Chapter 2

English Standard Version Introduction

Paul wrote to the church in Colossae to fortify it against false teachers who might try to impose strict rules about eating and drinking and religious festivals.

Colossians 2:1–4 ESV

1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments.

Purpose in the letter is to encourage unity and growth and to warn about adding to Christ.

When we are rooted in Christ and allow ourselves to be taught we keep ourselves from being taken Captive! Col 2:6-8

Colossians 2:8 ESV

8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

Reminder that the intent of the letter to the church incorporates a warning against false teachers.

Guard your faith in Christ Alone!

Colossians 2:9–12 ESV

9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. 11 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.

IN HIM is all of our answers !

John 1:14 AMP

14 And the Word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacled (fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile) among us; and we [actually] saw His glory (His honor, His majesty), such glory as an only begotten son receives from his father, full of grace (favor, loving-kindness) and truth.

Truth keeps you from the lies when you allow yourself to be taught that All the fullness of God is in Christ and you have been filled with Christ!

Colossians 2:13–15 ESV

13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.

Eph 2:1-10

Cancelling: to anoint or wash in every part, to wipe off, wipe away, to obliterate, erase, wipe out, blot out

Acts 3:19–21 ESV

19 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, 20 that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, 21 whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago.

No more Bondages!!!!!!

Colossians 2:16–19 ESV

16 Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. 17 These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. 18 Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, 19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.

Let no one disqualify you why, because we are secured by what Christ did done our behalf!

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible Chapter 2

beguile—Translate, “Defraud you of your prize,

Asceticism: the having a humble opinion of one's self.

However, authentic asceticism requires careful definition. Genuine asceticism combines self-inflicted suffering with sustained commitment, undertaken as a means toward salvation, atonement, spiritual advancement, or deepened consciousness.

At its core, it represents voluntary restraint from bodily and social satisfactions—food, drink, sexual activity, sleep, clothing, wealth, and social connection. The lifestyle minimizes possessions and worldly attractions to redirect attention toward spiritual priorities.

Colossians 2:20–23 ESV

20 If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— 21 “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” 22 (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? 23 These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.

1 Timothy 4:1–5 ESV

1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, 3 who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.