REFERENCE: Tradition of the Church

Here's the third in my series of references which covers "Tradition," which is the part of the Word of God that Luther rejected using the doctrine of Sola Scriptura.

Biblical references are always listed first (regardless of date) and formatted as so: Verse. Short synopsis of content and other comments.

Early Church Father references are formatted as so: Author Name of Work. Date – traditional numbering (Jurgen’s Faith of the Early Fathers Numbering). Short synopsis of content and other comments.

This is the reference on Tradition of the Church:

• Matthew 15:2 ff (also Mark 7:2 ff). Note Jesus only condemns traditions that contradict the "commandment of God" or "traditions of men." This does not contradict all tradition.
  
• John 16:12-15. Jesus has many things that we will not know until the Holy Spirit comes at Penecost.
  
• John 20:30 (see also Mark 4:33, Mark 6:34, and Acts 1:2-3). These verses suggest the Bible didn't capture every action and/or teaching of Christ.
  
• John 21:25. If everything Jesus did was written, the world couldn't hold the books.
  
• 1 Corinthians 11:12. Paul thanks the Corinthians for "maintaining the traditions" he gave them.
  
• Colossians 2:8. Again condemns "human tradition," but not all tradition.
  
• 1 Thessalonians 2:13. Note that they received orally the "word of God" not of men.
  
• 2 Thessalonians 2:15. Commands us to obey oral and written traditions taught by the apostles.
  
• 2 Thessalonians 3:6. Binds us to the tradition, which was received from the apostles.
  
• 2 Timothy 1:13-14. Tells us to "follow the pattern of the sound words which you have heard from me."
  
• 2 Timothy 2:2. Establishes that Tradition should be handed down orally to other good men.
  
• St. Irenaeus Against Heresies. c. 180-199 A.D. - 1, 10, 2 (192). Speaks of the "authority of the tradition" and notes that none "teach otherwise."
  
• St. Irenaeus Against Heresies. c. 180-199 A.D. - 2, 9, 1 (198). Notes that we have received the Tradition that the creation manifests God "from the Apostles."
  
• St. Irenaeus Against Heresies. c. 180-199 A.D. - 3, 24, 1 (226). Shows that the Church teaches Truth, which doesn't change. Also proposes that the Truth regenerates itself over time (progression of doctrine).
  
• St. Irenaeus Against Heresies. c. 180-199 A.D. - 4, 33, 8 (242). Discusses the "complete tradition of the Scriptures" and the succession of Bishops.
  
• Tertullian The Demurrer Against the Heretics. c. 200 A.D. - 19, 3 (291). Explains that "all the Christian traditions" will be found along with Sacred Scripture where Christian discipline and faith are found.
  
• Tertullian The Veiling of Virgins. c. 206 A.D. - 1, 3 (328a). States the rule of faith and explains that "God works and perfects" doctrine "up to the end."
  
• Tertullian Against Praxeas. c. 213 A.D. - 2, 1 (371). Starts with an excellent summary of what we believe then points out that there is a place for "reviewing [tradition], for the sake of the instruction and protection of various persons."
  
• Origen The Fundamental Doctrines. c. 230 A.D. - 1, Preface, 2 (443). Holds up the "ecclesiastical and apostolic tradition" as a basis for judging other beliefs.
  
• St. Basil the Great Letter of Basil to his Brother Gregory. c. 375 A.D. - 125, 3 (917). Refers to "the tradition of the faith" which informs us of the Holy Spirit.
  
• St. Basil the Great The Holy Spirit. c. 369 A.D. - 27, 66 (954). Clearly notes that some Tradition is written and some oral and "both are of the same force." Includes "No one will contradict any of these."
  
• St. Epiphanius of Salamis Against All Heresies. c. 374-377 A.D. - 61, 6 (1098). Notes "not everything can be gotten from Sacred Scripture" and "it is needful to make use of Tradition."
  
• St. John Chrysostom On Second Thessalonians. c. 398-404 A.D. - 4, 2 (1213). Explains 2 Thess 2:15 and notes "the unwritten [Tradition] too is worthy of belief."
  
• St. Augustine of Hippo Letter of Augustine to Januarius. c. 400 A.D. - 54, 1, 1 (1419). Notes the authority of Tradition is vital to the Church.
  
• St. Augustine of Hippo Letter of Augustine to Januarius. c. 400 A.D. - 54, 5, 7 (1419a). Gives an example of local custom and suggests that Tradition and Scripture are equal.
  
• St. Augustine of Hippo Baptism. c. 400 A.D. - 4, 24, 31 (1631). Explains that Tradition is handed down from the apostles.
  
• St. Vincent of Lerins The Notebooks. c. 434 A.D. - 2, 1 (2168). Explains why Tradition is important when the Scriptures are "perfect."
  
• St. Vincent of Lerins The Notebooks. c. 434 A.D. - 20, 25 (2172). Shows that the "true and genuine Catholic" holds Catholic Tradition.
  
• St. Vincent of Lerins The Notebooks. c. 434 A.D. - 23, 28 (2174). Explains in detail that progress in faith is "not a change of faith," but "an advancement within itself." Preceding passage is similar.
  
• St. John Damascene Homilies. c. 780 A.D. - 10, 18 (2390). Refers to "ancient and most truthful tradition" in discussing the ascension of Mary.
  

God bless,
Jay