Colossians 2

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Colossians 2:1

For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on your behalf and for those who are at Laodicea, and for all those who have not personally seen my face,

(a) Struggle. The original noun agōn is related to the English word “agony.” Paul had never met the Colossians or the Laodiceans but he cared enough to pray earnestly for them (Col. 1:3, 9). For Paul, intercessory prayer for new believers was a bit like giving birth. “My children, with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you” (Gal. 4:19). Epaphras also labored earnestly in prayer (Col. 4:12).

(b) Your behalf. Paul had been arrested for preaching the good news to the Gentiles; see entry for Col. 1:27.

(c) Laodicea was the next town down in the Lycus River valley, just a few miles from Colossae. Paul sent letters to churches in both towns (Col. 4:16).

(d) Personally. The Colossians and Laodiceans had heard the gospel from Epaphras (Col. 1:7). There is no evidence that Paul had visited either city.

Colossians 2:2

that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself,

(a) Their hearts. Whose hearts? The hearts of all who have not met Paul personally (see previous verse). Since we are the recipients of Paul’s letter, his message is for us as much as the Colossians. Paul writes so that we all might know that we are part of God’s great family.

(b) Be encouraged, be strengthened, be comforted. The gospel of grace is an encouraging message. It frees us from the tyranny of sin and strengthens us with God’s mighty power.

(c) Knit together in love. To be knit or woven together is to become intertwined and inseparable. This union believers have with the Lord and each other is meant to be an intimate and loving union (1 John 1:7).

See entry for Union.

(d) The wealth that comes. There is an immeasurable blessing in knowing who you are in Christ. In him, you are eternally forgiven, saved, righteous, and holy. As a dearly-loved child of God, you are a co-heir with Christ and an heir of all things (John 17:10, Heb. 1:2). “In union with Christ you have become rich in all things…” (1 Cor. 1:5, GNB).

(e) Wealth. The original noun ploutos is the same word that is translated elsewhere as “riches”; see entry for Col. 1:27.

(f) The full assurance of understanding. “I earnestly pray that you would fully grasp all that we have in Christ.”

The challenge for the believer is not working to earn what God has given you, but learning to value the blessings that are ours in Christ (Phm. 1:6). If you don’t appreciate how blessed you are, you may be tempted to work for the wealth that God has freely given you. You may be susceptible to the sort of deceptive teaching Paul warns about later in this chapter.

(g) Understanding. Insight; see entry for Col. 1:9.

(h) Resulting in a true knowledge. “So that you will have a clear picture of who you are in Christ.”

(i) God’s mystery or the mystery of Christ in you, the hope of glory (Col. 1:27). Saint, you are one with the Lord.

(j) Mystery. A mystery is a plan or purpose of God which is unknown to the natural mind but which may be revealed to us by his Spirit. See entry for Col. 1:26.

(k) Christ himself is the mystery of God and the full revelation of his plan. If you want to know the character of God, look to Christ. If you want to know God’s heart and purposes, look to Christ. Everything the Father wants us to know about himself and his purposes is revealed in his Son.

Colossians 2:3

in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

(a) Hidden or concealed. The inestimable value of God’s gift to humanity is not apparent to the natural mind for the things of the spirit are spiritually discerned (1 Cor. 2:14).

(b) Treasures. Jesus is both the Treasure and the means by which we access the treasures of God’s wisdom and knowledge. He who has Christ has the keys to the kingdom (Matt. 16:19) and access to all the power and wisdom of God.

(c) Wisdom and knowledge. All of God’s wisdom and knowledge is available to us through our union with his Son. Christ is our “wisdom from God” (1 Cor. 1:30).

Colossians 2:4

I say this so that no one will delude you with persuasive argument.

(a) I say this. “I have given you the authentic so that you will recognize the counterfeit.” As long as you understand the truth that is in Christ (Col. 2:2) and remain firmly rooted and built up in him (Col. 2:7), you will not be deceived by clever sounding lies.

(b) Delude you. Beguile or deceive you or lead you astray. The believer’s greatest danger is deception (Col. 2:8).

