Traditions (3862)(paradosis from paradidomi = deliver in teaching) refers to that which is handed down or transmitted from generation to generation; injunction delivered or from one to another. Paradosis "means literally “to give from the presence of,” thus “to give personally.” It signifies an act of transmission or that which is transmitted. In the New Testament it is used in the latter sense, without indicating the method of transmission or implying any lapse of time such as is usually associated with the English word tradition." (Wuest) Eadie - The noun paradosis, “giving over,” is literally employed as with enemy (Thucydides, 3:53; Josephus); then it signifies handing over or down an inheritance (Thucydides, 1.9), and by a natural trope (use of the word) it is used of narration. Paradosis is a giving over either by word of mouth or in writing; objectively, what is delivered. Paradosis refers to that which is passed along by teaching. It can have a negative (man made teachings passed on) or positive sense (divine teachings passed on) depending on the context. In the present context (Gal 1:14) paradosis refers to "man made" Jewish traditions (See similar negative sense in 5.2-Matt.15.3" class="scriptRef">Mt 15:2, 3, 6" class="scriptRef">6;Col 2:8 Matt 15:2, 3, 6; Mark 7:3, 5, 8, 9, 13). Paul’s teaching that was passed on to the saints at Thessalonica and Corinth reflects the positive (doctrinally acceptable) sense of paradosis (2Th 2:15; 3:6; 1 Cor. 11:2). Dictionary Discussions: Tradition Patzia - Customs and beliefs that are handed down (Gk paradosis, “tradition”), such as the “traditions of the elders” referred to in the Gospels (Mt 15:2–3; Mk 7:5, 13) or the “human tradition” that Paul contrasts with a revelation from Christ (Col 2:8). Paul valued Christian traditions that he “received” (paralambano) from his early Christian predecessors and in turn “delivered” (paradidomi) to his congregations (1Co 11:23–25; 15:3–4). (Pocket Dictionary of Biblical Studies). New Unger's Bible Dictionary - It is also used of the body of precepts, especially ritual, which, in the opinion of the later Jews, were orally delivered by Moses and orally transmitted in unbroken succession to subsequent generations. These precepts, both illustrating and expanding the written law, as they did, were to be obeyed with equal reverence (5.2-Matt.15.3" class="scriptRef">Matt. 15:2–3, 6; Mark 7:3, 5, 9, 13; Col. 2:8). “My ancestral traditions” (Gal. 1:14) are precepts received from the fathers, whether handed down in the OT books or orally. Meyer, in his Com. on Matt. 15:2, says: “The Jews, founding upon Deut. 4:14; 17:10, for the most part attached greater importance to this tradition than to the written law. They laid special stress upon the traditional precept, founded on Lev. 15:11, which required that the hands should be washed before every meal. Jesus and his disciples ignored this tradition as such, which had been handed down from the men of olden time.” Paradosis - 13x/13v in NAS - All translated tradition(s). (Note: 2 uses in Lxx Jer 32:4, 34:2, neither with same sense as used in the NT). Matthew 15:2 "Why do Your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread." 3 And He answered and said to them, "Why do you yourselves transgress the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? 6 he is not to honor his father or his mother.' And by this you invalidated the word of God for the sake of your tradition. Mark 7:3 (For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they carefully wash their hands, thus observing the traditions of the elders; 5 The Pharisees and the scribes asked Him, "Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat their bread with impure hands?" 8 "Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men." 9 He was also saying to them, "You are experts at setting aside the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition. 13 thus invalidating the word of God by your tradition which you have handed down; and you do many things such as that." 1 Corinthians 11:2 Now I praise you because you remember me in everything and hold firmly to the traditions, just as I delivered them to you. Comment: Here paradosis refers to the inspired apostolic teaching of Paul which was passed on to the Corinthians and to which they were firmly adhering. Galatians 1:14 and I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries among my countrymen, being more extremely zealous for my ancestral traditions. Colossians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. 2 Thessalonians 2:15 So then, brethren, stand firm (present imperative - command to keep on standing firm) and hold (present imperative - command to keep on holding firm) to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us. Comment: Again, here and in the following passage paradosis refers to the inspired apostolic teaching of Paul which was passed on to the Thessalonian believers and to which they were firmly adhering. In this verse Paul clearly shows that paradosis could be passed on to others either orally or in writing. 2 Thessalonians 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us. 5" class="scriptRef">Galatians 1:15 But when God, Who had set me apart even from my mother's womb and called me through His grace, was pleased (it: Dt 7:7,8 1Sa 12:22 1Ch 28:4,5 Mt 11:26 Lk 10:21 1Co 1:1 Eph 1:5,9 3:11)(who: Isa 49:1,5 Jer 1:5 Lk 1:15,16 Ac 9:15 13:2 22:14,15 Ro 1:1)(and: Ro 1:5 Ro 8:30 24" class="scriptRef">Ro 9:24 1Co 1:9,24 1Cor 15:10 2Th 2:13,14 1Ti 1:12-14 2Ti 1:9 1Pe 5:10) But when God - (Always ask what God is contrasting. See term of contrast) The contrast with the preceding (Gal 1:13-14) is striking and is reflects God’s intervention in the life of Saul of Tarsus, most graphically described in Acts 9. And so here Paul alludes to his conversion. Look at some of the other great uses of "but God" - Ge 8:1, 21:12, 48:21, 50:20, Ps 49:15, 73:26, Mk 2:7, Acts 13:30, Ro 5:8, 1Cor 1:27, 3:6-7, 1Cor 7:15, Gal 3:18 and my all time favorite Eph 2:4 (see preceding context Eph 2:1-3) Set me apart even from my mother's womb - Clearly Paul did not choose God. God chose Paul for salvation even as He chose him to be His apostle. We see a similar divine choosing in the lives of two OT prophets, Isaiah and Jeremiah Isaiah said " The LORD called Me from the womb; From the body of My mother He named Me." (Isa 49:1) and "formed Me from the womb to be His Servant." (Isa 49:5) Jer 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.” "Copy and paste the address below into your web browser in order to go to the original page which will allow you to access live links related to the material on this page - these links include Scriptures (which can be read in context), Scripture pop-ups on mouse over, and a variety of related resources such as Bible dictionary articles, commentaries, sermon notes and theological journal articles related to the topic under discussion." http://preceptaustin.org/galatians_1_commentary.htm#t