The Written & Oral Tradition

The belief in the authority of both Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition is not a later invention—it is rooted in Scripture itself.

St. Paul exhorts the Thessalonians, “So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by our letter” (2 Thessalonians 2:15). Here, apostolic teaching is presented in two forms: written and oral. Both are to be received and upheld with equal fidelity.

Christ did not commission the apostles to write books, but to “make disciples of all nations… teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19–20). The written New Testament emerged from this living tradition of teaching, guarded and passed on by the Church.

Thus, Sacred Tradition is not separate from Scripture but intimately united with it. It is through both that the fullness of the apostolic faith is handed down, as intended by Christ and confirmed by His Word.