(c) With persuasive argument. Beware those who pervert the truth of the gospel through clever words and fancy teachings. Beware those who add to scripture or question what the Lord has said. The enemy tries to deceive us through humanistic philosophy (Col. 2:8), religious rules and rituals (Col. 2:16–18, 20–23), and mystical visions (Col. 2:18).

Colossians 2:5

For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ.

(a) With you in spirit. “Although I am physically far away, my heart and thoughts are with you” (1 Th. 2:17). The Colossians and Laodiceans were on Paul’s mind and in his prayers because Epaphras had come bearing a good report. “Since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you” (Col. 1:9).

(b) Good discipline. The original noun taxis means “orderly arrangement.” Paul is describing the self-controlled lives of those who walk in step with the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:16, 25). He is not talking about the so-called spiritual disciplines (e.g., regular prayer and Bible reading). It is good to read your Bible, but Paul is not rejoicing for this reason. (The New Testament Christians didn’t have Bibles.) Nor is he talking about overcoming sin. (The word sin appears only once in this letter and then in the context of God’s forgiveness (Col. 1:14). Spiritual maturity is more about discovering our righteousness than fixing our behavior. It’s about putting off the old self and putting on the new (Col. 3:10).) Paul is delighted by their steadfast faith and growing maturity in the Lord. These young believers were growing in the knowledge and grace of Jesus.

(c) Stability. The original noun stereōma means “that which has been made firm”. It is related to the word stereos, meaning “solid, steadfast, and stable.” The Colossians weren’t flimsy believers. They had a firm faith in the Lord that rested on a revelation of his grace (Col. 1:6).

(d) Faith is living from the persuasion that God is good and he loves you; see entry for Col. 1:4.

Colossians 2:6

Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,

(a) Therefore. This short verse is the key to enjoying the new life that is ours in Christ. “You began your walk by trusting Christ,” says Paul. “Keep doing that” (see Col. 1:23). To your faith add no works, no sacrifices, and no rules. Since you are saved and kept by grace, it’s faith from first to last.

(b) As you have received Christ Jesus. You received Christ by faith. You did not come to Christ on the basis of your goodness or good works. You came with empty hands and a trusting heart.

(c) Receive. In the old covenant we gave, but in the new covenant we receive. We receive the word (Mark 4:16), we receive love (1 John 4:19), we receive grace (Rom. 5:17), we receive faith (2 Pet. 1:1), we receive salvation (Rom. 6:23), we receive Christ (Col. 2:6), we receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38), we receive righteousness (Rom. 5:17), we receive peace (John 14:27), we receive wisdom (Jas. 1:5), we receive the crown of life (Jas. 1:12), we receive the reward of our inheritance (Col. 3:24), and we receive rest (Matt. 11:28–29). Every blessing comes to us as a free gift from God (Eph. 1:3, Jas. 1:17).

(d) So walk in him. Since you received Christ Jesus by faith, live in him by faith (Gal. 3:11). To live by faith is to live in total dependence on the Lord. It is leaning on the Lord in all things, and looking to him as our true Source of life and love.

(e) Walk. The Christian life is as simple as walking. It is just trusting the Lord with all your heart and leaning on him as you navigate life (Pro. 3:5–6).

(f) In him. Paul describes the believer’s union with the Lord using phrases like “in him” (Col. 2:6–7, 10–11), “in Christ” (Col. 1:2, 4, 28), and “with Christ” (Col. 2:20, 3:1, 3). We are in him and he is in us (John 14:20), which is to say our spirits are joined together (1 Cor. 6:17). One way to understand our vital union with the Lord is to picture a vine and its branches (John 15:5). The branches are part of the vine and the life of the vine flows through the branches.

The word “union” does not appear in many English Bibles, but our union or fellowship with the Lord is mentioned hundreds of times in scripture. It is found in phrases like “God with us,” “Christ in you,” “in Christ,” “with Christ,” “with him,” and “in him.” Like a branch on a vine, the believer is one with the Lord (John 15:5). “You are in me and I am in you” (John 14:20). Our union with the Lord is intimate, unbreakable, and the means by which we experience the abundant life that flows from the fullness of his love.

See entry for Union.

Colossians 2:7

having been firmly rooted and now being built up in him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.

(a) Rooted. Like a tree with deep roots, we are rooted in Christ and from him we draw life. Elsewhere Paul says we are to be rooted and grounded in the love of God (Eph. 3:17). There is no contradiction, for the love of the Father is revealed to us through the Son (1 John 4:9).

