Established in Christ
Colossians 2:1–7FocusAssurance and continued walking
Connection to the wholePaul's concern is that the readers be united and rooted in Christ rather than persuaded by plausible but displacing teaching.
interpretation Colossians 2:16
KJVLet 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:
Read it in context
Rejecting imposed substitutes
Start reading at Colossians 2:16 (Colossians 2:16 to Colossians 2:23).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The practical warning concerns judgments and regulations that appear spiritual but fail to hold fast to Christ the head.
- 2:16 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:
- 2:17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
- 2:18 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,
- 2:19 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.
- 2:20 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,
- 2:21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not;
- 2:22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
- 2:23 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.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul is the named author, with Timothy included in the greeting and Paul's own greeting at the close. Biblical references: Colossians 1:1; Colossians 4:18. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Colossians 1:1–2:23): Paul addresses the believers at Colossae, whom Epaphras has taught, concerning Christ and teaching that could draw them away from Him. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The saints and faithful brethren in Christ at Colossae. The letter was also to be read in the church of the Laodiceans. Biblical references: Colossians 1:2; Colossians 4:16. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Rejecting imposed substitutes. Read Colossians 2:16 through Colossians 2:23 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The practical warning concerns judgments and regulations that appear spiritual but fail to hold fast to Christ the head. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? Paul writes in bonds and refers to messages carried by fellow workers. The letter does not state a calendar date or name the place of imprisonment. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The saints at Colosse are addressed, with Laodicea and other nearby communities also mentioned. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Rejecting imposed substitutes (Colossians 2:16 to Colossians 2:23). Start reading at Colossians 2:16. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The letter presents Christ's supremacy and declares that the fullness of the Godhead dwells in Him bodily. It joins life in Him with baptism, faith in God's operation, and changed conduct. See Colossians 1:18, Colossians 2:9, Colossians 2:12, Colossians 3:1. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Reject teachings and practices that displace Christ while also putting away the conduct the letter condemns. Read warnings about ordinances in the specific argument, not as a blanket dismissal of every command. interpretation
Cited: Colossians 2:16, Colossians 2:23, Colossians 1:18, Colossians 2:9, Colossians 2:12, Colossians 3:1
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself and signs the letter.
Colossians 1:1Colossians 4:18
Early traditionUniform early tradition names Paul.
What is debatedSome critical scholars question Pauline authorship on stylistic grounds.
Related passages
- judge Rom 14:3,10,13 1 Cor 10:28-31 Gal 2:12-13 Jas 4:11
- in meat, etc Lev 11:2-47 Lev 17:10-15 Deut 14:3-21 Ezek 4:14 Matt 15:11 Acts 11:3-18 Acts 15:20 Rom 14:2,6,14-17,20-21
- of an Lev 23:1-44 Num 28:1-29 Deut 16:1-17 Neh 8:9 Neh 10:31 Ps 42:4 Rom 14:5-6
- the new Num 10:10 Num 28:11,14 1 Sam 20:5,18 2 Kgs 4:23 1 Chr 23:31 Neh 10:33 Ps 81:3 Isa 1:13
- or of the sabbath Lev 16:31 Lev 23:3,24,32,39
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Colossians 2
Paul and Timothy address the saints and faithful brethren in Christ at Colosse. The letter presents Christ's sufficiency and supremacy, warns against teaching that displaces Him, and describes the conduct of those who have put on the new man.
Colossians 1:1 Colossians 1:2 Colossians 2:8
Complete in Him
Colossians 2:8–15FocusFulness, baptism, and triumph
Connection to the wholePaul grounds the warning in Christ's fulness and describes the readers' baptismal burial and raising with Him and His triumph over opposing powers.
interpretation FocusShadows and self-made religion
Connection to the wholeThe practical warning concerns judgments and regulations that appear spiritual but fail to hold fast to Christ the head.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Colossians
Paul and Timothy address the saints and faithful brethren in Christ at Colosse. The letter presents Christ's sufficiency and supremacy, warns against teaching that displaces Him, and describes the conduct of those who have put on the new man.
Colossians 1:1 Colossians 1:2 Colossians 2:8
Thanksgiving and prayer
Colossians 1:1–14FocusGrowth in the knowledge of God
Connection to the wholePaul responds to the church's faith and love with prayer for a worthy walk, fruitfulness, and endurance.
interpretation Christ and Paul's ministry
Colossians 1:15–29FocusReconciliation and mature believers
Connection to the wholeChrist's preeminence and reconciling work explain the message and purpose of Paul's labour among the Gentiles.
interpretation FocusFulness, baptism, and freedom from false demands
Connection to the wholePaul warns against rival teaching by grounding the readers in Christ, His fulness, and their relationship to His death and resurrection.
interpretation The new life practiced
Colossians 3:1–4:6FocusConduct, relationships, and witness
Connection to the wholeThe readers are called to seek things above and put away the old conduct, applying the new life to households, work, prayer, and speech.
interpretation Messengers and greetings
Colossians 4:7–18FocusFellow workers and perseverance
Connection to the wholeThe closing names and instructions reveal the wider fellowship supporting the church and its continued obedience.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.