Tyndale Open Study NotesColossians 2

Paul considers his own role in the widespread preaching of the good news about Jesus (1:23).

• Paul wants to build a stronger relationship with the Colossians, even though he has not met them. He also aims to correct false teachings that threaten their Christian community.

• Laodicea was 10 miles northwest of Colossae.

the mystery of God: Christ himself is this plan (see 1:26).

Paul expands on 1:15–20: Christ is all we need for spiritual understanding.

Paul urges the Colossians to stay strong in their faith in Christ, despite the tempting arguments of the false teachers. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity dwells in bodily form. Christ alone makes them complete.

• philosophy: The Greek word philosophia included everything from Plato's ideas about existence to religious teachings of false religions. Paul does not criticize philosophy itself, but only empty philosophical ideas that oppose the good news.

• the spiritual forces of the world (also in 2:20): This phrase might refer to basic teachings common in this world (see Hebrews 5:12), or to spiritual beings believed to have powerful influence over historical events (see also Colossians 2:15, 20; Galatians 4:3).

• the circumcision performed by Christ: Spiritual conversion to Christ is equivalent to physical circumcision to the body.

• the putting off of your sinful nature (literally the cutting away of the body of the flesh): Just as Jewish boys have their foreskin removed to join the people of God, believers have their metaphorical flesh (translated sinful nature) removed when they become Christians.

Having been buried with Him in baptism: In a similar passage (Romans 6:3–6), Paul emphasizes the strong identity between believers and Christ. In God's view, we were truly with Him during his burial and resurrection. So we gain the benefits of his actions for us. Paul can connect this identification with Christ to baptism. This is because, in the early church, water baptism was closely related to conversion.

the decrees that stood against us: The Greek phrase suggests a signed acknowledgment of debt. We cannot pay what we owe, so it stands against us. The law of God requires obedience that people cannot give. But God has forgiven our debt through the work of Christ (2:13).

He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them (literally he led [them] in a victory parade): The Roman army celebrated a big victory with a parade. The winning Roman general would lead the embarrassed captives into the conquered city. This image clearly pictures the great victory of God. Through the cross of Christ, God has defeated all hostile spiritual forces (see also Ephesians 4:7–11).

Paul rejects the false teachers and their demands, explaining that their ideas come from human teachings (see 2:8). They advocated various rules of conduct that had no basis in Christ.

• what you eat or drink: Many ancient religions had rules about what foods and drinks they allowed. The Old Testament does not prohibit alcohol, but some devout Jews chose not to drink it, especially those who lived in non-Jewish cultures (see Daniel 1:8–16).

• Many ancient religious groups, including Jews, held ceremonies to celebrate the new moon (see Numbers 10:10; Psalm 81:3; Isaiah 1:13).

• The Jewish Sabbath was part of the law of Moses and essential in Jewish religion. Christians could choose to observe the Sabbath, but Paul says they have the freedom to decide (see Romans 14:5). He said that forcing Sabbath observance is wrong. Observing the Sabbath was not necessary to express Christian devotion.

The Old Testament ceremonies anticipated the coming of Christ, which Paul refers to as shadows (see also Hebrews 10:1).

• the worship of angels: People in the first century were very interested in spiritual beings. Some Jews believed that angels were present with them during their times of worship, and some people might even have prayed to angels or worshiped them directly.

• The false teachers claimed to have had visions that made certain ceremonies necessary for the community.

you have died with Christ: When Christ died on the cross, he defeated the spiritual powers (2:15). By sharing in his death, he frees us from the evil spiritual powers of the world (see 2:8).

they are of no value: These rules come from the world, not from Christ (2:19). They cannot conquer a person's evil desires.