(b) Built up. Paul is mixing his metaphors. We are like a tree, but we are also living stones being collectively built together into God’s spiritual home (Eph. 2:22, 1 Pet. 2:5). Note that we are being built up, not built into. You are already God’s holy habitation (1 Cor. 3:16).

(c) Established. When we are firmly rooted in the love of Christ, we are secure and unshakeable in our faith. Conversely, someone who is uncertain about the love and grace of God is double-minded and unstable (Jas. 1:8).

(d) Faith; see entry for Col. 1:4.

(e) Just as you were instructed by Epaphras when he first told you the gospel (Col. 1:7). Paul wanted the Colossians to know that he and Epaphras were preaching the same message. In the next verse, he will warn them to beware those who preach a different message.

(f) Overflowing with gratitude. Gratitude is the fruit of being rooted in the love of God. As we apprehend all the Lord has done and has promised to do, our hearts abound with praise and thanksgiving.

(g) Gratitude is a fitting response to grace. One way to tell if someone has grasped the grace of God is they sing God’s praises with thankfulness in their hearts (Col. 3:16).

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.

(a) See to it. The original verb blepō means “take heed,” “behold,” and “beware.” It’s the same word Paul uses when he says, “Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision” (Php. 3:2).

(b) Captive. The original verb sylagōgeō means “to carry off as booty” or “be taken as a slave.” To be captive means you are no longer free. You have come into bondage like the Galatians who fell from grace. For the Galatians, the bait was law. But you can also be distracted from grace by
worldly philosophy (this verse), mysticism (Col. 2:18), and self-made religion (Col. 2:23).

(c) Philosophy. There is nothing wrong with philosophy – the original noun philosophia means “love of wisdom.” But philosophy that relies on worldly principles and human reasoning will never lead you to the true Source of wisdom (1 Cor. 1:24, 30). Humanism, naturalism, relativism, materialism, and other -isms glorify the intellect at the expense of the spirit. Worldly philosophy leads down, rather than up (Jas. 3:15).

(d) Empty deception. Any quest for truth that does not lead you to the One called truth is worthless.

(e) According to… according to. There are two paths we can take; we can follow the way of this fallen world, or we can walk in the way of Christ.

(f) Tradition of men. Manmade teachings that are not grounded in the truth of the gospel. This includes the doctrines of the religious, the philosophies of the Greeks, the superstitions of the pagans, and all the -isms of this fallen world.

(g) Elementary principles are the ways of the world. They are the basic principles for surviving in the fallen City of Man. “Look out for number one.” “Take what you can get.” “Use others to get ahead.” “Destroy those who get in your way.” “The ends justify the means.” The ways of the world, which are influenced by the powers of darkness, lead to bondage and death (Prov. 14:12, Gal. 6:8).

(h) World. In context, the world (kosmos) refers to fallen humanity and godless society. It is the self-serving civilization that remains under the influence of Satan and the powers of darkness (1 John 5:19). It does not mean the natural world of forests, rivers, and mountains.

(i) According to Christ. The eternal and immutable truths that are defined by Christ can be contrasted with the fickle and faddish teachings of men.

Colossians 2:9

For in him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form,

(a) Fullness of Deity. Everything that makes God God can be found in Christ Jesus.

Jesus is not merely godly or godlike; he is God (John 1:1). Jesus Christ is not just another demigod to line the walls of the Roman pantheon; he is our God and Savior (Tit. 2:13, 2 Pet. 1:1). He is the Creator who made and sustains all things by his word (Col. 1:16-17), and who now sits at the right hand of God (Col. 3:1). Some say that Jesus is merely a stepping stone to God, just one intermediary among many. But the Father and the Son are one (John 10:30, 17:21). To reject the Son is to reject the Father (1 John 2:23).

(b) Deity. The original noun theotēs is sometimes translated as “Godhead” and means “the state of being God.” God does not dwell in nature as the pantheists believe. Nor is he contained in idols or temples made with human hands (Acts 17:24, 1 Cor. 8:4). He is fully present within Christ.

(c) In bodily form. The divinity of God is embodied in Christ (John 1:14, 1 Tim. 3:16. 1 John 4:2).

