(Chapter 2:4-19)
Having spoken of the importance of understanding the Mystery, as well as the need for walking together in love with our brethren, whereby the truth of the Mystery is put into practice, Paul now warns of the dangers of being distracted from this objective. In this second chapter, he exposes the different wiles that the devil uses to draw the saints away from the simplicity that is in Christ. He also shows that Christ is the answer to all that the enemy would introduce to ensnare the saints.
Four Spiritual Dangers
Paul focuses on four main spiritual dangers that will move a person away from the truth of the Mystery—if he is not careful. These are:
• Enticing words of eloquence (vss. 4-7).
• Philosophical rationalism (vss. 8-15).
• Jewish ritualism (vss. 16-17).
• Oriental mysticism (vss. 18-19).
Even though these errors vary and are different in nature, they refer to the same class of teachers who were corrupting the saints with their spurious doctrines. H. Smith said, “It will be noticed that none of these evils are the gross things of the world, but rather things that would appeal to the intellect and religious side of man’s nature, and therefore are things that are a special snare to the Christian” (The Epistle to the Colossians, p. 30). This array of spiritual snares serves to remind us that we mustn’t underestimate the power and deception of the devil. Again, using the typology in Israel’s conquest of Canaan, if chapter 1:15-22 gives a view of the Captain of the Lord’s host, and chapter 2:2-3 answers to the inheritance of Canaan, chapter 2:4-19, which we are now about to look at, would give us a view of the enemies in the land. The Canaanites answer to the various kinds of spiritual wickedness that the believer meets with “in the heavenlies” (the realm of spiritual activity – Eph. 6:1212For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12)).
Looking over these four things we see that the whole intent of the enemy of our souls could be summed up in the phrase—“And not after Christ” (vs. 8). Truly, the devil’s ABC’s are: “Anything But Christ.” It is significant that Paul begins each of these four warnings with: “Lest any man....” or, “Let no man....” (vss. 4, 8, 16, 18). This shows that the devil not only uses his angels and the elements of the world, but also men to do his evil work. It is also significant that while he uses these agents, he cannot use anything that is “according to Christ;” those things do not fit his evil program (vs. 8).
Each of these four things that the enemy would introduce through cunning men, is followed by an appropriate antidote, which if heeded, would preserve the saints from those seductions. As mentioned already, the answer for all of these intrusions is knowing what we have in Christ and walking in it. It is our great safeguard.
(First) Enticing Words of Eloquence
(Vss. 4-7)
The first thing that marked these false teachers was a great show of human eloquence. Paul says, “And this I say, lest any man should beguile [delude] you with enticing words.” Eloquence is the art of using language to stir the emotions. The Greeks were particularly impressed with it (Acts 12:21-2221And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. 22And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. (Acts 12:21‑22)). Eloquence in itself is not necessarily bad (Acts 18:2424And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. (Acts 18:24)). The danger is in using it with an agenda to further one’s erroneous views and heretical purposes of drawing people after oneself. Paul warned the Romans of this very danger, stating that by “good words and fair speeches” men with ulterior motives will “deceive the hearts of the simple [unsuspecting]” (Rom. 16:1818For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. (Romans 16:18)). Unestablished souls are often swayed by high-sounding phraseology that appears spiritual, thinking that eloquence is spirituality. A case in point is the present day cults in the Christian profession. Their evil doctrines are usually wrapped in a beautiful exterior of fair words. Those who teach this kind of “systematized error” (Eph. 4:1414That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (Ephesians 4:14)) will often have an attractive demeanor, and this can be deceiving as well. “Hymenaeus (“wedding song”) and “Philteus” (“beloved”) are examples of this (2 Tim. 2:1717And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymeneus and Philetus; (2 Timothy 2:17)). The meaning of their names suggests that these men had sweet and lovely characters—but in reality, they were overthrowing the faith of the saints with their erroneous doctrines! H. E. Hayhoe appropriately said, “Beware of nice men; love faithful men.”
Vs. 5—Paul rejoiced to know that the Colossians were continuing in the truth. He said that this was evident by “beholding” their “order” and the “firmness” of their “faith in Christ.” This fact proves that the Colossians had not swallowed the spurious doctrines that were being put forth. Nevertheless, they were in danger of it, and that was a concern to Paul.
