Colossians 2:20-23 NIV,NKJV

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 2:20-23

The Christian's exemption from bondage to outwardness. "The rudiments of the world," of which our text speaks, are, according to Bishop Lightfoot, "the rudimentary, elementary, ordinances and discipline of the mundane sphere;" or, according to Conybeare, "the childish lessons of outward firings." Taking the two renderings together, does it not seem that Paul is rather speaking of the spirit of outward things, and not of outward things themselves—the spirit of outwardness as opposed to that... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 2:20-23

The worthlessness of unauthorized ceremonialism. The apostle here reverts to the ethical errors of the false teachers. Combining his teaching here and elsewhere respecting what he calls "the rudiments of the world," we learn the following truths:— I. " THE RUDIMENTS OF THE WORLD " WERE USEFUL IN THEIR OWN TIME AND PLACE . The difficult expression, "rudiments of the world," seems to mean elementary teaching on the religious life which was no part of the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 2:21

gives examples of the decrees which the Colossians are blamed for regarding and in this respect more than in any other they seem to have yielded to the demands of the false teacher. 'Do not handle, nor taste, nor touch' (verses 16, 23; 1 Corinthians 6:12 , 1 Corinthians 6:13 ; 1 Corinthians 8:8 ; 1 Corinthians 10:25-27 , 1 Corinthians 10:30 ; Romans 14:14-17 ; 1 Timothy 4:3-5 ; Titus 1:15 ). These rules form part of a prohibitory regimen by which sinful tendencies to bodily... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 2:22

Is the apostle's comment on these rules, in the form of a continuation of their terms. Do not touch— things which are an intended to perish (literally, for corruption ) in their consumption , which, being destroyed as they are used, therefore do not enter into the soul's life, and are of themselves morally indifferent; so the Greek Fathers, and most modern interpreters. This is the position which Christ himself takes in regard to Jewish distinctions of meats ( Mark 7:14-23 , R.V.).... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 2:23

Such as have (literally, are ( things ) having ) word indeed of wisdom ( Colossians 2:4 , Colossians 2:8 ; 1 Corinthians 2:1 , 1 Corinthians 2:4 , 1 Corinthians 2:13 ; 1 Corinthians 12:8 ). The antecedent of "such as" is "command merits and teachings" (Meyer, Alford, Ellicott), not "decrees" ( Colossians 2:21 ). For Colossians 2:22 supplies the immediate antecedent, and the wider sense thus given is necessary to support the comprehensive and summary import of ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 2:23

The failure of asceticism. I. ASCETICISM IS FASCINATING . It is remarkable to observe how readily the severest devotees of asceticism have found followers when the performance of the simpler duties of Christian charity has been left neglected. A St. Simeon, scorched by the blazing sun of noonday and chilled, by the cruel frosts of night on his pillar in the desert, finds enthusiastic imitators who would be slow in following Christ's lowly work of going about to do good to his... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Colossians 2:20

Wherefore - In view of all that has been said. If it be true that you are really dead to the world, why do you act as if you still lived under the principles of the world?If ye be dead with Christ - If you are dead to the world in virtue of his death. The apostle here, as elsewhere, speaks of a very close union with Christ. We died with him; that is, such was the efficacy of his death, and such is our union with him, that we became dead also to the world; Notes, Romans 6:2, note, 4, note, 8,... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Colossians 2:21

Tough not; taste not; handle not - These words seem intended as a specimen of the kind of ordinances which the apostle refers to, or an imitation of the language of the Jewish teachers in regard to various kinds of food and drink. “Why are ye subject to ordinances of various kinds, such as this - Touch not, taste not, handle not?” That is, such as prohibit you from even touching certain kinds of food, or tasting certain kinds of drink, or handling certain prohibited things. The rapid succession... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Colossians 2:22

Which all are to perish with the using - This is commonly marked as a part of the parenthesis, or the quotation; and there is considerable difficulty in ascertaining its true meaning. It seems most probable that these are the words of the apostle himself, thrown in in the rapidity of composition, and that they are not to be connected with the phrase “touch not,” etc. If so, the idea is, that it cannot be of so much consequence as the Jewish teachers supposed, to mark distinctly the difference... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Colossians 2:23

Which things - Which scrupulous observance of the numerous precepts enjoining rites and ceremonies, the observance of days, and the distinctions between meats and drinks.Have indeed a show of wisdom - Have a great appearance of piety and of regard for the will of God They have a show of “wisdom,” too, or of a deep acquaintance with divine things. They who insist on them appear to be learned in what constitutes religion, and to have a deep insight into its mysteries. Doubtless they who urged the... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 2:20-23

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 2:20-23

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 2:21

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 2:22

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 2:23

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 2:23

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Colossians 2:20

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Colossians 2:21

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Colossians 2:22

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Colossians 2:23

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