Colossians
Instructor's Notes

· For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you—Paul wanted his readers to know firsthand his concern for them and that he had labored with the intent to present every man perfect in Christ. In Colossians 1:29 Paul uses the Greek word agwnizomenoV (agonizomenos), striving or struggling to describe his strenuous or agonizing labors. Paul’s labors were thus not just concentrated on those that were with him in Rome but his agonizing was for all of those that were brethren in Christ. The word "conflict" comes from the Greek agwna (agona) is a strong term meaning strife, struggle of conflict. The preceding adjective "great" tells of the intense conflict Paul was under as he was concerned with the present heresies that confronted the Church.

· and [for] them at Laodicea—In proximity about 12 miles from Colosse. This church is again mentioned in Revelation 3:14-22 and is accused of being "lukewarm." Both the church at Colosse and Laodicea were infested with false teachers.

· And [for] as many as have not seen my face in the flesh—Paul had not been seen in the flesh by those at Colosse or Laodicea nor had they heard him preach and had little personal knowledge of him. However, Paul prayed and cared for them with an intensity that caused him to agonize for them.

Synthesis:[2] Paul makes it clear that Christ is to be preeminent in the lives of every Christian. Paul prayed for them in agony worrying that they would deteriorate and return to their previous sinful ways. Paul did not want the Colossians to stagnate but to move forward to maturity.

· That their hearts might be comforted—Paul’s concern and desire was for both churches to be assured of their standing in Christ, their strength in the faith, and to buttress themselves against the error of false teachers. Such false teachers greatly trouble and unsettle the minds, weaken the faith, and fill believers, not properly strengthened (strong in the faith), with doubts and perplexities [J. Gill]. The doctrines of the Gospel are calculated for this very purpose and helps to deliver from the scruples of false apostles [J. Gill].

· being knit together in love—There should be a bond between brethren in Christ (both Jew and Gentile). A meeting of the minds concerning the truths of the Gospel whereby they are of one heart and one soul. Outward union or mere church membership, is not enough. Unity involves genuine (agape) love between brothers in Christ.

· and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding—This concerns the like understanding in spiritual matters. Those treasures of wisdom and knowledge found only in Christ Jesus. This is not a mere "notional" understanding but rather the deep things of God (as seen in the Gospel) that are in contrast of the false teaches professed "Mysteries" or "Hidden Knowledge." The mystery of the gospel has been made known through gospel preaching which has been proclaimed and taught (Col. 1:26-28).

· Colossians 1:26-29—"[Even] the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what [is] the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily."

· to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ—By studying the Word of God deep and marvelous understanding is available to the Christian. The "mystery" is Christ and not some further or hidden knowledge obtained by peddlers of metaphysical esoteric drivel.

Synthesis: Paul’s agony was "in order that" (hina) the church might be united together to fight against the false teachers. This unity would only be achieved by increasing in knowledge thereby coming to a full knowledge of the mysteries of Christ. Such knowledge can only be obtained by Christ’s indwelling Spirit over a sustained period of time (growth or Christian maturity).

· In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge—God’s ways and thoughts are much higher than ours and are difficult for us to comprehend (Isa. 55:9). However, those things that God would have us understand are revealed to us through Christ Jesus by way of the Gospel. We shall grow in wisdom and knowledge as we acquire more understanding of the Gospel; the Gospel containing the divine truths about the doctrines of Christ.

Synthesis: Progressive sanctification is important for the Christian because all the treasures of the faith are hidden in Christ. Gnosticism teaches a limited and perverted knowledge, while Christianity teaches that a full knowledge of God comes only through Jesus Christ.

· And this I say—(I say this no one may deceive you)

· lest any man should beguile you with enticing words—The Holy Spirit had guided Paul in the use of words such as "mystery," "knowledge," "wisdom," and "philosophy. These were the same words that the false teachers used to entice the church into another gospel. The false teachers employed sophisms (persuasiveness of speech, beguiling speech, enticing words) to promote their false views. Paul’s argument was then that all wisdom resided solely in Christ and that spiritual knowledge was attained from the pure unadulterated Gospel.

· Romans 16:17-18—"Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple."

