Scriptural Evaluation of Tradition and Example
Scriptural Evaluation of Tradition and Example
The concept of tradition is multifaceted in the biblical context, encompassing both the transmission of teachings and practices from one generation to the next, as well as the content of those transmissions. In the New Testament, the term "tradition" (Greek: παράδοσις, paradosis) is used in various ways, sometimes referring to human customs and interpretations that may or may not be grounded in divine commandments [1].
In Mark 7:3, 9, 13, Jesus critiques the Pharisees for adhering to traditions that nullify God's commands, illustrating a tension between human tradition and divine authority. This critique is echoed in Colossians 2:8, where Paul warns against being taken captive by "philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition." In contrast, Paul commends the Thessalonians for holding to the traditions they received from him, indicating that not all traditions are viewed negatively (2 Thessalonians 2:15; 3:6) [1].
The biblical evaluation of tradition is thus nuanced, depending on whether the tradition is grounded in divine revelation or human innovation. The early Christian church continued the Jewish practice of reading Scripture in public worship, incorporating the New Testament writings alongside the Old Testament as they became available (Luke 4:16-20; Acts 13:15; 1 Timothy 4:13) [2].
The use of examples from biblical history is another significant aspect of understanding tradition in the New Testament. The author of Hebrews, for instance, provides a lengthy list of Old Testament figures who exemplified faith, including Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and others (Hebrews 11). These examples serve as a form of tradition, illustrating the continuity between the faith of Old Testament believers and that of Christians [4, 5].
The interpretation of these examples varies slightly across different Christian traditions. For example, Adam Clarke's commentary on Hebrews 11 emphasizes the definition of faith and its effects as illustrated by these Old Testament examples. Similarly, Jamieson, Fausset & Brown's commentary on Hebrews 5:12 notes the importance of understanding the "first principles" of Christian doctrine, suggesting that the recipients of the letter needed to revisit foundational teachings [5, 3].
The New Testament also presents Jesus as the ultimate example of faith and obedience. Hebrews 12:2 exhorts believers to "fix their eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith," underscoring His role as both the originator and the consummate example of faith. This Christocentric focus is a unifying thread across various Christian traditions, including Reformed, Presbyterian, and Methodist/Wesleyan interpretations [6].
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).”
- 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”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 5:12: for the time--considering the long time that you have been Christians. Therefore this Epistle was not one of those written early. which be the first principles--Greek, "the rudiments of the beginning of." A Pauline phrase (see on Gal 4:3; Gal 4:9). Ye need not only to be taught the first elements, but also "which they be." They are therefore enumerated Heb 6:1-2 [BENGEL]. ALFORD translates, "That someone teach you the rudiments"; but the position of the Greek, "tina," inclines me to take it interrogatively, "which," as English Version, Syriac, Vulga”
- Hebrews (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Hebrews 11:4: The apostle, having given us a more general account of the grace of faith, now proceeds to set before us some illustrious examples of it in the Old Testament times, and these may be divided into two classes: - 1. Those whose names are mentioned, and the particular exercise and actings of whose faith are specified. 2. Those whose names are barely mentioned, and an account given in general of the exploits of their faith, which it is left to the reader to accommodate, and apply to the particular persons from what he gathers up in the sacred story. We have here those”
- Hebrews (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Hebrews 11 (introduction): A definition of faith, Heb 11:1, Heb 11:2. What are its immediate objects, Heb 11:3. What are its effects, instanced in Abel, Heb 11:4. In Enoch, Heb 11:5, Heb 11:6. In Noah, Heb 11:7. In Abraham, Heb 11:8-10. In Sara, Heb 11:11. In their righteous posterity, Heb 11:12-16 In Abraham's offering of his son Isaac, Heb 11:17-19. In Isaac, Heb 11:20. In Jacob, Heb 11:21. In Joseph, Heb 11:22. In Moses, Heb 11:23-28. In the Israelites in the wilderness, Heb 11:29. In the fall of Jericho, Heb 11:30. In Rahab, Heb 11:31. In several of the judges, and in David,”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 12:2: Looking unto--literally, "Looking from afar" (see on Heb 11:26); fixing the eyes upon Jesus seated on the throne of God. author--"Prince-leader." The same Greek is translated, "Captain (of salvation)," Heb 2:10; "Prince (of life)," Act 3:15. Going before us as the Originator of our faith, and the Leader whose matchless example we are to follow always. In this He is distinguished from all those examples of faith in Heb. 11:2-40. (Compare Co1 11:1). On His "faith" compare Heb 2:13; Heb 3:12. Believers have ever looked to Him (Heb 11:26; Heb 13:8). f”