SPECIAL TOPIC: "TRADITIONS"

Believers are to continue to cling to the truths that Paul preached (cf. 2 Thess. 2:15; 3:6). This call to individual, volitional action is the covenantal balance to divine election.

The term "traditions" (pardosis) is used in several senses:

in 1 Cor. 11:2,23; 15:3 for gospel truths
in Matt. 15:6; 23:1ff; Mark 7:8; Gal. 1:14 of Jewish traditions
in Col. 2:6-8 of Gnostic speculations
Roman Catholics (Eastern and Russian Orthodox) use this verse as a biblical proof-text for Scripture and church traditions being equal in authority
in this context it refers to Apostolic truth, either spoken or written (cf. 1 Cor. 11:23; 15:3; 2 Thess. 2:15; 3:6)

Paul was not the originator, but simply a link in the chain of revelation. He received information about the gospel from several sources.

Stephen's sermon (cf. Acts 7)
Christians he persecuted (cf. Acts 8:1-3; 9:1-2; 22:4,19)
Ananias (cf. Acts 9:10-18)
His time in Arabia with Christ (cf. Gal. 1:11-17)
His time in Jerusalem with Peter and James (cf. Gal. 1:18-19)
Barnabas (cf. Acts 9:20-27; 11:25-26