· 2 Peter 2:3—"And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not."

1. Antichrists: The word means those who oppose Christ. There were two types of Antichrists. Some opposed Christ (see Matthew 24:11). Many actually denied that Jesus was the Christ (1 John 2:22). Others claimed to be Christ Himself or that they had come in His place (Matthew 24:5). They were all false teachers. Some of them were working in the latter part of the first century (see 1 John 2:18; 4:3; 2 John 7).

· Matthew 24:11—"And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many."

· 1 John 2:22—"Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son."

· Matthew 24:5—"For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many."

· 1 John 2:18—"Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time."

· 1 John 4:3—"And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that [spirit] of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world."

· 2 John 1:7—"For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist."

2. Ebionites: The Hebrew word for "poor" is EBYON. I suppose that anyone who had a poor opinion of Christ could loosely be called an "Ebionite." However, there was an actual man named "Ebion" who had a poor opinion of the Savior. He taught that Christ was a mere man with Joseph as His real father. Ebion’s followers were the Ebionites under consideration here.

3. Gnostics: These philosophers took their name from the Greek GNOOSIS knowledge. They mixed Greek philosophy with gospel truth. Some of their main themes were the origin of evil and the nature of "the Principle" underlying the world. They called this principle "the Absolute." They claimed that the God of the O.T. was not the true God. Evil, they said, resulted from the process of creation. They correctly claimed the true God was good but they reasoned that a good God could not have been directly involved in creation. They showed contempt for, or rejected entirely, the OT Scriptures. They asserted that Jesus did not actually come in the flesh (see 1 John 4:2,3; 5:1). They theorized that He only pretended to do most of the things recorded in the gospels. They denied that He actually suffered and died. They supposed His death was an appearance and not real. They denied a bodily resurrection. Their most brazen error was their claim that Jesus did not atone for sins (see 1 John 2:2).

· 1 John 4:2-3—"Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that [spirit] of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world."

· 1 John 5:1—"Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him."

· 1 John 2:2—"And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for [the sins of] the whole world."

The obnoxious seeds of Gnosticism were sprouting in first century churches. The doctrine became full-blown in the second century. Like the New Age movement, this ideology took different forms in various localities. It was complex and eclectic. In Corinth (1 Cor. 6:18,19; 10:8) and Thyatira (Rev. 2:20) this false teaching condoned fornication (1 Pet. 2:16). In Colossae, their "fleshly mind" seemed to have led them into the ascetic self-denial (Col. 2:8, 18, 20-22). Gnostics also held to a hierarchy of angels, a supposition possibly borrowed from the Jewish Cabala.

· 1 Corinthians 6:18-19—"Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost [which is] in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?"

· 1 Corinthians 10:8—"Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand."

· Revelation 2:20—"Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols."

· 1 Peter 2:16—"As free, and not using [your] liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God."

· Colossians 2:8—"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."

· Colossians 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,"

· Colossians 2:20-22—"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?"

In certain Scriptures, Paul denounces special philosophic knowledge or GNOOSIS. For example, he said, "Knowledge puffs up" (1 Cor. 8:1). "Through your knowledge the weak brother perishes" (1 Cor. 8:11). He praised the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge (Eph. 3:19).

· 1 Corinthians 8:1—"Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth."

· 1 Corinthians 8:11—"And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?"

· Ephesians 3:19—"And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God."

4. Judaizers: Judaizing teachers mixed traditions and certain parts of the O.T. with the Gospel. For example, they perverted the Gospel by the addition of the requirement of circumcision (Acts 15:1; Gal. 1:7). They went about troubling the early Christians (Gal. 1:7; 5:10; 6:17). They claimed to be converts to Christ but were really "false brethren" (Gal. 2:4). In addition to their insistence on literal circumcision, they pronounced judgments about food and drink. They also stressed weekly, monthly and yearly Jewish observances (Col. 2:16,17). They were severely condemned by the apostle Paul (Gal. 1:8, 9; 5:12; 6:12,13). He exhorted Titus not to give "heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men who turn away from the truth" (Titus 1:14; Phil. 3:2, TEN REASONS TO BEWARE OF DOGS!).