The Remedy
Vss. 6-7—As mentioned, with each snare that the enemy would put in the path to trip up the believer, Paul gives an appropriate antidote that would meet that particular seduction. His remedy for the persuasive speech of those who would draw them away after strange doctrines was: “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him: rooted and built up in Him, and stablished [assured] in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.” That is, they were to stay with the things that they knew and had been “taught” and to “walk” in them. “As” they had begun, so they were to continue. Instead of looking around for new truth, they were to be “rooted and built up” in the truth they had received, and to be “assured” of it. “Rooted” is the past tense, but “built up” is present tense. Thus, Paul would have them to be built up in what they had been given. They were not to let anyone draw them away from it, regardless of how persuasive their speech was. (Compare Galatians 1:8-98But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:8‑9).) They needed to understand that they had been given all the treasures of truth in the Mystery; there was no higher truth to give. It is enough to fill and satisfy our hearts and minds, and to cause in us much “thanksgiving.”
(Second) Philosophical Rationalism
(Vss. 8-15)
The second dangerous thing that marked these false teachers was philosophical rationalism. That is, the use of human reasoning in divine things. Philosophy means, “the love of knowledge.” It is not wrong to want knowledge; Paul prayed for the saints to that end in chapter 1:9. The danger is to seek it apart from the revelations that God has given through the apostles and prophets of the New Testament. This is exactly what these false teachers were doing. They attempted to add philosophy to the gospel, but it was just the working of the human mind in the things of God. As a result, they erred from the truth with much bad doctrine. Since that was the case, Paul warned the Colossians: “Beware lest any man spoil you [lead you away] through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition [teaching] of men, after the rudiments [elements] of the world, and not after Christ.” As Paul points out here, the sad effect of this teaching was that it ultimately leads believers away from Christ.
Paul exposes this philosophic line of teaching as being “vain deceit” because it ministered to the pride in man. Since it emanates from the mind of men, all such human reasoning never takes into account the end of man in the flesh under God’s judgment at the cross, as does the gospel that Paul preached (Rom. 6:6; 8:36Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. (Romans 6:6)
3For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: (Romans 8:3)). This human line of teaching makes something of man in the flesh. It sees some good in man and seeks to cultivate it, and thus, ministers deceitfully to the vanity of man. This is why it is called vain deceit.
That Christians would seek knowledge in the matters of life from the unconverted Greek philosophers shows clearly that they don’t understand that “the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them for they are spiritually discerned” (1 Cor. 2:1414But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Corinthians 2:14)). Simply put: those worldly philosophers cannot give the Christian the truth because they don’t have it! The very best that they can offer is but mere human reason. They may have great pretentions to having higher spiritual knowledge, but in reality Paul says that it is just the “rudiments [elements] of the world.” “The Greeks seek after wisdom” (1 Cor. 1:2222For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: (1 Corinthians 1:22)), but it is “the wisdom of this world” (1 Cor. 2:66Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: (1 Corinthians 2:6)). Moreover, much of their worldly wisdom is filled with uncertainty. Each new generation of philosophers usually contradicts the previous generation so that the seeker of knowledge is left with no real hope on which to rest his soul. If we go in for philosophy and the wisdom of men, we will soon be filled with that sort of thing and Christ will be left outside.
Vss. 9-10—Contrariwise, in Christ “dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” Paul’s point in stating this is to show that in Christ on high there is everything that we could ever need or want. If we want “wisdom,” we have it in Him (1 Cor. 1:3030But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: (1 Corinthians 1:30)) and in the Mystery (Col. 2:33In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Colossians 2:3)). There is, therefore, no need to turn to worldly philosophers for illumination. Thus, Paul says that believers are “complete in Him.” As to our position before God and our portion in Christ, there is simply nothing that can be added to them. (Chapter 1:19 refers to the fulness of the Godhead dwelling in Christ as a Man on earth during His life and ministry, whereas here in chapter 2:9, it refers to Him as a glorified Man on high.)
Further to this, if anyone were to think that angelic beings were really something special and were objects to be admired (as these teachers were advocating), they needed to understand that Christ is the Creator of all those beings (Psa. 104:44Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire: (Psalm 104:4)), and as such, He is “the Head of all principality and power [authority].” This fact proves that He is incomparably superior to them. In reality, the position of those angelic creatures before God is actually inferior to that of Christians! As sons of God in the new creation order, we are in a position that is far higher than angels. Being seated together “in heavenly places in Christ Jesus,” we are “far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion” (Eph. 1:21; 2:621Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: (Ephesians 1:21)
6And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: (Ephesians 2:6)). They are actually our servants, ordered by God to help us in various situations in life (Heb. 1:1414Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? (Hebrews 1:14)). We are not said to be complete in these beings; our completeness is in Christ. Moreover, as members of Christ’s body we have a special union with Him as the Head, through the indwelling Holy Spirit—but these creatures don’t have that union. (Note: verse 10 refers to elect angels in their different capacities, whereas verse 15 refers to different ranks of fallen angels.)
