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Question 5
In 1 Corinthians 11:2, Finny emphasized “traditions” (paradosis/“ordinance”) as apostolic commands that come from “outside” our reasoning, and he linked it to 2 Thessalonians 3:6 where Paul says to “withdraw” from brothers not walking according to the tradition; how does that level of seriousness challenge modern evangelical instincts that treat many New Testament practices as optional or symbolic, and what does it suggest about how early Christians thought obedience related to fellowship?
Another way to ask: How does Paul treating “traditions” as serious commands challenge the idea that many New Testament practices are optional? What does that say about how early Christians linked obedience with being in fellowship?

Direct Answer Finny’s point challenges the instinct to treat uncomfortable practices as optional “add-ons,” because Paul speaks of “traditions” as commands delivered by apostolic authority. It suggests early Christian fellowship assumed shared obedience to apostolic ordinances, so persistent refusal could become a fellowship issue.

Support from Transcript:

  • He notes “traditions” (paradosis) is translated “tradition” or, in KJV, “ordinance,” because “tradition” sounds too weak today.
  • He contrasts modern usage (“pizza every Friday night”) with Paul’s strong usage.
  • 2 Thessalonians 2:15: “stand fast and hold the traditions… whether by word or our epistle,” showing traditions were binding teaching.
  • 2 Thessalonians 3:6: “we command you… withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition,” showing high seriousness.
  • He emphasizes Paul’s language: “I command you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
  • He defines these ordinances as “revelation… external inputs… handed over… by the apostles,” not derivable by reasoning alone.
Discussion Follow-ups Finny doesn’t map out modern church discipline, but he clearly argues obedience and fellowship were connected in Paul’s mind. What practices have we mentally reclassified as “optional” even when the apostles speak with commands?

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