Role of Tradition in Interpreting Biblical Examples and Scripture
The concept of tradition plays a significant role in interpreting biblical examples and Scripture. In the biblical context, tradition refers to teachings or practices handed down from generation to generation [1]. The role of tradition is multifaceted, influencing both the interpretation of Scripture and the transmission of Christian doctrine.
In the New Testament, the term "tradition" is used in both positive and negative contexts. In Mark 7:3, 9, 13, and Colossians 2:8, it refers to the arbitrary interpretations of the Jews, while in 2 Thessalonians 2:15 and 3:6, it is used in a positive sense to denote the teachings passed down through the apostles [1]. The early Christian church valued tradition as a means of preserving and transmitting the teachings of Christ and the apostles.
The practice of reading Scripture in public worship was a tradition adopted from Jewish synagogue practices (Luke 4:16-20; Acts 13:15; Acts 15:21; 2 Corinthians 3:14) [2]. The New Testament writings were recognized as inspired and were read alongside the Old Testament in early Christian worship. This practice underscores the importance of tradition in shaping the Christian understanding of Scripture.
The interpretation of Scripture is influenced by tradition in several ways. Firstly, tradition provides a historical and cultural context for understanding biblical texts. For instance, the Jewish tradition of interpreting the Torah is referenced in Matthew 15:2, where the Pharisees criticize Jesus' disciples for not following the tradition of hand washing [4]. This example highlights the significance of understanding the cultural and historical context in which Scripture was written.
Secondly, tradition plays a role in the transmission of Christian doctrine. The apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of holding fast to the traditions passed down to the Thessalonians (2 Thessalonians 2:15) [3]. Calvin's commentary on this passage notes that the term "tradition" refers to the whole of the doctrine in which the Thessalonians had been instructed [5]. This underscores the significance of tradition in preserving the integrity of Christian doctrine.
The role of tradition in interpreting Scripture is also evident in the way it informs the understanding of biblical examples. For example, the Psalmist encourages the passing down of God's deeds to future generations (Psalm 78:6) [6]. This practice of sharing historical events and teachings is a form of tradition that helps to instruct and edify believers.
The relationship between tradition and Scripture is complex. While tradition can inform the interpretation of Scripture, it is also subject to the authority of Scripture. The Protestant Reformation emphasized the principle of sola scriptura, which asserts the primacy of Scripture in Christian doctrine and practice. This principle recognizes that tradition is secondary to Scripture and must be evaluated in light of biblical teaching.
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”
- 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”
- 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).”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, section 79.2: order, and I admit that it is taken in this sense when human traditions are treated of, ( Matthew 15:6 .) Paul, however, will be found in the next chapter making use of the term tradition , as meaning the rule that he had laid down, and the very signification of the term is general. The context, however, as I have said, requires that it be taken here to mean the whole of that doctrine in which they had been instructed. For the matter treated of is the most important of all — that their faith may remain secure in th”
- Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 78:6: That the generation to come might know them,.... Not only notionally, but spiritually and experimentally; which is the case, when human teachings are attended with the spirit of wisdom and revertion in the knowledge of divine truths; for the truths of the Gospel are unknown to men; the Gospel is hidden wisdom, the wisdom of God in a mystery; the Bible is a sealed book, the doctrines of it are riddles and dark sayings; the ministry of the word is the means of knowledge, which become effectual when attended with the Spirit and power of God: even the children which sho”