SUMMARY
PaulThe Apostle Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, was the author of several New Testament letters and the founder of many Christian communities. warns the Colossians against false teachings which demand submission to practices that he deems incompatible with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
ANALYSIS
In 2:4, the author had expressed his concern that the Colossians should not be deceived “with plausible arguments.” Likewise in 2:8, he exhorted the Colossians, “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the universe, and not according to Christ.” Now in 2:16-19, he gets specific about the false teachings of which the faithful should be wary. They are not doctrines, but rather rules of conduct. Verses 16 and 18 suggest that the community is being troubled by teachers who “condemn” (v.16) or “disqualify” (v. 18) them by insisting on certain practices as necessary to salvationSalvation can mean saved from something (deliverance) or for something (redemption). Paul preached that salvation comes through the death of Christ on the cross which redeemed sinners from death and for a grace-filled life..
Verse 16 speaks of “matters of food and drink or of observing festivals, new moons, or sabbaths.” Interpreters have often viewed these false teachers as insisting on observance of the law of Moses. This is possible, but not certain. Ancient pagans, particularly in certain philosophical traditions or mysteryA mystery is something secret, hidden and not perceived by ordinary means. In the book of Daniel a significant mystery is revealed through divine revelation (Daniel 2); Paul speaks of a mystery of God in Romans 11 and again in Ephesians 3. In speaking of... religions, also observed dietary rules and celebrated festivals associated with new moons. The term “sabbaths,” however, does indicate a close association with Jewish practice. Whatever the origin of these teachings, the author insists that such observances are “only a shadow of what is to come, but the substance belongs to Christ” (2:17; cf. Hebrews 10:1).
Verse 18 warns against those who would “disqualify” the Colossians, “insisting on self-abasement and worship of angels.” Scholars have long puzzled over the exact meaning of “worship of angels.” It could mean that the angels are objects of worship or that believers participate with the angels in the worship of God. It is more probable that angels as objects of worship would be problematic for Paul. Perhaps angels were venerated as mediators or protectors against the threats of other supernatural powers.
In any case, the teachers of this practice are rejected as “puffed up without cause” (in contrast to their insistence on self-abasement) “by a human way of thinking.” Their primary error is that they have not held fast to the head (Christ) “from whom the whole body, nourished and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows with a growth that is from God” (v. 19). Given the affirmation that in Christ “the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily” (v. 9) and that Christ is “the head of every ruler and authority” (v.10), it should be obvious to believers that there is no need for other mediators or protectors. It is staying firmly connected to Christ, the head of the body, that is essential for spiritual life and growth.
