Colossians 2 Commentary: Victory and Freedom in Christ
For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.
For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.
As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.
Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,
(Touch not; taste not; handle not;
Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.
Colossians 2 delves into the heart of spiritual warfare, addressing false teachings that threatened the Colossian church. These deceptive philosophies, rooted in human tradition and worldly wisdom, sought to undermine the supremacy of Christ and the completeness of salvation found in Him. Paul passionately defends the truth, urging believers to stand firm in their faith and resist the allure of empty promises. This chapter not only exposes the dangers of legalism, asceticism, and mysticism but also reveals the profound victory and freedom we possess through our union with Christ.
Context: Christ's Supremacy and the Danger of False Teachings
Chapter 1 establishes Christ as supreme over all creation, the very image of God and the source of all things. Building upon this foundation, Colossians 2 confronts the subtle yet destructive forces that sought to diminish Christ's role and introduce alternative paths to spiritual growth. Paul specifically addresses legalism (strict adherence to Jewish laws), asceticism (extreme self-denial), and mysticism (seeking spiritual knowledge through secret or esoteric means). These philosophies, often associated with early forms of Gnosticism, presented a distorted view of God and humanity, ultimately leading believers away from the true gospel. The contrast between these false, external attempts and the genuine, internal spiritual growth that comes through faith in Christ is a central theme throughout the chapter.
Paul's Labor of Love and Concern (Colossians 2:1-5)
Paul begins by expressing his deep concern for the Colossians and others he had not personally met (Colossians 2:1). His labor of love extended far beyond his immediate circle, driven by a desire for all believers to grasp the full riches of the gospel. He yearned for them to be encouraged, united in love, and filled with the complete understanding that comes from knowing Christ (Colossians 2:2). In Christ, Paul declares, are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3). Knowledge is apprehending truth; wisdom is applying that truth to life. Paul's goal was for them to apprehend that truth so they could have wisdom.
Paul's concern stemmed from the threat of false teachers offering supposed "insider" spiritual understanding inconsistent with Christ (Colossians 2:4). He knew that persuasive arguments, even those sounding reasonable, could lead believers astray. Lies can sound reasonable, but they’re still lies. He emphasizes the importance of discernment, urging believers to rely on the Bible as the ultimate standard for distinguishing truth from error. Only a full understanding of Christ can keep believers from being deceived by persuasive arguments. Despite his absence, Paul rejoiced in their steadfastness and the firmness of their faith in Christ (Colossians 2:5).
Rooted and Built Up in Christ (Colossians 2:6-7)
The Christian life is not a one-time event but a continuous journey of faith. Paul urges the Colossians to continue walking in Christ, just as they had received Him (Colossians 2:6). Like mighty trees nourished by strong roots, believers are to remain rooted in Jesus Christ, both in knowledge and in practice. This involves both intellectual understanding and practical application of the gospel. As they remain rooted, they will be built up in Him, strengthened in the faith, and overflowing with thankfulness (Colossians 2:7). That way, growth will occur, and protection from false teachers will be provided.
Beware of Empty Philosophy (Colossians 2:8-10)
Paul warns against being taken captive by philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition and the elemental spirits of the world, rather than Christ (Colossians 2:8). We are not to be taken captive through philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition. Instead, we are to be captive to Christ because the entire fullness of God’s nature dwells bodily in him (Colossians 2:9; see Colossians 1:19), and he is the head over every ruler and authority (Colossians 2:10). He is not condemning all philosophy or deep thinking, but rather any approach that relies on principles explicitly opposed to Christ. For in Christ dwells the entire fullness of deity in bodily form, and in Him you have been brought to fullness (Colossians 2:9-10). As believers, we are complete in Christ, lacking nothing we need for life and godliness. As a believer, “you have been filled by” Jesus, so you are lacking nothing that you need (Colossians 2:10).