Colossians 2:10

and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority;

(a) In him. When you believed the good news about Jesus, you were sealed in him. Your union with Christ is not a future event, but an accomplished fact.

(b) In him you have been made complete. One with the Lord, you lack nothing. In the same way, Christ has the fullness of God in him (see previous verse), we have the fullness of Christ in us. In other words, you are complete in him. You are not partly holy and trying to become more holy. You are wholly holy with the holiness that comes from the Holy One. Nor are you partly righteous. You are a righteous branch joined to the Righteous Vine. You could not be more holy and righteous than you already are in Christ. So if someone says you need to be circumcised (see next verse) or observe special days (Col. 2:16) or keep the law (Col. 2:21), ignore them. Stand firm in the grace of God and resist those yokes of slavery (Gal. 5:1, 1 Pet. 5:12).

(c) Made complete. The original verb pleroo means “to fill up” or “make full.” When you were born again by the Spirit of Christ, you were made new and complete in every way. Just as a newborn baby is completely human, you are completely filled with the life of Christ. You do not need to do anything to become more complete. You just need to grow into who you already are.

Paul writes so that we won’t be deluded or defrauded by bad teaching (Col. 2:4, 18). The remedy to bad teaching is good teaching. When you know that you are complete in Christ, you won’t fall for any message that says you need to do more, learn more, or serve more to become complete. The Galatians did not appreciate their completeness in Christ which is why they fell for the lie that said they must be circumcised.

To be complete or filled up should leave you fully satisfied. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (as you once did), for they shall be satisfied (as you now are)” (Matt. 5:6).

(d) Head. As well as being the head of the church (Col. 1:18), Christ is also the head over all rule and authority, all humanity, and all creation (1 Cor. 11:3, Eph. 1:22). Christ exercises his headship over all things through his body the church (Eph. 1:22, 3:10).

(e) All rule and authority. Christ Jesus is enthroned above all powers, whether angelic, demonic, or human.

Paul is making a preemptive strike against false teachers who say things like “Jesus is one of many deities” or “you can become more godlike.” The truth is Jesus is above all and you are complete in him. One with the Lord, you lack nothing and you have nothing to fear from the devil or his demons.

Colossians 2:11

and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ;

(a) In him; see previous verse.

(b) Circumcision. Originally, the circumcision of young boys was meant to be a physical reminder of the grace-based covenant God had made with Abraham (Gen. 17:10–11, Rom. 4:11). But after Sinai, circumcision became a symbol of Jewish identity and devotion to the law (Lev. 12:3, John 7:23, Gal. 5:3). The circumcision done with hands was an old covenant symbol of a new covenant reality (Gal. 5:6). In the new covenant, the only badge we wear is faith in Christ (Gal. 2:16).

(c) The body of the flesh. Your old self (see Col. 3:9). Once upon a time, you were ruled by the flesh and a slave to sin. But your old self was crucified with Christ and no longer lives (Rom. 6:3).

The body of the flesh can be contrasted with the body of sin and the body of death (see entry for Rom. 6:6).

(d) The circumcision of Christ. The old self has been cut away and removed.

Why do Christians occasionally stumble? It is not because you have two natures dueling inside you. You are a new creation. One with the Lord you have his heart, his desires, his spiritual DNA (see 2 Pet. 1:4). Christians stumble when we walk by sight rather than faith. Maybe we do it out of habit or ignorance. But when we set our minds on earthly things or indulge the lusts of the flesh we are acting out of character. We are not acting from our true identity as dearly loved children of God. The remedy is to renew our minds, learn to walk in the new way of the spirit, and make no provision for the lusts of the flesh (Rom. 12:2, 13:14).

Colossians 2:12

having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.

(a) Having been. The removal of your old self is a done deal, not a work in progress. “You have died” (Col. 3:3). So don’t waste another second trying to improve the old self. He’s gone and he’s not coming back.

(b) With Him… With him. The believer has been crucified with him, buried with him, raised with him in order to live with him and reign with him (Rom. 6:4-8, 2 Cor. 13:4, Eph. 2:6, 2 Tim. 2:11-12). The believer’s life can only be understood relationship in to the Lord.

See entry for Union.

