Scripture Alone

Not at all. The Greek word that the apostle Paul used in 2 Thessalonians 2:15 (and 3:6) means “that which is handed down.” In 2 Thessalonians 2:14 Paul reminded the Thessalonian Christians that God had called them to faith through the gospel message. The teaching of the gospel is that on which the Thessalonians were to stand and hold fast to (2 Thessalonians 2:15).

Translations like the 2011 NIV include a footnote for 2 Thessalonians 2:15 and 3:6 – “or tradition(s).” The Greek word that Paul used in those verses can mean tradition, depending on the context. We find that meaning, for example, in Matthew 15:3, 6. Because context determines the meaning of words, “that which is handed down” in 2 Thessalonians 2:15 and 3:6 is clearly the gospel teachings of the apostle Paul to the Thessalonians and not human pronouncements or church traditions.

The Bible consistently teaches Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone) – Ephesians 2:20.