Circumcision of Christ and New Life (Colossians 2:11-15)
Paul addresses the issue of circumcision, a significant point of contention for Jewish believers. He explains that in Christ, believers have received a "circumcision performed by Christ," a spiritual circumcision that involves the removal of the sinful nature (Colossians 2:11). This is not a physical act but a profound transformation that occurs through our union with Christ.
Through baptism, believers are buried with Christ and raised with Him through faith in the power of God (Colossians 2:12). God made you alive with Christ. Spiritual death because of sin has been replaced with spiritual life. Though you were dead, you have been made spiritually alive (Colossians 2:13). This signifies a new life, a break from the power of sin and a resurrection to spiritual life in Christ. God has forgiven all our sins, canceling the debt that stood against us with its legal demands. He set this aside, nailing it to the cross (Colossians 2:14). By means of his death on the cross, Christ erased the certificate of debt, with its obligations, that was against us (Colossians 2:14). When a person was executed under Roman law, the sentence was attached to the accused’s cross (see John 19:19). But Jesus took our sentence away, effectively nailing our certificates of debt to his cross. He paid our penalty; he died for our guilt. God “made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Furthermore, Christ disarmed the rulers and authorities, making a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross (Colossians 2:15). In doing so, he also disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities—Satan and his forces—disgraced them and triumphed over them (Colossians 2:15). A fallen angel is no match for the Son of God, who took away Satan’s rulership.
Freedom from Legalistic Rules (Colossians 2:16-17)
Having established our freedom in Christ, Paul cautions against allowing anyone to pass judgment on matters of food, drink, or observance of religious festivals, new moon celebrations, or Sabbath days (Colossians 2:16). Therefore, since the price has been paid and you have your spiritual reward, don’t let anyone deceive you by saying that you must do this or that ritual (Colossians 2:16). These were merely shadows of what was to come; the substance is Christ (Colossians 2:17). Old Testament sacrifices were like a layaway plan. But ultimately, “it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins” (Hebrews 10:4). At the right time, God sent his Son to offer the perfect sacrifice for sin once and for all (see Galatians 4:4: Hebrews 10:10-14). The shadow of the Old Testament was meant to point to the substance of Christ (Colossians 2:17). Why would anyone want a mere shadow when they can have the thing that cast the shadow? To cling to these external observances is to miss the reality and fullness found in Christ.
Beware of False Humility and Mysticism (Colossians 2:18-19)
Paul warns against those who delight in false humility and the worship of angels, going into great detail about what they have seen, and who are puffed up without reason by their sensuous minds (Colossians 2:18). Don’t let a puffed-up false prophet tell you that you are in trouble unless you know some secret information to which only he has access (Colossians 2:18). Such individuals are not holding fast to the head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God (Colossians 2:19). What you need is to be part of the body, the church, which is connected by ligaments and tendons and vertebrae and nerves and muscles to the head, Jesus Christ. This is the only way to receive ongoing spiritual growth from God (Colossians 2:19). They are disconnected from Christ, the head of the body, and therefore cannot experience true spiritual growth. Any unchurched Christian will be a spiritually malnourished one.
Dead to the World (Colossians 2:20-23)
Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? (Colossians 2:20-21). We don’t belong to the kingdom of this world anymore, so we shouldn’t act like we do. These rules, based on merely human commands and teachings, are all destined to perish with use (Colossians 2:22). We have spiritual freedom in the kingdom of God, so we should not submit to regulations from the world (Colossians 2:20). Adding to God’s commands might sound wise and religious, but such human commands are going to be destroyed (Colossians 2:22). They carry no authority, and they strip away your freedom in Christ. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence (Colossians 2:23). Add-on rules function like extra carry-on bags: they’ll rob you of the freedom to fly. Self-made religion has no power to control self-indulgence (Colossians 2:23). The world’s decrees and precepts don’t help a person to be truly spiritual. They are of no value in the eternal kingdom of God. True spirituality is not found in external rules and regulations but in a transformed heart that is yielded to Christ.