(c) In baptism. Every believer has been buried with Christ in baptism (Rom. 6:3–4).

Several baptisms are mentioned in scripture including John’s baptism of repentance (Acts 19:3–4), water baptism (Acts 10:48, 19:5), and Holy Spirit baptism (Acts 11:16). When Paul says there is only one baptism (Eph. 4:5), he is referring to the baptism that happens to every believer when they are put into the body of Christ by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:12–13). The moment you came to Christ in faith, you were included in his death, burial, and resurrection (Rom. 6:3–6). For the believer, water baptism is a physical re-enactment of the spiritual baptism done to you by the Holy Spirit.

See entry for Baptism.

(d) Raised up. Just as you were united with Christ in his death and you were united in his resurrection. The Holy Spirit raised you so that you might walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:4).

(e) Faith; see entry for Col. 1:4.

(f) The working of God. The same mighty God who raised Jesus from the dead has raised you to new life.

(g) Raised him. God’s power is a resurrecting power. The devil had a death-dealing power (Heb. 2:14), but God has a life-giving power that is greater (Rom. 8:11). God raised Jesus from the dead, and he raised you from the dead (Eph. 2:1). God seated Christ at his right hand, and he has seated you at his right hand (Eph. 2:6, Col. 3:1).

Colossians 2:13

When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions,

(a) You were dead. You were excluded from the life of God (Eph. 4:18, Col. 1:21). Unable to save yourself, you were without hope and as good as dead.

Humanity’s problem is not that we are bad and in need of improvement. It’s that we are dead and in need of life. We seek immortality (Rom. 2:7), and this is what Jesus offers. Jesus did not come to make bad people good but to give life to the dead (John 3:15–16, 5:24). He came to give us eternal life (John 10:28).

(b) Transgressions. The original noun paraptōma means “a fall” or “slip” and is sometimes translated as “trespasses” (e.g., 2 Cor. 5:19). To transgress or trespass is to cross a line (e.g., breaking a law or disobeying God). Adam’s transgression put humanity on death row (Rom. 5:17), and our own transgressions did nothing to improve the situation. The bad news is we were dead in our transgressions and sins (Eph. 2:1). The good news is that Jesus died for sinners (Rom. 5:8).

(c) He made you alive. You were dead in your sins but God raised you from the dead (Rom. 6:4–5, Col. 2:12–13, 3:1). He took your old life and gave you his new life. It was a miracle.

To be made alive (Col. 2:13) is to be born again (John 3:3) or born of God (John 1:13) or born of the Spirit (John 3:8). This rebirth happens when we put our faith in the Son of God (John 3:15). The moment we turn to Jesus in faith, we cross over from death to new life (John 5:24, 1 John 3:14).

(d) With him; see entry for Col. 2:12

(e) Forgiven. The original word charizomai means “to show favor or kindness”. It is closely related to the word charis, meaning “grace.” Paul is praising God for his gracious and unconditional forgiveness (Eph. 1:7). In Christ, you are completely and eternally forgiven (Col. 1:14, 3:13).

See entry for Forgiveness.

(f) All our transgressions. All your sins – past, present, and future – were dealt with once and for all at the cross (Heb. 9:26).

Colossians 2:14

having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and he has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.

(a) Canceled. The original verb exaleipho means “to smear out” or “obliterate.” It can be translated as “erase” (e.g., Rev. 3:5). All claims against you were erased at the cross.

(b) The certificate of debt is the list of all the decrees we have violated. It’s humanity’s criminal record or rap sheet. The original noun cheirographon describes a handwritten I.O.U. given by a debtor to a lender.

(c) Decrees against us. The law that condemned you.

Paul is not referring to the Law of Moses, which had little relevance to the Gentiles, but the universal law of right and wrong that is hardwired into the heart of every person (Rom. 2:14–15). All of us, Jew and Gentile alike, were captive to sin and held in bondage under the elemental things of the world (Gal. 3:22–23, 4:3). All of us knew right from wrong through our innate knowledge of good and evil.

(d) Hostile. The original adjective hypenantios means “contrary to” or “opposed.” (It is not the same word that is translated as “hostile” (echthros) in Col. 1:21.) The law opposed your attempts to live well. It inflamed sin, condemned you as a sinner, and ministered death. Thank God that Christ redeemed us from the law that cursed, condemned, and opposed us (Gal. 3:13).

