The Book of Colossians
By COGwriter
The Book of Colossians was written by the Apostle Paul, while he was imprisoned in Rome, around 61 A.D.
The book is addressed to the church in Colossae. Colossae was a small Phrygian city near Laodicea and approximately 100 miles (160 km) from Ephesus in Asia Minor. Phrygia is the Greek name of an ancient state in western-central Anatolia (modern Turkey).
The original text was written in Koine Greek (see also the free online book Who Gave the World the Bible? The Canon: Why do we have the books we now do in the Bible? Is the Bible complete? and/or the article Was the New Testament Written in Greek, Hebrew, or Aramaic?).
Here is a link to a related sermon on Colossians: Book of Colossians.
Colossians, chapter 1, verse 1:
Verse 1: Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
The Apostle Paull often felt the need to point out and defend his office. He was not one of the original twelve apostles, so many apparently did not accept his apostleship.
That, might also be why, when he wrote the following to those in Corinth:
28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, (1 Corinthians 12:28)
Yes, it is God who appoints apostles, prophets, etc.
Next verse:
Verse 2:
To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in
Colosse: Grace to you
and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Notice that those in Colosse are called saints and brethren. And they did not have to wait to be called saints after they died and after a committee of men reviewed their life to see if the men felt that they were saints.
Continuing:
Verse 3: We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,
verse 4: since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints;
We should thank God, pray for the brethren, and have the love of saints.
Continuing:
Verse 5: because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel,
That hope is true and is part of why should be supporting the work of God to help spread the gospel (see also Preaching the Gospel in Over 1500 Languages).
Next verse:
Verse 6: which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth;
And the church and its members, according to Jesus are to bring forth fruit. Notice something from each of the four gospels:
17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them.
21 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. (Matthew 7:17-21)
20 But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred." (Mark 4:20)
6 He also spoke this parable: "A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. 7 Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, 'Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?' 8 But he answered and said to him, 'Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. 9 And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.'" (Luke 13:6-9)
8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. (John 15:8)
While building character is part of the fruit that should should bear, also supporting the work of God and the brethren is something that is needed and that most endtime Christians have neglected.
Verse 7:
Verse 7: as you also learned from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf,
Verse 8: who also declared to us your love in the Spirit.
So, the Colossians were praised by a faithful minister.
Colossians, chapter 1, verse 9:
For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
Paul seems to be saying because they were bearing fruit, he prayed even more for them so they would be filled with more knowledge, wisdom, and spiritual understanding.
Continuing:
Verse 10: that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;
That way they would be even more fruitful.
Next verse:
Verse 11: strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy;
Paul seems to be saying that as they have become more fruitful, though they have had to suffer, that they have put on the armor of God--he wrote about that to the Ephesians:
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Ephesians 6:11-13)
Verse 12:
Verse 12: giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.
Again, Paul is thankful that they have submitted and grown enough that the Father considers thems saints and inheritors.
Next verse:
Verse 13: He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,
This brought to mind something that Paul wrote to the Romans and then to the Ephesians:
12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. (Romans 13:12-13)
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. 13 But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. 14 Therefore He says:
"Awake, you who sleep,
Arise from the dead,
And Christ will give you light." (Ephesians 5:8-14)
Onto verse 14:
Verse 14: in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.
Yes, Jesus offers redemption through His blood and the actual the forgiveness of sins. Yes, YOUR sins can really be forgiven!
Chapter 1, verse 15:
Verse 15: He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
Jesus looks like the Father, God. But also notice He is the firstborn into the family of God.
Those who are Christians now will be born into that family at the first resurrection (see also What is Your Destiny? Deification? Did the Early Church Teach That Christians Would Become God?).
Next verse:
Verse 16: For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.
Now, with the above, we see that Jesus existed before the heavens and earth were created. This differs from the heretical view that Jesus had no existence prior to His birth from Mary. The next verse also shows that.
Verse 17: And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.
Jesus in Him all things consist. Jesus is not some unimportant player.
Continuing:
Verse 18: And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.