For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.
For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.
As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.
Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,
(Touch not; taste not; handle not;
Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.
Colossians 2 delves into the heart of spiritual warfare, addressing false teachings that threatened the Colossian church. These deceptive philosophies, rooted in human tradition and worldly wisdom, sought to undermine the supremacy of Christ and the completeness of salvation found in Him. Paul passionately defends the truth, urging believers to stand firm in their faith and resist the allure of empty promises. This chapter not only exposes the dangers of legalism, asceticism, and mysticism but also reveals the profound victory and freedom we possess through our union with Christ.
Context: Christ's Supremacy and the Danger of False Teachings
Chapter 1 establishes Christ as supreme over all creation, the very image of God and the source of all things. Building upon this foundation, Colossians 2 confronts the subtle yet destructive forces that sought to diminish Christ's role and introduce alternative paths to spiritual growth. Paul specifically addresses legalism (strict adherence to Jewish laws), asceticism (extreme self-denial), and mysticism (seeking spiritual knowledge through secret or esoteric means). These philosophies, often associated with early forms of Gnosticism, presented a distorted view of God and humanity, ultimately leading believers away from the true gospel. The contrast between these false, external attempts and the genuine, internal spiritual growth that comes through faith in Christ is a central theme throughout the chapter.
Paul's Labor of Love and Concern (Colossians 2:1-5)
Paul begins by expressing his deep concern for the Colossians and others he had not personally met (Colossians 2:1). His labor of love extended far beyond his immediate circle, driven by a desire for all believers to grasp the full riches of the gospel. He yearned for them to be encouraged, united in love, and filled with the complete understanding that comes from knowing Christ (Colossians 2:2). In Christ, Paul declares, are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3). Knowledge is apprehending truth; wisdom is applying that truth to life. Paul's goal was for them to apprehend that truth so they could have wisdom.
Paul's concern stemmed from the threat of false teachers offering supposed "insider" spiritual understanding inconsistent with Christ (Colossians 2:4). He knew that persuasive arguments, even those sounding reasonable, could lead believers astray. Lies can sound reasonable, but they’re still lies. He emphasizes the importance of discernment, urging believers to rely on the Bible as the ultimate standard for distinguishing truth from error. Only a full understanding of Christ can keep believers from being deceived by persuasive arguments. Despite his absence, Paul rejoiced in their steadfastness and the firmness of their faith in Christ (Colossians 2:5).
Rooted and Built Up in Christ (Colossians 2:6-7)
The Christian life is not a one-time event but a continuous journey of faith. Paul urges the Colossians to continue walking in Christ, just as they had received Him (Colossians 2:6). Like mighty trees nourished by strong roots, believers are to remain rooted in Jesus Christ, both in knowledge and in practice. This involves both intellectual understanding and practical application of the gospel. As they remain rooted, they will be built up in Him, strengthened in the faith, and overflowing with thankfulness (Colossians 2:7). That way, growth will occur, and protection from false teachers will be provided.
Beware of Empty Philosophy (Colossians 2:8-10)
Paul warns against being taken captive by philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition and the elemental spirits of the world, rather than Christ (Colossians 2:8). We are not to be taken captive through philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition. Instead, we are to be captive to Christ because the entire fullness of God’s nature dwells bodily in him (Colossians 2:9; see Colossians 1:19), and he is the head over every ruler and authority (Colossians 2:10). He is not condemning all philosophy or deep thinking, but rather any approach that relies on principles explicitly opposed to Christ. For in Christ dwells the entire fullness of deity in bodily form, and in Him you have been brought to fullness (Colossians 2:9-10). As believers, we are complete in Christ, lacking nothing we need for life and godliness. As a believer, “you have been filled by” Jesus, so you are lacking nothing that you need (Colossians 2:10).