· Acts 15:1—"And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, [and said], Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved."

· Galatians 1:7—"Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ."

· Galatians 5:10—"I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be."

· Galatians 6:17—"From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus."

· Galatians 2:4—"And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:"

· Colossians 2:16-17—"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."

· Galatians 1:8-9—"But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any [man] preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed."

· Galatians 5:12—"I would they were even cut off which trouble you."

· Galatians 6:12,13—"As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh."

· Titus 1:14—"Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth."

· Philippians 3:2—"Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision."

5. Nicolaitans: Nicolaitan heresy is mentioned in Jesus’ letters to the churches at Ephesus and Pergamum (see Rev. 2:6,15). Like Gnostics, the Nicolaitans exalted knowledge. They held an erroneous, literal and exclusive view of John 17:3. "And this is life eternal, that they should know Thee the only true God and Him whom Thou didst send, even Jesus Christ." Their emphasis upon knowledge is, in some respects, similar to the "faith only" teaching of certain modern denominations. They exalted knowledge of the True God to the extent that they degraded all law. This fatal error led to justifying sinful practices. They were lawless and sinned with supposed impunity.

· Revelation 2:6,15—"But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate… So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate."

Synthesis: Paul was concerned that the Colossians be not led astray with enticing words or persuasive speech (Some of the biggest and heretical churches of this age are led by men/women that speak enticing words [fast talking, doctrinally anemic, money loving, charismatic, instruments of Satan]). Rhetoric, as in the past, is not the sign of a doctrinally strong minister. The ability to relate a message does not validate the message.

· For though I be absent in the flesh—Although Paul had never met the Colossians face-to-face (in the flesh) he cared for all those to whom he wrote. This may have caused concern for some, yet Paul was very cognizant of the affairs of this church and the conflicts caused by the false teachers challenging them.

· yet am I with you in the spirit—Paul was a member of he same body, was of the same spirit, and was moved by the same Spirit and by virtue of being under the same Head authority, his spirit went out to them. "The spirit of the Apostle Paul was at the church at Colosse, and saw, and discerned their whole estate; this being made known by the Spirit of God, under whose inspiration he wrote this letter" [J. Gill].

· joying and beholding your order—Although the Colossian church was under attack by false teachers, the church was strong in doctrine and church discipline and was ready to battle against the foes of the Gospel as enlisted soldiers in the army of Christ. The battle lines had been drawn and in this Paul found joy.

· and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ—The Greek word for "steadfastness" is a strong military term describing a solid front. Although the Colossians were opposed by false teachers and confronted with various troubles, they were firm and strong in the faith delivered unto them. Such firmness on the part of the Colossians resulted in good reports about their works as a result of their faith.

Synthesis: Paul uses military terms in this verse to express his desire that the Colossians be steadfast and well disciplined in the matters of the faith.

· As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord—"Receiving" Christ means believing in Him or receiving Him into the heart by faith. They believed in the authentic message and was obedient unto it which enabled them to distinguish the erroneous teaching of the false teachers.

· [so] walk ye in him—Here the apostle encourages the Colossians to walk in faith and strong doctrine ever increasing in knowledge under the constant influence and direction of the Spirit of Christ.

Synthesis: The Colossians had begun their life in Christ and they should continue to depend in Him. Conversion must be followed by growth that leads to maturity.

· Rooted and built up in him and stablished in the faith ye have been taught—Notice the successive use of metaphors (implicit comparison or analogy); "walking;" "rooted;" "built up." Paul’s meaning here is that the Colossians had be located, planted, and rooted in Christ. They had the tools to "walk" in Christ "deriving all their life, nourishment, fruitfulness, grace, and perseverance" [J. Gill] in Him. They had been "rooted" (perfect passive participle—accomplished by God); the Lord did the rooting when they were saved. "Built up" and "established" is a continual process of being made firm and stable (present participle) through sound doctrine and teaching (Epaphras) which enabled them to distinguish contrary doctrine (false teachers).

· abounding therein with thanksgiving—Their "thanksgiving" was due to them being grounded in the faith and the knowledge of the truth and that they were under the grace of God make possible by the death of Christ.