This is referring to Jesus role as the head of the church. This is showing that God has a hierarchical governance in the church. Yet, most end time Christians do not truly grasp the importance of that type of biblical governance (see also The Bible, Peter, Paul, John, Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, Roderick C. Meredith, and Bob Thiel on Church Government).
Verse 19:
Verse 19: For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell,
The Father was pleased to give Jesus the preeminence. The Father could have kept it all for Himself, but He did not.
Next verse:
Verse 20: and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.
The Greek word mistranslated as cross is σταυροῦ (staurou), which means stake--the word cross is not actually in that verse (see also What is the Origin of the Cross as a Claimed 'Christian' Symbol?). That said, Jesus wants to reconcile all who are willing. So, does the Father as we read in John:
16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. (John 3:16-17)
Chapter 1, verse 21:
Verse 21: And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled
Yes, even though we sinned against Jesus and were enemies in our minds, yet Jesus has reconciled those who properly responded to that call by repenting, confessing Jesus, being baptized, and striving to obey God.
Next verse:
Verse 22: in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight-
Verse 23: if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.
Despite our flaws, if we continue in the faith and not moved away from the hope of the gospel, Jesus will present us as holy and blameless.
Next:
Verse 24: I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church,
Paul is saying even though he has had to suffer for them, he rejoices with them--and that the church is Jesus' body.
Next verse:
Verse 25: of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God,
Again he is pointing out that he became a minister according to God's appointment. Though for that, those in Colossae would have most likely accepted having hands laid upon him by Ananias in Acts 9.
Continuing in chapter 1:
Verse 26: the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints.
There are many mysteries which were hidden that the saints can know of. One, that the non-Philadelphians did not teach, was why did God create anything and why God made humans. That and other mysteries are also revealed in our free online booklet: The MYSTERY of GOD’s PLAN: Why Did God Create Anything? Why Did God Make You?
Brethren, God created what He did so that eternity would be better. And God created humans so that after they have properly repented and submitted to Him, after the resurrection they will be able to give love in a unique way to make eternity better for themselves and everyone else.
This is one of many truths that were restored in the Continuing Church of God (see also Continuing Church of God, Elijah, and Restoring All Things). If you agree with those truths, remember that the Apostle Paul also wrote:
14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, (2 Timothy 3:14)
Next verse in Colossians also points to some of the mysteries in that booklet The MYSTERY of GOD’s PLAN: Why Did God Create Anything? Why Did God Make You?:
Verse 27: To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
It is having Jesus live His life in us which is our hope of glory--and that mystery includes Gentiles.
Verse 28:
Verse 28: Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.
Jesus we preach as well. We have a free online book available titled: Proof Jesus is the Messiah.
And to help nearly a quarter of the planet which has ties to Islam, we explain and preach things about Jesus most do not know in our free online book: Islamic and Biblical Prophecies for the 21st Century.
And to help us move towards perfection, in addition to sermons, posts, etc. we have a free online booklet: Christians: Ambassadors for the Kingdom of God, Biblical instructions on living as a Christian.
Last verse of chapter 1:
Verse 29: To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.
We can all strive with Jesus working in us mightily. Or as Paul wrote elsewhere:
13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)
But notice we are to strive to do things Christ's way.
Colossians, chapter 2,
Now on to chapter 2
Verse 1:
Verse 1: For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh,
Colossae was located about half-way between Laodicea and Hierapolis--Hierapolis was known then and now for its hot baths. Anyway, Paul had wished to be able to come to those towns to see the brethren, which apparently he never had been to, as well as to help defend them from false teachers.
Continuing:
Verse 2: that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ,
Paul wanted the Christians in Asia Minor to be united in love as well as the knowledge of the mystery of God the Father and God the Christ. This binitarian and family relationship was known to early Christians. Trinitarianism was unknown to them (see also Did the True Church Ever Teach a Trinity?). Furthermore, we have an article available titled: How is God Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and Omniscient?