The Remedy
Vss. 11-15—The remedy for all such human reason and speculation in the things of God is to understand the significance of the death and resurrection of Christ. Paul brings this in here, saying, “In whom also ye have been circumcised with circumcision not done by hand, in the putting off of the body of the flesh in the circumcision of Christ; buried with Him in baptism, in which ye have been also raised with Him through faith of the working of God who raised Him from among the dead.” Since these philosophical ideas are erroneous and derogatory to Christ’s Person and work, it is clear that they emanate from man in the flesh—that is, that whole order of life after the fallen sin-nature in man. This being the case, Paul states that in Christ’s death (which he refers to as “the circumcision of Christ”), God has condemned man in the flesh (which he calls “the body of the flesh”), and as such, He has set it aside as worthless. Hence, everything to do with man in the flesh—from his filthiest sins to his philosophical reasonings of so-called higher knowledge—has been judged by God in the death of Christ. Thus, His death has marked the judicial end of man in the flesh before God (Rom. 6:6; 8:36Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. (Romans 6:6)
3For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: (Romans 8:3)). The KJV has added the words “of the sins” in verse 11, but without sufficient manuscript authority, and therefore, shouldn’t be in the text. The subject in the verse is not the deeds of the flesh, but the flesh as an evil system in fallen man that controls his movements. The point here is that the Lord’s death has not only taken care of the fruit of the fallen sin-nature (the believer’s sins), but it has also condemned the very root which bore those sins and has put it all away before God.
Moreover, Christians, through their identification with Christ’s death, have been “circumcised with the circumcision made without hands,” and thus, before God they have been severed judicially from every connection they once had with the flesh. The believer is also viewed as being “buried” with Christ, as demonstrated in the ordinance of “baptism.” Moreover, the believer is also seen as “risen with Him.” Thus we are identified with a whole new order of life in Christ.
As noted above, Paul uses the words “circumcision” and “body” in a symbolical sense in this passage. Regarding his use of the word “body” in this passage, it describes the whole system of life after the flesh. Similarly, we might say, “The body of scientific knowledge,” or “the body of medical knowledge,” etc. J. A. Trench explained it as: "'The body of sin'—that is, its whole system and force, as we say, the body of a river....It is the whole system and totality of it" (Truth for Believers, vol. 2, pp. 77, 83). J. N. Darby said, "He [Paul] takes the totality and system of sin in man as a body which is nullified by death" (Synopsis of the Books of the Bible on Romans 6). E. Dennett said something similar: "It may be well to say that 'the body of sin' is the totality of sin in its dominating energy" (The Christian Friend, vol. 23, p. 182). Thus, Paul is not speaking of the human body here.
The practical conclusion to Christ’s death and resurrection, as applied to believers, is that Christians (characteristically) are done with the flesh. Their “baptism” signifies this (vs. 12). They, therefore, reject everything to do with the flesh and now live unto God as entirely disconnected from that old order of life. Applying this to the situation which the Colossians were facing meant that they were to reject the whole scheme of rationalistic teaching that was being put forth by the false teachers because it was of the flesh—and everything having to do with the flesh must go out of the believer’s life.
Vss. 13-15—Paul passes on to what has been accomplished in us and for us through Christ’s death and resurrection. He says, “And you, being dead in offences and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has quickened together with Him, having forgiven us all the offences; having effaced [blotted out] the handwriting in ordinances which stood out against us, which was contrary to us, He has taken it also out of the way, nailing it to the cross; having spoiled principalities and authorities, He made a show of them publicly, leading them in triumph by it.” As mentioned, the believer has been “quickened together” with Christ in a new sphere of life wherein he lives unto God. (See also Ephesians 2:55Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) (Ephesians 2:5).) Verse 13a refers to believing Gentiles. This is indicated by the words “you” and “your,” for the Colossians were a company of converted Gentiles; whereas, verse 14 refers to believing Jews. This is indicated by the word “us.” Paul was speaking to his fellow countrymen, and thus he includes himself. (This is not uncommon in Paul’s writings (Compare Ephesians 1:12-13; 2:1-3, 1712That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, (Ephesians 1:12‑13)
1And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. (Ephesians 2:1‑3)
17And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. (Ephesians 2:17), etc.).