Circumcision of Christ and New Life (Colossians 2:11-15)
Paul addresses the issue of circumcision, a significant point of contention for Jewish believers. He explains that in Christ, believers have received a "circumcision performed by Christ," a spiritual circumcision that involves the removal of the sinful nature (Colossians 2:11). This is not a physical act but a profound transformation that occurs through our union with Christ.
Through baptism, believers are buried with Christ and raised with Him through faith in the power of God (Colossians 2:12). God made you alive with Christ. Spiritual death because of sin has been replaced with spiritual life. Though you were dead, you have been made spiritually alive (Colossians 2:13). This signifies a new life, a break from the power of sin and a resurrection to spiritual life in Christ. God has forgiven all our sins, canceling the debt that stood against us with its legal demands. He set this aside, nailing it to the cross (Colossians 2:14). By means of his death on the cross, Christ erased the certificate of debt, with its obligations, that was against us (Colossians 2:14). When a person was executed under Roman law, the sentence was attached to the accused’s cross (see John 19:19). But Jesus took our sentence away, effectively nailing our certificates of debt to his cross. He paid our penalty; he died for our guilt. God “made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Furthermore, Christ disarmed the rulers and authorities, making a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross (Colossians 2:15). In doing so, he also disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities—Satan and his forces—disgraced them and triumphed over them (Colossians 2:15). A fallen angel is no match for the Son of God, who took away Satan’s rulership.
Freedom from Legalistic Rules (Colossians 2:16-17)
Having established our freedom in Christ, Paul cautions against allowing anyone to pass judgment on matters of food, drink, or observance of religious festivals, new moon celebrations, or Sabbath days (Colossians 2:16). Therefore, since the price has been paid and you have your spiritual reward, don’t let anyone deceive you by saying that you must do this or that ritual (Colossians 2:16). These were merely shadows of what was to come; the substance is Christ (Colossians 2:17). Old Testament sacrifices were like a layaway plan. But ultimately, “it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins” (Hebrews 10:4). At the right time, God sent his Son to offer the perfect sacrifice for sin once and for all (see Galatians 4:4: Hebrews 10:10-14). The shadow of the Old Testament was meant to point to the substance of Christ (Colossians 2:17). Why would anyone want a mere shadow when they can have the thing that cast the shadow? To cling to these external observances is to miss the reality and fullness found in Christ.
Beware of False Humility and Mysticism (Colossians 2:18-19)
Paul warns against those who delight in false humility and the worship of angels, going into great detail about what they have seen, and who are puffed up without reason by their sensuous minds (Colossians 2:18). Don’t let a puffed-up false prophet tell you that you are in trouble unless you know some secret information to which only he has access (Colossians 2:18). Such individuals are not holding fast to the head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God (Colossians 2:19). What you need is to be part of the body, the church, which is connected by ligaments and tendons and vertebrae and nerves and muscles to the head, Jesus Christ. This is the only way to receive ongoing spiritual growth from God (Colossians 2:19). They are disconnected from Christ, the head of the body, and therefore cannot experience true spiritual growth. Any unchurched Christian will be a spiritually malnourished one.
Dead to the World (Colossians 2:20-23)
Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? (Colossians 2:20-21). We don’t belong to the kingdom of this world anymore, so we shouldn’t act like we do. These rules, based on merely human commands and teachings, are all destined to perish with use (Colossians 2:22). We have spiritual freedom in the kingdom of God, so we should not submit to regulations from the world (Colossians 2:20). Adding to God’s commands might sound wise and religious, but such human commands are going to be destroyed (Colossians 2:22). They carry no authority, and they strip away your freedom in Christ. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence (Colossians 2:23). Add-on rules function like extra carry-on bags: they’ll rob you of the freedom to fly. Self-made religion has no power to control self-indulgence (Colossians 2:23). The world’s decrees and precepts don’t help a person to be truly spiritual. They are of no value in the eternal kingdom of God. True spirituality is not found in external rules and regulations but in a transformed heart that is yielded to Christ.