Synthesis: Christians are to be "rooted" (conversion); "built-up" (progressive sanctification); "stablished" (being made firm or stable = maturity); and, "abounding" (thanksgiving).

· Beware lest any man spoil you—That is "rob you of the rich treasures of the Gospel" [J. Gill]. When false teachers leads Christians astray, they gloat over their conquests, as battles won. We therefore must be on our constant guard lest we be led away captive to vain philosophies. Such are the heretics of any age!

· through philosophy—Philosophy is the pursuit of wisdom based on men’s attempt to answer the great mysteries of the ages. These philosophies are the very tools that men use to drag men away and spoil them ("such as the eternity of matter, and of this world, the mortality of souls, the worshipping of demons and angels, etc." [J. Gill]).

· vain deceit—That which is empty and without foundation; a speculative scheme with a little truth mixed in and wrapped in theological jargon.

· after the tradition of men—Gnostic or Judaistic teaching is the fallout of the wisdom of men; the incorporation of human traditions (works religion). Denominationalism is the result of the wisdom of men. Instead of taking the Scriptures at face value, proponents of "philosophies" and "isms" chisel away at the truth in order to make every verse fit their preconceived doctrines.

· Mark 7:8—"For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, [as] the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do."

· Galatians 1:14—"And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers."

· after the rudiments of the world—The Jewish "rudiments" (the ceremonial laws of the Jews) were but a shadow of the "things to come" and while they were under such rudiments they were in bondage and to return to these "rudiments" would once again place them under bondage (Gal. 4:3,9). Once the full light of the Gospel has come, everything else is weak in comparison.

· Galatians 4:3,8,9—Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:… Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?"

· and not after Christ— The teachings of the Gnostics were not in agreement with the teachings of Christ. "…all such vain and deceitful philosophy, human traditions, and worldly rudiments, are to be rejected; Christ and his Gospel, the revelation he has made, are the standard of doctrine and worship" [J. Gill].

Synthesis: This verse begins the doctrinal section of the epistle and Paul makes it clear to the Colossians that Christ is always the center of scriptural doctrine. Paul warns that no one is to spoil the faith of the believer through intellectualism, high sounding nonsense or capture their interests through deceitful philosophy (the teachings according to men) and lead them away from Christ.

· For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily—All the fullness of the Godhead resides or dwells (Greek present tense) in Christ Jesus. That is the fullness of the Godhead has always dwelled in Christ. Prior to His incarnation, during His time on earth, and now as He resides at the right hand of the Father. Not just some of the characteristics of deity, but without comprehension, all the fullness of the Godhead dwells in Christ (such as "eternity, immensity, omnipresence, omnipotence, omniscience, immutability, necessary and self existence, and every other);" [J. Gill].

Synthesis: Paul was positively emphatic and obdurate that all the physical manifestation of deity permanently dwells only through Jesus Christ. There is no distribution of deity; it resides exclusively in the Godhead!

· And ye are complete in him—We, at the moment of our regeneration and conversion, are complete (perfect tense-completed in the past with continuing results) in Christ (we are made perfect in sanctification, justification, righteousness and eternal redemption). Paul wants the Colossians to understand that since they were "complete" in Christ, there was no need for anything additional. There was no need to turn to the vain philosophies of pagan teachings. There was absolutely nothing of value that could be added to their faith because it is based on the knowledge (though imperfect in the present state) of the revealed word of Christ. Esoteric speculations, like the shackles of false teachers, are useless appendages to one who is complete in Christ.

· which is the head of all principality and power—The false teachers attempted to rank Christ as something lower than God; yet, He is the Son of God and the Creator of all things. He is the Sustainer of all things by the power of His inherent in divine nature. As such, all wisdom resides in Christ, and the vain deceit of pagan Gnostic philosophers is of no practical use for the Christian that is compete in Christ.

Synthesis: Believers are complete or full in Christ; they have all they need and supplemental information or manifestations is unscriptural. Christians "have been filled" and are complete (positional completeness) at the time of regeneration.

· In whom also ye are circumcised—The Jews believed that perfection lay in circumcision. However, Paul ensures the Colossians that their spiritual circumcision lay in Christ their spiritual head. The believers internal circumcision lay in their regeneration, conversion and sanctification at the hands of God Himself.