Paul focuses on three particular things that have resulted from the death and resurrection of Christ:
A) In regards to believers, Christ’s work on the cross has laid the foundation for their eternal forgiveness. Thus Paul says, “Having forgiven us all the offences.” (The “us” here refers to both Jews and Gentiles.) The knowledge of this great fact purges the conscience of guilt and gives the believer joy. He mentions this to show that in this new sphere of life with Christ risen, the question of the believer’s sins will never arise—it has been eternally settled.
B) In regards to the legal ordinances in Judaism to which Israel was bound, Paul says, “Having effaced [blotted out] the handwriting in ordinances which stood out against us.” The “us” here refers to Jewish believers, for the handwriting of ordinances was never against the Gentiles. They never put themselves under the legal obligations of the old covenant. In the days of Moses, Israel put their “handwriting” (their signature, so to speak) to the obligations of the Law, stating, “All the words which the Lord hath said will we do” (Ex. 24:33And Moses came and told the people all the words of the Lord, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the Lord hath said will we do. (Exodus 24:3)). Moses ratified their commitment to that legal covenant with the blood of a sacrifice, and they were thereby bound to it (Heb. 9:18-2118Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood. 19For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, 20Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. 21Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. (Hebrews 9:18‑21)). History sadly records that they failed to keep the Law in every way (Acts 7:5353Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it. (Acts 7:53)). Hence, those ordinances “stood out against” them in an accusatory sense.
However, in Christ’s finished work on the cross, He has not only borne the curse of the broken Law (Isa. 53:88He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. (Isaiah 53:8)b; Gal. 3:1313Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: (Galatians 3:13); Psa. 88), but His death annulled the legal obligations of the Law which Israel had put themselves under. This does not mean that the Law has been removed; it still has its application to Israel nationally and to unbelieving sinners (1 Tim. 1:8-108But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; 9Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; (1 Timothy 1:8‑10)). The Law is not dead and gone; it’s the believer who is dead and gone—through his identification with Christ’s death (Rom. 6:2-82God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 3Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: (Romans 6:2‑8)). The believer on the Lord Jesus Christ is “dead to the Law” (Rom. 7:4-64Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. 5For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. 6But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. (Romans 7:4‑6)), and the Law has no application to a dead man (Rom. 7:11Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? (Romans 7:1)). Hence, the whole legal system has been annulled for each Jew who believes in Christ. Christ’s death “took it (the obligation, not the Law) out of the way.” Paul, being a Jewish believer, uses the word “us” here to indicate what he and his fellow believing countrymen have been delivered from. He adds, “Nailing it to the cross.” This refers to the charge that stood out against the Jews for failing to keep the Law. It was cancelled and the statement of that fact was made a public declaration. It is an allusion to the Roman custom of nailing a statement of a criminal’s crime to the cross on which he died to indicate to all the nature of that person’s offence. (See John 19:19-2219And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS. 20This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin. 21Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews. 22Pilate answered, What I have written I have written. (John 19:19‑22).)
C) In relation to our spiritual foes—Paul says, “Having spoiled principalities and authorities.” This refers to the fallen angelic beings (who were ranged against Christ) being completely and absolutely defeated. They tried to turn the Lord away from doing His Father’s will in going to the cross and drinking the cup of judgment. He overcame those forces of evil by simple obedience (John 18:11; 19:1711Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it? (John 18:11)
17And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: (John 19:17)). Christ now stands in total supremacy over these spiritual enemies, having gained an open victory over them at the cross (Col. 2:1515And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. (Colossians 2:15)) and at the grave (Heb. 2:1414Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; (Hebrews 2:14)). Though defeated, these evil agents of Satan are not in the pit yet, and are presently opposed to the saints living in communion with God in the new sphere of life into which they have been introduced through being raised and quickened together with Christ. These enemies oppose the liberty of the saints and their enjoyment of their portion in Christ in heavenly places. But since the Lord has broken their power, a full provision has been made for us in the “armour of God” so that we can live in uninterrupted communion with God (Eph. 6:10-1810Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (Ephesians 6:10‑18)).
