Colossians 2:16-23
Paul writes a lot in today’s reading about “regulations”: 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. (v. 16) In this first quote it sounds like Paul is talking about the Judaizers – Jews who were trying to make Christians follow Jewish laws, traditions, and practices. But Paul also says …why … do you submit to regulations … according to human precepts and teachings? (vv. 20b-22; This last quote is much easier to understand after I have picked out all the parenthetical and dashed comments.) Here Paul seems to be pointing to the Gnostics, who placed a high value on asceticism. And there’s nothing wrong with asceticism, unless it becomes excessive – a “religion” unto itself. As Paul says further, These have indeed an appearance of wisdom … but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh. (v. 23)
Paul’s answer to these regulations is found earlier in today’s reading: …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. (v. 19) The Jewish and Gnostic rules and regulations are empty exercises if they do not radiate from God-given wisdom. Bodily discipline is good, especially when practiced in conjunction with prayer. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)
Slava Bohu!
Col 2:20-23 really point to Col 3, how we should live differently than the world, not by asceticism or religious rules, but focused on Christ, becoming like Him through the power of the Holy Spirit.