1 Corinthians 11:2

Hold fast the traditions

(τας παραδοσεις κατεχετε). Hold down as in 1 Corinthians 15:2. Παραδοσις (tradition) from παραδιδωμ (παρεδωκα, first aorist active indicative) is an old word and merely something handed on from one to another. The thing handed on may be bad as in Matthew 15:2 (which see) and contrary to the will of God (Mark 7:8) or it may be wholly good as here. There is a constant conflict between the new and the old in science, medicine, law, theology. The obscurantist rejects all the new and holds to the old both true and untrue. New truth must rest upon old truth and is in harmony with it.