(Third) Jewish Ritualism
(Vss. 16-17)
The third danger that threatened the spiritual progress of the Colossians is that of Jewish ritualism. Paul says, “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of a holyday [feast], or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days; which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.” These verses indicate that these false teachers were probably from a Jewish background, but had become heterodox in their doctrines. Since Jewish Christians have been removed from the legal obligations wherewith they were once bound through being “dead with Christ” (Rom. 6:8; 7:48Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: (Romans 6:8)
4Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. (Romans 7:4)), they were not to let anyone put them back under those legal ordinances. The death of Christ has ended all connections with that legal system for them. Paul uses the word “judge” here in connection with those who would find fault with saints who understood their liberty in Christ. Thus, the Colossians were not to let the criticisms of those who were not clear of Judaism to dissuade them (Gal. 5:11Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. (Galatians 5:1)).
In mentioning “meat,” or “drink,” a “holyday [feast],” a “new moon,” and “sabbath days,” Paul was indicating that this deliverance was not merely from the Law of Ten Commandments, but also from the ceremonial laws and statutes and rituals that make up Judaism as a system. Those things were “a shadow of things to come” in Christ. In Old Testament times, the light of God was shining upon Him, and all those forms and ceremonies in the Levitical order of approach to God were but shadows cast by Him. But now, since Christ has come, those types and shadows have given way to the actual substance. Paul indicates this by adding, “But the body is of Christ.” In stating this, he is not referring to the physical body of Christ, nor is he referring to the mystical body of Christ, of which believers are members. Rather, he is using the word “body” to indicate that Christ is the substance that cast those shadows. F. B. Hole said, “But the body—that is, the substance—is of Christ” (Paul’s Epistles, vol. 2, p. 103).
Incidentally, the word “body” is used in six different ways in this epistle:
• For the mystical body of Christ (chap. 1:18, 24; 2:19; 3:15).
• For the Lord’s physical body (chap. 1:22).
• For the Lord’s glorified body (chap. 2:10).
• For the whole system of the flesh as an entity that God has judged (chap. 2:11).
• For the substance of Christ in Old Testament times casting a shadow of the good things that were to come (chap. 2:17).
• For the bodies of the saints (chap. 2:23).
Since those types and shadows have given way to the actual substance in Christ, the Judaic system with its forms and rituals has served its purpose in pointing forward to Christ. To teach that Christians are to approach God through outward forms and rituals as in Judaism is to deny the truth that has come to light in Christ’s death and resurrection. This is something that Christians have misunderstood for centuries. Instead of seeing the things in Judaism as being fulfilled in Christ, and not necessary in Christian worship, most Christian groups have established their worship along Judaic lines and have mixed the principles and practices of Judaism with that in Christianity. The result is a hybrid of both, which is something that God never intended for Christian worship.
The churches in Christendom have missed the plain teaching of Scripture that shows that the tabernacle is a figure of the true sanctuary into which Christians now have access by the Spirit (Heb. 9:8-9, 23-248The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: 9Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; (Hebrews 9:8‑9)
23It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: (Hebrews 9:23‑24)). Instead, they have used the Old Testament tabernacle and temple as a pattern for their churches. They have borrowed many things in a literal sense from the Judaic order for their places of worship and religious services. This can be seen in the use of literal temples and cathedrals for places of worship, having a special caste of men who officiate on behalf of the congregation (i.e. the clergy), the use of musical instruments to aid worship, the use of a choir, the special robes on the “Ministers” and choir members, the practice of tithing, the observance of holy days and religious festivals, etc. It is true that many of these Judaic things have been altered somewhat to fit into a Christian context, but they still have the trappings of Judaism. Since this mixture of Jewish and Christian principles and practices has permeated the Christian testimony and has been around for so long, it has become accepted by the masses as God’s ideal. It is defended and upheld tenaciously by earnest (but mistaken) Christians. However, mixing these two distinct orders has destroyed the distinctness of each, and what has resulted from the mixture is neither Jewish nor Christian.
The Remedy
Paul’s remedy in verses 16-17 was that the Colossians were not to let anyone convince them that they needed to add the Judaic order of approach to God to their Christian worship. Regardless of what form Judaism may be packaged in—whether it is full-blown Judaism in the synagogues or the quasi-Judaic mixture found in the churches of Christendom—it has no place in Christianity. Clinging to that outward order of approach to God has a tendency to “dull” the Christian’s spiritual sensitivities and hinders his growth and progress. The net result is that the believer remains a “babe.” This was the case with those to whom the epistle to the Hebrews was written (Heb. 5:11-1411Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. 12For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 13For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (Hebrews 5:11‑14)).