· with the circumcision made without hands—Judaizing teachers insisted on the literal slicing off of the penal skin as a condition of salvation. The spiritual circumcision of the believer is the removal of the body sin in connection with repentance and forgiveness. "…every man, though he may be circumcised in the flesh, is uncircumcised in heart, until he is circumcised by Christ and his Spirit" [J. Gill]. Such circumcision for the believer occurs when he recognizes sin for what it is and he comes to loathe and despise sin resulting in a heart transplant. This change is an ontological change (at conversion) whereby there is a change of nature; the old is passed away and all becomes new.

· in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh—The putting off of the flesh is the putting off of the corrupt nature. This putting off is the result of spiritual circumcision or becoming a Christian.

· Romans 6:6—"Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with [him], that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin."

· by the circumcision of Christ—This is to be understood as all the merits provided by the death, burial, and resurrection of the unblemished Lamb of God. Paul would write in Galatians 2:20, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." The circumcision of Christ makes the Believer a Jew inwardly.

· Romans 2:29—"But he [is] a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision [is that] of the heart, in the spirit, [and] not in the letter; whose praise [is] not of men, but of God."

· Philippians 3:3—"For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh."

Synthesis: The rest of this passage is a description of all the joys of completeness. Completeness has been received through Christ and we have put-off the tyranny of the sinful nature. No longer is the regenerated believer a captive to the fallen nature for now he is complete in Christ.

· Buried with him in baptism—Paul reminds the Colossians the they were not only complete in Christ due to their spiritual circumcision, but that all their sins were buried with Christ (an allusion of baptism by immersion).

· wherein also ye are risen with [him]—The basis for the believer’s resurrection lies in the literal resurrection of Christ. As we are in Christ and Christ is raised from the dead, so shall the believer be raised. The coming up out of the water testifies of our faith that we shall bury our sins in the grave and be resurrected to newness of life, and that life eternal.

· through the faith of the operation of God—Remission of sin is not the result of water baptism but faith that God has cleansed us from our sins. For without faith, the ordinance of baptism is of no use: such faith is brought about by the power of God; the same power that raised Christ from the dead.

· who hath raised him from the dead—This is a periphrasis (circumlocution-a roundabout expression) of God the Father. The same God that raised Christ from the dead is the God that makes sinners spiritually alive forgiving them of their sins and justifying them in Christ.

Synthesis: Here water baptism is likened to spiritual death, burial, and resurrection. We have been jointly buried with Christ and have shared the miracle of spiritual resurrection because we have faith in the power of God. We are dead to the old and alive to the new.

· And you being dead in your sins—Sin had brought moral death and alienation from God; "they had lost the image of God, which consisted in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness" [J. Gill]. As dead men the Colossians were not aware of their state and were helpless concerning spiritual things. Anyone under the law of works shall find themselves subject to the same spiritual death; a death that all without Christ are unaware of.

· and the uncircumcision of your flesh— There is no Gospel requirement for anyone to obey the command of circumcision or any other O.T. ceremonial ordinance. Here the uncircumcision of the flesh denote the vulgarness and pollution of the fleshy nature.

· hath he quickened together with him; that is, with Christ—Spiritually dead sinners are made alive at the time of their regeneration (that which includes the total package which accompanies the "new birth"). "…they were dead in sin in a moral sense, in conversion a principle of life was implanted in them, or grace, as a living principle, was wrought in their souls by the Spirit of life from Christ" [J. Gill].

· having forgiven you all trespasses—Christ’s blood has been shed for the remission of sins. This was a once for all sacrifice and additional or supplemental sacrifices are unwarranted. Such forgiveness "is universal, reaches to all sin, original and actual, before and after conversion; sins of thought, word, and action" [J. Gill].

Synthesis: Paul reminds the Colossians of the separation that existed between them and God prior to their conversion. They were dead in their sinful practices because of their spiritual circumcision had not taken place in their lives (they had an uncircumcised nature). But God had raised them from the dead spiritually making them spiritually alive in Christ Jesus. Once separated now brought together by the fellowship of Christ and the forgiveness of all sin (pardoned).

· Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances—That which was written in the ordinances has been taken away or that which pertains to the ceremonial law of the O.T.

· that was against us, which was contrary to us—The law of Moses was against us for it made sin become "exceedingly sinful." The Law is contrary to man for it condemns and kills him.

· took it out of the way—God has blotted out or "took away" the law "because of the weakness and unprofitableness of it: [J. Gill] by removing its authority over man; it is no longer a covenant of works but a covenant of grace.

· nailing it to his cross—When the law was nailed to the cross, it was invalidated because Christ bore the law both in its application and its penalty. Nothing in the law can be read against the saints; it has been taken away and cannot be seen.

Synthesis: Not only does God forgive, but He blots out all charges and complaints against us by accepting the righteousness of Christ for us. Jesus was made sin for us and has removed sin from our midst nailing it to the cross.

· [And] having spoiled principalities and powers—Satan and his emissaries have been put off or overthrown. Christ "has bruised the serpent’s head, demolished his works, destroyed him himself, and all his powers, and defeated all their counsels and designs against his elect" [J. Gill].

· he made a show of them openly—By way of Christ’s resurrection he has lead the powers of darkness away to open shame in the sight of God and the inhabitants of heaven.

· triumphing over them in it—By His death, Christ made salvation possible, something that the Law, mystics, philosophers, or Jewish rulers could not accomplish. He was not only triumphant over death, but over the very ones that sought to make a spectacle of Him. He is the conquering Captain of our salvation.

Synthesis: Christ’s sacrifice has removed from the Christian the dominion or power of Satan (we have been released from the guilt and dominion of sin). Our triumph has been held up to open contempt and Satan has been led away captive to Christ’s victory on the cross.

· Let no man therefore judge you—"Therefore" points back to verses 8-15 and we are not to be drawn back through philosophy and vain deceit. Since our sins have been blotted out and the handwriting of the law torn to pieces, Paul here concludes that no man has authority to judge us. The false teachers were not to approve or disapprove the activities of the Colossians. There is no self appointed critic that is authorized to pass judgment over God’s elect.

· in meat or in drink—The ceremonial law that place limitations on the meat and drink that was allowed to be consumed has been abolished and torn to pieces by the very nails of the cross.

· or in respect of an holy day that is, of tabernacles: and this —Jewish festivals such as Passover, Pentecost or Tabernacles these were no longer binding on believers nor were they obliged to participate in them for they had been fulfilled in Christ.

· or of the new moon—A once the month festival which the Jews were obliged to observe, by attending religious worship, and offering sacrifices" [J. Gill].

· Or of the sabbath [days], or "sabbaths" —this alludes to the many "sabbaths" that the Jews celebrated and the church was not obliged to observe these "kinds" of sabbaths.

Synthesis: Apparently the Colossians were letting other judge them according to the eating habits or not complying to the Mosaic standards regarding things clean and unclean. Here Paul says that "completeness" in Christ is just that. We are not to let anyone judge us by standards that are contrary to the Gospel or are legalistic in nature (annual Jewish feasts).

· Which are a shadow of things to come—These sabbaths and festivals were but a shadow or type that did not contain the truth and substance of that which pointed to and was fulfilled in Christ.

· but the body [is] of Christ—All O.T. feasts were pictures, outlines or shadows of things pertaining to salvation that was fulfilled in the Christ Jesus. The conclusion is that the shadows are not binding on Christians. They have been fulfilled and clarified in the Savior.

Synthesis: Christians are not to be judged according to shadowy standards that point to that which is already a reality in their lives.

· Let no man beguile you of your reward—The Christian is not to run a race that would lead him away from his reward. We are not to be defrauded of the prize already won for us through Christ. Our reward is the crown of life and our race is won by living a life of righteousness without adding to or subtracting from the grace that is provided to us and by holding to our confession until the end.

· in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels—Humility is a great thing but extremes of humility exercised as a means of approaching God are worthless. Worship is only proper worship when it directed toward deity and not the things created by deity.