(e) Taken it out of the way. All the charges that stood against you were dealt with at the cross. The sentence of condemnation and death was fully satisfied in Christ. Because of Christ, you have no debt to repay, no obligation to do anything other than thank God for his all-sufficient grace.

(f) Nailed it to the cross. For those in Christ, it is as though the legal charges against us were nailed to the cross.

Note that it is the certificate of debt (the charges against us) that has been taken away, not the law. The law remains in effect for those outside of Christ. This is why Paul says, “The law is good if it is used properly” (1 Tim. 1:8). However, the law has no place in the new creation and no relevance for the believer (Rom. 6:14, 10:4).

Colossians 2:15

When he had disarmed the rulers and authorities, he made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through him.

(a) Disarmed the rulers. By fully satisfying the demands of the law and canceling the certificate of debt, Jesus stripped his enemies of their authority and power. He shattered the shackles of sin and captured our captors (Eph. 4:8). Now through his body, the church, the Lord is destroying all the works of the evil one (1 John 3:8).

For the believer, spiritual warfare is not about fighting for victory but standing on the victory that Christ has won. We face a defeated foe. Satan’s only trick is deception, but we are not ignorant of his schemes (2 Cor. 2:11). He is a liar (John 8:44), a tempter (1 Th. 3:5), a deceiver (Rev. 20:10), and that’s about it. When we say yes to the Lord and no to the devil, the devil flees (Jas. 4:7).

(b) A public display. We can rejoice that Satan and his forces were defeated at the cross. Through Christ’s magnificent act, they were exposed, shattered, and conquered. They became trophies of Christ’s conquest and we have nothing to fear from them.

The Romans made a public display of Christ when they hung him under the banner “King of the Jews” (Luke 23:38). It was meant to send a message to the troublesome Judeans that Rome was in charge. But Christ’s death and resurrection tell a larger story. Through the cross, God was publicly disarming his enemies. What man meant for evil, God used for good. The ministry that condemned us was condemned and now there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ (Rom. 8:1).

(c) Having triumphed over them through him. God triumphed over his enemies through Christ.

The metaphor of a triumph comes from the parades given to celebrate an exceptional military conquest. In these parades a victorious Roman commander would lead a procession of captured prisoners and booty, symbolizing his success over a defeated foe.

Colossians 2:16

Therefore no one is to act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day—

(a) Therefore. Since you have been justified by God, don’t let anyone put law on you.

(b) Judge. Don’t let anyone tell you that you are a sinner because you don’t share their religious views. In Christ, you are a saint, holy, beloved, and complete (Col. 1:2, 22, 2:10, 3:12).

(c) Food or drink. The kingdom of God is not about rules and food, but righteousness and faith (Rom. 14:17).

Paul’s instructions suggest that the Colossians were feeling the pressure to adopt Jewish customs forbidding the consumption of certain foods (e.g., pigs, shellfish, and lobster). Some groups, such as the Nazarites, also forbade the consumption of wine (Num. 6:2–3, Jdg. 13:4–5). But in the new covenant, we are free to eat any food with thanksgiving (1 Tim. 4:3).

(d) Festival or a new moon. Like the Galatians, the Colossians may have been feeling the pressure to recognize special days in the Jewish calendar (Gal. 4:10). The Jews burned offerings weekly (on Sabbath days), monthly (during new moons), and on feast days (1 Chr. 23:31).

Celebrating special days is an entry point for many religions. Who wouldn’t want to partake of a delicious Passover meal? But a feast or special occasion may be used to hide a hook. “If you want to be an elite-level Christian, you need to observe Lent, attend the midnight mass, take your family to the National Day of Prayer event, support our Missions Month, sign up for the Easter outreach, and perform in the Christmas pageant.”

Should Christians celebrate special days and seasons? In the new covenant, there is no law that says you must. Do we need to observe the Lord’s Day? Some do, some don’t. Let each one be convinced in their own mind (Rom. 14:5). Special days and seasons can be opportunities to celebrate what God has done, but observing them, or not observing them, does not make you more or less righteous.