(Fourth) Oriental Mysticism
(Vss. 18-19)
The fourth thing that marked these false teachers was mysticism. We define mysticism in this context as teaching that supposedly has hidden and secret meanings, which when understood, leads a person (supposedly) to higher knowledge and spirituality. This line of things was aimed at intriguing the saints with fanciful and novel ideas which had the appearance of being something really spiritual. But in effect, it caused the saints to look away from Christ for their spiritual needs and hindered their spiritual progress. Paul, therefore, warned the Colossians: “Let no man beguile [fraudulently deprive] you of your reward in a voluntary [doing his own will in] humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 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.” What Paul was particularly addressing in these verses was the pretention of having higher spiritual knowledge above what the apostles had delivered to the saints. Since all of the truth had already been revealed in the disclosure of the Mystery (vs. 3), the claims of these teachers were bogus.
To help the Colossians to see these teachers for what they really were, Paul exposed the manner in which they worked to gain peoples’ ears. They used a cloak of “humility” which gave the impression that they were true servants of God. Humility is a Christian virtue that should mark all believers. The enemy knows this and has his workers make a fair show of it—but with these men it was really just a sham. Sad to say, mock humility works like a charm among Christians generally. When the ideas of false teachers are presented with high-sounding spiritual phraseology, and coupled with what seems to be a life of holiness and humility, unestablished believers are often taken in by it.
The false humility of these mystics involved the veneration of “angels.” But by engaging in this practice, they exposed themselves. Since these unfallen creatures do not sin, and do only the will of God, God’s mind in this matter is known in their refusing worship (Rev. 22:8-98And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which showed me these things. 9Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God. (Revelation 22:8‑9)). Thus, these mystics were doing something that God clearly does not approve of. They were intruding (prying) into unseen things which they knew nothing about, and their ideas were mere imagination and speculation. Furthermore, their voluntary humility and worshipping of angels is a complete denial of the new creation order that has resulted from the death and resurrection of Christ. As mentioned earlier, there is now a new race of men under His Headship that is in a position that is superior to angels. Hence, in Christianity, men are no longer the inferior beings. It is, therefore, completely out of order for Christians to be doing obeisance to those inferior creatures. If angels are inferior to Christians, why would Christians worship them?
Without question the characteristic mark of mystical teaching is the vague and cloudy expressions with which the ideas are presented. Those who are impressed with such teaching will usually dismiss its vagueness as being deep truth. But Paul said that their novel ideas really came from their “fleshly mind” being “puffed up.” Thus, behind their show of humility was spiritual pride! As stated in the Introduction (p. 8), a person will be drawn to this line of things because he can distinguish himself as having knowledge in divine things that others do not have. He can intrigue his friends with his high-sounding thoughts, and this ministers to his pride.
Vs. 19—Sad to say, the result of this façade of pseudo-spirituality is that the saints become distracted with novelties and cease “holding fast the Head.” That is, they cease to look to Christ their Head for direction, guidance, and spiritual nourishment, and become occupied with things that, in effect, draw them away from Him. All true direction and spiritual sustenance comes from Christ, and we are to look to Him for it, but we receive it through the “joints and bands” of the body, which are the members whom He uses to minister the truth to us (Eph. 4:1616From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. (Ephesians 4:16)). Spiritual food does not come from the members of the body, but from the Lord through the members of the body. In supplying our spiritual needs in this way, the members are of necessity interdependent upon one another. The result of this ministry is that the saints are “knit together” practically in love and they are edified together “with the increase of God.” The object of all ministry is that there would be an increase in the saints that is according to God. We do not want an increase in doctrine and knowledge merely, important as that is, but an increase that is of God. This is true spiritual development.
The Remedy
Paul’s simple and straightforward word to the Colossians was not to allow anyone to persuade them in this mystical direction, because it would “deprive” them of their “reward” for faithfully holding fast the truth. If the Colossians were deceived by this mystical line of teaching, and went in for it, their spiritual development would be hindered. Paul’s conclusion, therefore, was that since it was not of God and it would only hinder them, they were to “let no man” persuade them to take up with that line of things. They had all they needed in holding fast the Head.