January 26, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – Colossians Chapter 2
1 For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
4 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.
5 For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.
6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
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.
9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
16 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:
17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
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,
19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.
20 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,
21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not;
22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
23 Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body: not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
Colossians Chapter 2 contains a stern warning from the Apostle Paul against heresies and false teachings that could jeopardize the foundation of faith in Christ. He urges the believers to remain rooted in Christ and not to be deceived by human philosophies, traditions, or apparent religiosity. Paul emphasizes that in Christ lie all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, and that the believers are complete in Him. This chapter serves as an appeal to hold firmly to the truth of the Gospel and to recognize life in Christ as a source of true freedom and redemption.
Commentary
This chapter demonstrates the Apostle Paul’s concern for the churches, particularly the Colossians and the Laodiceans. Paul describes his “struggle,” which consists of strengthening the believers in their faith and protecting them from deception. He makes it clear that true riches do not lie in human wisdom or tradition, but in Christ, in whom all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden.
A central theme is the warning against false teachings that rely on human philosophy and worldly traditions. Paul shows that these teachings often appear seductive but ultimately distract faith from the true source—Christ. He emphasizes that in Christ dwells the fullness of deity and that believers are made complete through their faith in Him. This demonstrates that Christians are not justified by external rites or laws, but solely through Christ.
Baptism is presented as a symbol of union with Christ: through it, the old self is buried, and a new life emerges, characterized by faith in the resurrection of Jesus. This concept highlights the liberating power of the Gospel—sins are forgiven in Christ, and believers are freed from all human regulations and constraints.
Another important point is the emphasis that no one should cause believers to feel guilty through rules or false piety. Paul criticizes the observance of dietary laws, festivals, and human regulations, which are often portrayed as necessary conditions for life with God. However, these things are merely a “shadow” of what has become reality in Christ.
Paul also warns against false humility and the worship of angels, which are marked by a fleshly mindset and pride. Such practices lead away from the head—Christ—who is the true source of spiritual growth. Paul urges the believers to hold firmly to Christ alone, who holds the body—the church—together and enables it to grow to divine stature.
The chapter concludes with an exhortation not to be dominated by worldly regulations that ultimately have no lasting value. These rules often possess only the “appearance of wisdom” and do not lead to true holiness. Instead, believers are to live in the freedom and abundance that Christ grants.
Summary
In Colossians Chapter 2, Paul warns believers against heretics who might undermine their faith in Christ through human wisdom, traditions, and apparent piety. He emphasizes that all wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ and that believers are made complete in Him. Paul reminds them that baptism symbolizes the new life in Christ, where sins are forgiven and worldly regulations are overcome. He criticizes rules that make believers feel guilty and urges them to hold firmly to Christ alone, who is the head of the church. This chapter is a call to remain rooted in faith in Christ and to enjoy the freedom that He provides through His sacrifice and resurrection.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | Steps to Christ
Chapter 2—The Sinner’s Need of Christ
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