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.
Overview of Colossians Chapter 2
Colossians Chapter 2 is a significant passage in the New Testament that addresses key themes of spiritual fullness, the dangers of false teachings, and the importance of living in accordance with Christ. The chapter emphasizes the supremacy of Christ and encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith.
Key Themes
- Spiritual Fullness in Christ
The chapter begins by affirming that all wisdom and knowledge are found in Christ. Believers are encouraged to seek their identity and completeness in Him.
- Warning Against Deceptive Philosophy
Paul warns the Colossians against being led astray by hollow and deceptive philosophies that are based on human traditions and the elemental spiritual forces of the world.
- Christ’s Supremacy
The chapter emphasizes the preeminence of Christ, highlighting His role in creation and redemption, and the significance of His death and resurrection.
- Living in Christ
Believers are urged to continue in their faith, rooted and built up in Christ, and to be thankful for their salvation and the grace they have received.
Detailed Analysis
1. Spiritual Fullness in Christ (Colossians 2:1-3)
Paul expresses his struggle for the believers in Colossae and Laodicea, emphasizing the importance of unity and understanding. He highlights that in Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, which serves as a foundation for the believer’s faith.
2. Warning Against Deceptive Philosophy (Colossians 2:4-8)
Paul addresses the potential threat of false teachings that could undermine the faith of the Colossians. He encourages them to be vigilant and discerning, reminding them that their faith should be rooted in Christ rather than human traditions.
- Paul emphasizes the importance of being established in faith.
- He warns against being taken captive by philosophy and empty deceit.
3. The Supremacy of Christ (Colossians 2:9-15)
In this section, Paul articulates the fullness of the deity residing in Christ and how believers are made complete in Him. He explains the significance of Christ’s death, which disarmed the powers and authorities, triumphing over them through the cross.
- Christ’s divine nature and fullness.
- The believer’s identification with Christ in His death and resurrection.
- The victory over spiritual powers through the cross.
4. Living in Christ (Colossians 2:16-23)
Paul concludes the chapter by addressing the practices of legalism and asceticism that some were imposing on the believers. He emphasizes that such regulations are of no value in restraining sinful desires and encourages believers to focus on their relationship with Christ.
- Believers are not to be judged by food, drink, or religious festivals.
- True spirituality comes from a relationship with Christ, not adherence to human rules.
Conclusion
Colossians Chapter 2 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of spiritual maturity, the dangers of false teachings, and the centrality of Christ in the life of a believer. It calls for a deep-rooted faith that acknowledges Christ’s supremacy and encourages believers to live in accordance with the truth of the Gospel.
