Colossians 2

I and for as many as have not seen my face, etc. The natural meaning, and one consistent with the context, is that the words include the Colossians and Laodiceans among those who had not seen the apostle. He assures them that his anxiety extends beyond the churches which he has founded or visited.

2 the mystery of God, etc. The R.V. has, “that they may know the mystery of God, [even] Christ”: ep. 1 Tim. iii. 16, note. Christ Himself is “the mystery of God” (i. 27).

4 with enticing words. Rather, “with enticing speech”: ep. 1 Cor. ii. 4. The French version has “par des raisonnements spéciaux” (“by specious arguments”).

5 your order. Gr. τάξις. “He uses an image, derived from the order and solidity of the soldiers of the Pretorian Guard, whom he saw so constantly during his captivity” (Archbishop Alexander). Perhaps the idea of discipline is suggested.

6. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord. “Though the reference seems mainly to reception by teaching, the object is so emphatically specified, as apparently to require a more inclusive meaning; they received not merely the doctrinam Christi, but Christ Himself” (Ellicott).

7 rooted and built up in Him. Rather, “having been rooted, and being [still] built up in Him”; “marking the stable growth and organic solidity of those who truly walk in Christ” (Ellicott).

8 spoil you. Rather, “carry you off as spoil.”

through philosophy. Respecting the “rudiments” (or elements) “of the world,” see note on Gal. iv. 3; and on the “tradition of men,” see Mark vii. 8.

9. For in Him dwelleth, etc. The complete perfection of the Godhead is embodied in the person of the Redeemer. Archbishop Alexander notes that “the fulness of the Godhead” corresponds to “the Word was God” (John i. 1), and “dwelleth bodily” to “the Word was made flesh” (John i. 14), again showing the agreement between St. Paul and St. John.

10 principality and power. See note on i. 16.

11 circumcised. The Judaisers insisted on circumcision as still necessary under the gospel. Therefore the apostle assures these Gentile believers that they have been already spiritually circumcised by Christ Himself in their conversion; in token of which they were baptised: ep. Rom. vi. 3-5, on which see note.

12 wherein also ye are risen. Rather, as R.V., “wherein ye were also raised.”

through the faith of the operation of God. Meaning, probably, “through faith in the effectual working of God.” Believing in the Divinely effected resurrection of Christ, they became subjects of a Divinely wrought spiritual resurrection.

14 handwriting. Or, “bond.” When Jesus was nailed to the cross, the “handwriting of ordinances” (or bond of legal obligations) was cancelled.

15 having spoiled, etc. Lit., “having stripped off from Himself the principalities,” etc. The powers of evil clung, as it were, about Him, striving to make Him their prey, but He victoriously cast them off: see R.V.

triumphing over them in it. Meaning probably, in the cross; for in it Christ conquered the powers of darkness: see note on Eph. vi. 12.

16. Let no man therefore, etc. As the Mosaic dispensation is entirely abrogated. Christian freedom in general is here asserted, and the particular heresies of Judaising and ascetic teachers are indicated.

holy-day. Properly, “feast” or festival. The three seasons of worship here mentioned are the yearly, monthly, and weekly celebrations, as observed by the Jews.

17 the body. The substance of reality: all that these rites signified is realised in Christ: comp. Heb. x. 1.

18 beguile you. “Rob you of the prize.”

voluntary. There is now a general agreement that the word translated “voluntary” (θέλων) should be attached to the first part of this verse, thus: “Let no one, however he may wish it, rob you,” etc.

humility. The false teachers worshipped angels on the groundless assumption that it was inconsistent with true humility towards God to offer worship directly to Him (ep. ver. 23); and this is the spirit of saint-worship now.

which he hath not seen. The R.V. reading, “dwelling (or taking his stand upon) the things which he hath seen” has hardly sufficient support.

19 knit together, etc. Cp. Eph. iv. 15, 16, and notes.

20 rudiments. See note on ver. 8.

ordinances. The “ordinances” are those which follow, enjoining abstinence in various ways, from things which “are to perish in their consumption,” i.e., which are made to be consumed and perish: ep. Matt. xv. 1-14; Mark vii. 1-5, 14-23, and notes.

21. Touch not, taste not, handle not. The words are connected with the preceding verse: ordinances, such as “touch not,” etc. “The apostle disparagingly repeats the prohibitions of the false teachers in their own words” (Lightfoot).

23 neglecting of the body. Or, “severity to the body.” All these professed methods of overcoming evil are opposed to any true honour and right use of the body; and though they “have the appearance of wisdom” in devotion, humility, and subjugation of the body, they do in fact only serve “to the satisfying of the flesh,” the carnal element; and thus they increase the evil which they profess to overcome. Asceticism is, after all, but another form of carnality.