Examples of Traditions Shaped by Scripture and Their Contributions
The Interplay between Scripture and Tradition
The relationship between Scripture and tradition is complex, with both influencing the development of Christian thought and practice. Scripture, comprising the Old and New Testaments, is considered the inspired word of God, written to perpetuate His revealed will [2]. Tradition, on the other hand, refers to teachings or practices handed down from generation to generation, sometimes in written form, other times orally [1].
In the New Testament, Scripture is seen as a source of instruction and hope for believers. Romans 15:4 states that "whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope" [3]. The early Christian church adopted the practice of reading Scripture from the Jewish synagogue, incorporating it into their worship (Luke 4:16-20; Acts 13:15; Acts 15:21) [5].
Tradition played a significant role in shaping early Christian practices and understanding of Scripture. The apostle Paul exhorts believers to "stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter" (2 Thessalonians 2:15) [6]. These traditions were not merely human inventions but were rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. For instance, the Lord's Supper was a tradition passed down to the Corinthian church, with Paul stating, "I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you" (1 Corinthians 11:23) [8].
However, not all traditions were considered equally valid. Jesus criticized the Pharisees for their traditions that "made void the word of God" (Mark 7:13) [4]. The Protestant academic tradition, as represented by Tyndale House, notes that Jesus' criticism was not of tradition per se but of traditions that contradicted or undermined Scripture [4, 9].
The Methodist/Wesleyan tradition, as seen in Adam Clarke's commentary on Exodus 15:1, highlights the importance of poetic and musical traditions in preserving ancient accounts and conveying spiritual truths [7]. This tradition emphasizes the role of culture and art in expressing faith and interpreting Scripture.
The Presbyterian tradition, represented by Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, underscores the significance of tradition in maintaining continuity with the apostolic teachings. Their commentary on 1 Corinthians 11:2 notes that the Corinthian church was commended for remembering Paul's traditions, which were apostolic directions given by word of mouth or in writing [8].
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Tradition — Any kind of teaching, written or spoken, handed down from generation to generation. In Mark 7:3, 9, 13, Col. 2:8, this word refers to the arbitrary interpretations of the Jews. In 2 Thess. 2:15; 3:6, it is used in a good sense. Peter (1 Pet. 1:18) uses this word with reference to the degenerate Judaism of the "strangers scattered" whom he addresses (comp. Acts 15:10; Matt. 15:2-6; Gal. 1:14).”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Scripture — Invariably in the New Testament denotes that definite collection of sacred books, regarded as given by inspiration of God, which we usually call the Old Testament (2 Tim. 3:15, 16; John 20:9; Gal. 3:22; 2 Pet. 1:20). It was God's purpose thus to perpetuate his revealed will. From time to time he raised up men to commit to writing in an infallible record the revelation he gave. The "Scripture," or collection of sacred writings, was thus enlarged from time to time as God saw necessary. We have now a completed "Scripture," consisting of the Old and New Testa”
- Romans “Romans 15:4 (Darby) — For as many things as have been written before have been written for our instruction, that through endurance and through encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.”
- Mark (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Mark 7:13: 7:13 The result of such traditions was to cancel the word of God. • only one example among many others: It was not an isolated instance; see, e.g., Isa 1:10-20; 58:1-14.”
- 1 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Timothy 4:13: Till I come--when Timothy's commission would be superseded for the time by the presence of the apostle himself (Ti1 1:3; Ti1 3:14). reading--especially in the public congregation. The practice of reading Scripture was transferred from the Jewish synagogue to the Christian Church (Luk 4:16-20; Act 13:15; Act 15:21; Co2 3:14). The New Testament Gospel and Epistles being recognized as inspired by those who had the gift of discerning spirits, were from the first, according as they were written, read along with the Old Testament in the Church (Th1 5:21”
- 2 Thessalonians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Thessalonians 2:15: Therefore--God's sovereign choice of believers, so far from being a ground for inaction on their part, is the strongest incentive to action and perseverance in it. Compare the argument, Phi 2:12-13, "Work out your own salvation, FOR it is God which worketh in you," &c. We cannot fully explain this in theory; but to the sincere and humble, the practical acting on the principle is plain. "Privilege first, duty afterwards" [EDMUNDS]. stand fast--so as not to be "shaken or troubled" (Th2 2:2). hold--so as not to let go. Adding nothing, subtrac”
- Exodus (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Exodus 15:1: Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song - Poetry has been cultivated in all ages and among all people, from the most refined to the most barbarous; and to it principally, under the kind providence of God, we are indebted for most of the original accounts we have of the ancient nations of the universe. Equally measured lines, with a harmonious collocation of expressive, sonorous, and sometimes highly metaphorical terms, the alternate lines either answering to each other in sense, or ending with similar sounds, were easily committed to memory, and easily ”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 11:2: Here the chapter ought to begin. ye remember me in all things--in your general practice, though in the particular instances which follow ye fail. ordinances--Greek, "traditions," that is, apostolic directions given by word of mouth or in writing (Co1 11:23; Co1 15:3; Th2 2:15). The reference here is mainly to ceremonies: for in Co1 11:23, as to the LORD'S SUPPER, which is not a mere ceremony, he says, not merely, "I delivered unto you," but also, "I received of the Lord"; here he says only, "I delivered to you." Romanists argue hence for ora”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 15:2: 15:2 The Jewish teachers’ age-old tradition sought to apply the written Torah to common circumstances in the ordinary course of life. This tradition was memorized and passed on orally from teacher to student (cp. 1 Cor 11:23; 15:1-5). • To ignore the tradition of . . . hand washing (see Mark 7:2-4; Luke 11:38) was considered disobedient to the Torah and unfaithful to God’s will for Israel (cp. Matt 23:25-26).”