.
And with this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, After this I will return, and build again the tabernacle of David which has fallen down; and I will build again its ruins, and I will set it up; read more. that the rest of men may seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name has been called, says the Lord, who does all these things.
These were of a better disposition than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the Scriptures daily, whether these things were so.
These were of a better disposition than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the Scriptures daily, whether these things were so.
These he called together, with the workmen em ployed about such things, and said: Men, you know that our wealth arises from this trade:
But this I confess to you, that after the way which they call sect, so do I worship the God of my fathers; believing all things that are written in the law and in the prophets;
And we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is from God, that we may know the things that are freely given to us by God: which things also we speak, not in words taught by man's wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, comparing spiritual things with spiritual things. read more. But an animal man receives not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he can not know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But the spiritual man discerns all things; yet he himself is discerned by no one. For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
Now, I praise you, brethren, because you remember me in all things, and keep the traditions as I delivered them to you.
For I delivered to you among the first things, that which I also received: That Christ died for our sins, according to the scriptures;
and I surpassed in Judaism many of my own age and nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the tradition of my fathers.
But when Peter came to Antioch, I openly opposed him, because he had incurred blame. For, before certain persons came from James, he ate- with the Gentiles: but, when they had come, he withdrew, and separated himself, because he feared those who were of the circumcision. read more. And the other Jews, also, acted hypocritically with him, so that even Barnabas was led away by their hypocrisy. But when I saw that they did not walk uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter, before them all: If you, being a Jew, live after the manner of the Gentiles, and not after the manner of the Jews, why do you compel the Gen tiles to observe Jewish customs?
See that no one make you the victims of imposture by means of philosophy and vain deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the rudiments of the world, and not ac cording to Christ:
Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which you have been taught, whether by word or by our letter.
Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which you have been taught, whether by word or by our letter.
Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which you have been taught, whether by word or by our letter.
Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which you have been taught, whether by word or by our letter.
Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother that walks disorderly, and not according to the tradition which he received from us.
Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother that walks disorderly, and not according to the tradition which he received from us.
For when we were with you, we gave you this commandment, that if any one will not work, neither let him eat.
and that from a child you have known the holy scriptures, which are able to make you wise in order to salvation, through faith that is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished for every good work. read more. #VALUE!
Here is wisdom. Let him that has understanding, count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man, and his number is six hundred and sixty-six.
I testify to every one that hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if any one add to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book.
Hastings
Morish
?????????. This may be described as that which is handed down as oral teaching. It may be from God, as in 2Th 2:15; 3:6; and 1Co 11:2 (where it is translated 'ordinance'), instruction handed down before the word of God was complete. Or it may be from man, as was the tradition of the elders of Israel, which was strongly denounced by the Lord, and declared to be a subverting of the commandments of God. Mt 15:2-6; Mr 7:3-13; Ga 1:14. In Col 2:8 it is the mere teaching of the moralists, of which much has survived to the present day. What man institutes, man holds to most tenaciously.
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Why do your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they do not wash their hands when they eat bread. But he answered and said to them: And why do you transgress the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? read more. For God commanded, saying, Honor your father and your mother; and, He that curses father or mother shall surely be put to death. But you say, Whoever shall say to his father or his mother, Whatever of mine might profit you, is a gift, he must in no way honor his father or his mother; and you make the commandment of God of no effect for the sake of your tradition.
(for the Pharisees and all the Jews eat not, unless they wash their hands carefully, because they hold the tradition of the elders: and when they come from the market, they do not eat, unless they immerse themselves. And there are many other things, which they have received to hold, as the immersion of cups and pitchers and brazen vessels and beds:) read more. then the Pharisees and the scribes asked him: Why do your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands? He answered and said to them: "Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. In vain do they worship me, teaching precepts, the commandments of men. For, neglecting the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men, the immersion of pitchers and cups; and many other things like these you do. And he said to them: Well do you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your own tradition. For Moses said: Honor your father and your mother; and, He that curses father or mother shall surely be put to death. But you say: If a man shall say to his father or mother, What ever of mine might benefit you, is Corban, (which means, a gift,) you no longer suffer him to do any thing for his father or mother, making the word of God of no effect by your tradition, which you have delivered; and many things like these you do.
Now, I praise you, brethren, because you remember me in all things, and keep the traditions as I delivered them to you.
and I surpassed in Judaism many of my own age and nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the tradition of my fathers.
See that no one make you the victims of imposture by means of philosophy and vain deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the rudiments of the world, and not ac cording to Christ:
Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which you have been taught, whether by word or by our letter.
Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother that walks disorderly, and not according to the tradition which he received from us.
Watsons
TRADITION. See CABBALA.