· intruding into those things which he hath not seen—Such are the imaginations of false teachers that trust in things not seen but claim that they have seen. Rather they are "the birth of his own mind, the fruits of his own fancy and imagination, things devised in his own brain" [J. Gill].

· vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind—A fleshy mind is the opposite of a spiritual mind and is not governed by Christ but the works of the flesh. Puffed up pride and conceit is judging things according to the carnal mind and not the spiritual.

Synthesis: Christians are not to be seduced or defrauded of the prize by being lead astray by false teachers or teachings. We are not to waste our time on things unrelated or unimportant in such matters of imagination that stymies our spiritual growth. We need no supplemental revelation (human intellect) or no intermediary being; we may approach the throne boldly and go directly to the Lord.

· And not holding the head—The Lord is not only the Head of the church, but he is the Head of angels. Therefore, too worship angels is to lay Christ aside.

· from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God—The whole church of God or every individual member is supplied with what it takes to supply unity. The body grows with what Christ supplies through the joints that tie and with the bands of love.

Synthesis: The Christian is to have a continuous connection with Christ. This expedites growth that is nourished and built up according to God’s laws.

· Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ—We are dead with Christ due to our union with Him and our obedience to the gospel is evidence of that union. The benefits of our union is redemption, pardon, justification, and reconciliation.

· from the rudiments—elements

· of the world—worldly principles or actions or the rites and ceremonies of the world in opposition of the things of the Gospel.

· why, as though living in the world—If we are dead to the world and in union with Christ, why would we want to live according to the world? We are to live in the world but be not subject to it.

· are ye subject to ordinances—The elect are not bound by human traditions. We are freed from the ordinances of the world because we abide in Christ who is the fulfillment of the O.T.

Synthesis: Completeness in Christ means that the Christian is dead to the principles of the world and viewing things with a worldly eye. Since we have rejected the ways of the world and are compete in Christ, why would we want to return to those things. We should not submit to rules or dogmatisms founded on the doctrines of men.

· Touch not, taste not, handle not—The cancelled ordinances and well as human traditions are not binding to Christians. We are not under the prohibitions of the former economy.

Synthesis: Only non-believers submit to a salvation of works. Asceticism is not true holiness.

· Which all are to perish with the using—The Jewish traditions are the rudiments of the world (2:8) and Christians are not of this world and therefore are not governed by men of the world nor the traditions of men. The particular commands that emphasize external activities are no more lasting than the things they forbade. "…they only relate to this present life, and will cease with it, and can have no manner of influence on the spiritual and eternal concerns of men" [J. Gill].

· after the commandments and doctrines of men—Such things are designated to persih because they are based on the precepts and doctrines of men.

Synthesis: All man made things will wear out. The dogmas and inventions of men will decay and fade away. However the standards that come from God are eternal.

· Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom—True wisdom obeys the truth of Christ as the head of all things. Wise men set themselves up as the head of all things and thus call Jesus a liar. There is an emphasis on things of men rather than things of God.

· in will worship—Pretended worship is not true worship but rather a zeal that results in foolish worship.

· and humility—Pride is the worship of wisdom; thinking that by keeping the law one may know God at a higher level.

· and neglecting of the body—The demand of obedience to the ordinances or the acquiescence of the body bringing it under the compliance of a set of rules whereby a heightened since of spirituality is obtained.

· not in any honour—If the rites and ceremonies of the law were inadequate in obtaining salvation, additions to the law only add to the corruption of the flesh.

· to the satisfying, of the flesh—Additional trumped-up negative commands in the appearance of wisdom are of no value and merely are a self-gratification of the flesh that only honor man’s own pride.

Synthesis: Christians are not to become modern versions of Pharisees. We are to accept Christ as our head and not attempt to satisfy God through our own egotistical efforts. Such pharisaical efforts are of no real value and lead to the gratification of self.

ENDNOTES:

[1] Verse by Verse Commentary was supplemented from John Gill, Exposition of the New Testament, Vol. III,  Colossians, The Baptist Standard Bearer, ed., 1989.

[2] “Synthesis” material was extracted from Bernard Rosier, The Complete Biblical Library, Galatians through Philemon, World Library Press, Inc., Springfield, Missouri, 1991.