(e) Sabbath day. Under the Law of Moses, the Jews enjoyed one mandated day of physical rest each week (Ex. 31:14, Lev. 23:3). But in Christ, we enjoy a spiritual rest from all our labors (Matt. 11:28). Since Christ is the end of the law for all who believe (Rom. 10:4), the believer is under no obligation to observe the strict requirements associated with Sabbath keeping.

Colossians 2:17

things which are a mere shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ.

(a) Shadow. Old covenant feasts and rituals served as signposts to the coming Messiah and his redemptive work. Now that Christ has come, the old signposts are no longer relevant. They served their purpose and are needed no more.

(b) Substance. Just as our bodies are not our shadows, old covenant rules and feasts are no substitute for the reality that is Christ. We are to trust in Jesus and not our observance of old customs and rituals.

Colossians 2:18

Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize by delighting in self-abasement and the worship of the angels, taking his stand on visions he has seen, inflated without cause by his fleshly mind,

(a) Defrauding you of your prize. Don’t let anyone trick you into thinking you’re missing out because they practice self-denial or see visions.

Some translations say “let no one disqualify you” giving the impression that you can be disqualified from the kingdom. Not so. Since God qualifies you (see Col. 1:12), no one can disqualify you. Paul is saying, “Continue in the faith and don’t listen to anyone who might distract you from grace.”

(b) Prize. There is no noun that means “prize” in the original text. The verb Paul uses, katabrabeuō, means “to judge against.” Paul is saying, “Don’t let anyone act like an umpire deciding against you.” He’s repeating what he said in verse 16. “Don’t let anyone judge you.”

(c) Self-abasement. Asceticism; see entry for Col. 2:23.

(d) Worship of the angels. Angels are glorious spiritual beings, but they are never to be worshipped (Rev. 19:10, 22:8–9).

According to Theodoret of Cyrus, a fifth-century Bible commentator from Syrian Antioch, some Jews, notably the Essenes, taught the worship of angels “whom they regarded as equal or superior to Christ.” Praying to angels features prominently in Jewish mysticism.

(e) Taking his stand on visions. Some teachers make a big deal out of visions they have had. They build reputations and ministries on their special insight instead of preaching the gospel of Christ.

(f) Visions. The word is italicized to show it is not in the original text but has been added for clarity. Visions are supernatural revelations that are so compelling they appear as real images, even though they are received in our spirits. People who had visions in the Bible include Abraham (Gen. 15:1), Jacob (Gen. 46:2), Ezekiel (Eze. 1:1), Daniel (Dan. 8:1), Zacharias (Luke 1:22), Ananias (Acts 9:10), Cornelius (Acts 10:3), Peter (Acts 10:10–19, 11:5), John (Rev. 9:17), and Paul (Acts 9:12, 16:9–10, 18:9, 22:17).

(g) Inflated. A blowhard. The original verb physioō means “to inflate” or “blow up.” Paul is talking about people who are puffed up with self-importance on account of their religious insights or mystical experiences.

(h) His fleshly mind. His unspiritual intellect. There is nothing good or godly about pride, especially religious pride.

Colossians 2:19

and not holding fast to the head, from whom the entire body, being supplied and held together by the joints and ligaments, grows with a growth which is from God.

(a) Not holding fast. Those who try to judge or mislead you have not taken hold of Jesus. Disconnected from Christ and alienated from the Father, they are untethered souls caught up in an ancient cosmic rebellion. Paul is not talking about confused Christians but poseurs and pretenders who have never acknowledged Jesus as Lord. He is warning us to steer clear of false teachers who promote self-trust and self-improvement.

(b) The head. Christ is the head of the body, the church. See entry for Col. 1:18.

(c) The entire body is the church (Col. 1:18). In contrast with unbelievers who remain dead in their sins (Col. 2:13), the body of believers is infused with the divine life of Christ (Rom. 8:10–11, Gal. 2:20).

(d) Supplied. Jesus is our rich supply and the Bread of Life. As we feed on him we grow (John 6:53, 58).

(e) Joints and ligaments. The body of Christ is not a collection of dead bones and fingernails. It is a living unity fitted and joined together by the Lord (Eph. 2:21, 4:16).

