commentary on colossians 2 16-23

Olvin

3 min read

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11-01-2025

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Colossians 2:16-23 is a powerful passage addressing the freedom believers have in Christ and the dangers of legalistic practices that undermine that freedom. Paul's warning against self-imposed regulations and empty philosophies is as relevant today as it was in the first century. Let's delve into this critical section of scripture.

The Condemnation of Legalism (2:16-17)

Paul begins by directly addressing the Colossian church's potential entanglement with legalistic practices: "Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath." This isn't a blanket dismissal of all rules or regulations, but rather a specific challenge to the Jewish legalistic traditions that some within the church were attempting to impose. The key phrase, "let no one pass judgment on you," highlights the freedom believers have in Christ. These outward observances, while potentially holding significance in the Old Testament, are no longer binding for Christians under the new covenant established through Jesus' sacrifice.

He further clarifies this in verse 17: "These are only a shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ." The Old Testament laws and ceremonies were shadows – pointers towards the reality found in Christ. The fulfillment of the law, the substance itself, is found in Jesus. Observing the shadows without understanding the substance leads to a superficial and ultimately empty form of religion.

The Superiority of Christ (2:18-19)

Paul then warns against a different kind of danger: false humility and spiritual pride often masked as devotion. "Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his own mind," he writes. This refers to a potential Gnostic influence, which emphasized mystical experiences and angelic intermediaries, ultimately diminishing the centrality of Christ.

The "asceticism" mentioned here refers to rigorous self-denial, often exceeding what scripture mandates. This self-imposed regimen, while seemingly pious, actually serves to elevate the individual's self-righteousness above reliance on Christ's grace. These practices, Paul argues, are not only unnecessary but harmful, distracting believers from the true source of spiritual strength and freedom—Jesus Christ.

Life in Christ, Not in Mere Regulations (2:20-23)

The final verses emphasize the reality of life in Christ. Paul says believers have "died with Christ to the elemental spirits of the world," freeing them from the power of these spiritual forces that once held them captive. He emphasizes the importance of not letting anyone judge them according to the world’s standards (verse 20). The "elements" could refer to the basic principles of the cosmos, which were considered powerful spiritual forces in some belief systems. Freedom in Christ means breaking free from the power of these "elements".

He then uses powerful imagery: "If you have died with Christ to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit yourselves to regulations?" (verse 20). This emphasizes the incongruity of claiming to be dead to the world while still living under its rules. The passage underscores that true freedom in Christ involves a complete transformation of life.

Finally, Paul clarifies that these regulations are "according to human precepts and doctrines" (verse 22). They are merely human-made rules, lacking the authority and transforming power of God's grace revealed in Christ. The concluding verse, emphasizing the importance of spiritual disciplines rooted in Christ, warns against mere outward appearances of piety that lack a genuine inward transformation. Our focus should be on Christ, not on self-imposed rules and regulations.

Conclusion: Embracing Freedom in Christ

Colossians 2:16-23 offers a profound message of liberation. It's a call to freedom from legalistic burdens and empty philosophies. True spiritual growth comes not from following self-imposed regulations, but from a deep and abiding relationship with Christ, who is the substance and fulfillment of all the shadows of the Old Testament. The focus should be on a life lived in response to God's grace, not in an attempt to earn God's favor through outward observances. This passage is a powerful reminder to embrace the freedom found in Christ and to reject any teaching that detracts from the centrality of Christ in our lives.