(f) Growth which is from God. God makes us grow. The Spirit of Christ works through the members of his body to nourish and bring us to maturity (Eph. 5:29). He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion (Php. 1:6).

What a relief to learn that we are not responsible for our growth. Our part is to eat right (feed on Jesus), exercise (walk by faith), and rest (in Christ). God takes care of the rest.

Colossians 2:20

If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as,

(a) Died with Christ. Every believer knows that Jesus died on the cross, but not every believer knows that they died too (Col. 3:3). You died with Christ so that you can be free from the ways of the world and all those rotten rules and superstitions that lead to bondage. You died with Christ so that you can enjoy new life (Rom. 6:4).

(b) Elementary principles. The ways of the world; see entry for Col. 2:8.

(c) World. Fallen humanity; see entry for Col. 2:8.

(d) With Christ; see entry for Col. 3:1.

(e) Decrees. Having died with Christ, you are no longer bound by the rules of this dog-eat-dog world. Because God accepts you, you don’t need the approval of man (Rom. 8:31). Because God justifies you, you don’t need to defend yourself (Rom. 8:33, Col. 2:16). Because your future belongs to the Lord, you don’t have to worry about tomorrow (Ps. 31:15, 37:23).

Colossians 2:21

“Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!”

Every manmade religion and philosophy has rules that are meant to make you a better or more enlightened person. Some churches have rules too. “Don’t neglect regular attendance. Don’t play on the Sabbath. Don’t dance, don’t drink, don’t smoke.” There may be good reasons for these rules and some may have an appearance of wisdom (Col. 2:23). But living by rules in the hope of making yourself godly is a form of unbelief (Gal. 3:12). It’s trusting in yourself and your works, instead of trusting in the Lord and his finished work. If we could save ourselves through rule-keeping, Christ died for nothing (Gal. 2:21).

Colossians 2:22

(which all refer to things destined to perish with use)—in accordance with the commandments and teachings of men?

(a) Perish with use. The things of this world will pass away. Manmade religion, humanist tradition, and worldly philosophy will perish with this age because they have no connection with the Author of life.

(b) The commandments and teachings of men refer to any message touting earthly wisdom instead of the wisdom that comes from above (Jas. 3:15). These messages may be packaged as rules, rituals, traditions, self-help philosophies, mysticism, and myths, but their common link is they turn people away from the truth of Christ (Col. 2:8, Tit. 1:14).

Colossians 2:23

These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence.

(a) Appearance of wisdom. Rules and rituals may appeal to our intellect and even appear spiritual, but they are useless for imparting life.

In a world of uncertainty, moral boundaries are appealing. People like to be told what to do. But living by the law is a pathway to either pride (if you succeed) or condemnation (if you fail). We were not born to bear the heavy yoke of the law. We were designed to be led by the Holy Spirit.

(b) Self-made religion comes in many flavors (e.g., asceticism, legalism, mysticism) but it is self-righteousness by another name. It is an expression of the satanic lie that says, “I will make myself like the Most High” (Is. 14:12–14).

(c) Self-abasement and severe treatment of the body. Asceticism promotes personal sacrifice as a pathway to enlightenment and a better humanity. “Go without food, remain celibate, give to the poor.” Sacrificial living has an appearance of wisdom but it won’t make you holy. In the new covenant, we are free to fast or feast, to marry or stay unmarried.

What does the Bible say about self-denial? Biblical self-denial is about trusting Jesus instead of yourself. It’s saying, “I distrust my flesh, but I trust the Lord in all things.” It’s boasting in the Lord and placing no confidence in the flesh (Php. 3:3).

(d) No value against fleshly indulgence. You cannot conquer sin through the harsh treatment of your body. Lasting change only comes as we fix our eyes on Jesus and receive his grace (2 Cor. 3:18, Tit. 2:11–12).

(e) Fleshly indulgence. The cravings of the self-focused life, including the desire to get your own way, make yourself righteous and appear important (see entry for 1 John 2:16).

People who appear to be pious are often restless within. They may wear a religious mask and a smile, but inwardly they remain captive to sin. They struggle with addiction, anger, bitterness, and greed. With unbearable guilt, they beat themselves up for failing. They resolve to try harder, but they fail again and again. Happily, there is a better way to live, as Paul shows us in the next chapter.

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