Continuing in chapter 2:
Verse 3: in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Yes, the Father and Son have all the all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, many of which are hidden, others of which have been revealed in the Bible. The Book of Proverbs being a book focused on wisdom (watch also Here are links to ten sermons covering the all the chapters of the Book of Proverbs: Proverbs 1-7: Practical advice for those who wish to follow God and Proverbs 7-12: Wisdom, Knowledge, Righteousness, and Diligence and Proverbs 13-15: Following God’s Advice and Proverbs 16-17: Accept God’s Instructions and Proverbs 18-19: It is dangerous to trust self and Proverbs 20-21: Modern Christian Living and Proverbs 22-23: Certainty of the Bible and How to Live and Proverbs 24-25: What to do and what not to do and Proverbs 26-28: Giving Answers, Making Right Decisions --a related article is also available: Proverbs 26-28 and Proverbs 29-31: Are You Willing to Learn From God’s Word? --a related article is also available: Proverbs 29-31).
Next:
Verse 4: Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words.
Paul is now warning about smooth-talking false brethren. Many have been deceived by such people.
Continuing with verse 5:
Verse 5: For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.
Even though Paul is not there, he has rejoiced about the reports of their steadfastness.
Verse 6:
Verse 6: As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,
We are to walk with Jesus as He walked as the Apostle John also pointed out:
4 He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. (1 John 2:4-6)
Back to chapter 2. Now verse 7:
Verse 7: rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.
We are to be thankful.
More on thanks can be found in the article: Giving Thanks.
Colossians, chapter 2, verse 8:
Verse 8: Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.
Notice another warning against false teachers. In this case, Paul is warning against those who fall for intellectual vanity of non-biblical philosophies as well as those who want to rely more on traditions of men than the Bible.
Next verse:
Verse 9: For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily;
So, there is something called the Godhead. And Jesus now has the fullness of the Godhead bodily. That is something He had after He ascended to the Father after His resurrection--essentially after Jesus was the fulfillment of the wave sheaf offering.
Continuing:
Verse 10: and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.
We need Jesus in us to be complete. Again we see a reference to God's hierarchical goverance.
Jesus also said:
5 I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)
Chapter 2, Verse 11:
Verse 11: In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ,
Now, women cannot be physically circumsized like men, nor were many, if any, of the Gentile Colossians physically circumsized. But Paul is writing that the brethren--which included women--were spiritually circumsized once they became part of the church.
Next verse:
Verse 12: buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.
So, baptism is essentially symbolic of death of our old self, to be raised anew in Christ. The Father raised Jesus from the dead, and we were symbolically raised from being dead spiritually via baptism. Christians will be raised from the dead physically and changed to spirt at the first resurrection (1 Corinthians 15). More on baptism can be found in the free online book: About Baptism.
Continuing in chapter 2:
Verse 13: And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses,
Yes, Christians are really forgiven of ALL our tresspasses, which means all of our sins.
Next verse:
Verse 14: having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.
The word cross is a mistranslation. The word in koine Greek σταυρῷ (staurō) means a stake.
That said, many false ministers, particulary of the Protestant ilk, wrongly teach that this verse supports the idea that Christians do not have strive to keep the Ten Commandments. Yet, Jesus said:
21 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' 23 And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!' (Matthew 7:21-23)
Early Christians, unlike certain Protestant preachers, taught that the Ten Commandments were still to be kept. See also the free book: The Ten Commandments: The Decalogue, Christianity, and the Beast. Related to the above passage in Colossians, that book also has the following:
It was the handwriting of requirements that were “nailed to the cross.” Which requirements were wiped out?
It appears that two ‘requirements’ were wiped out. One would be the requirements of the Levitical priesthood (Hebrews 9:1,6-10).
And why?
4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins ... 10 By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus once for all. (Hebrews 10:4,10)
The other (which is related) would be the death penalty, as “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23) or other specific ceremonial penalties associated with the Old Testament statutes (such as making a sin offering or washing).
Please understand that the expression "the handwriting of requirements" (cheirógrafon toís dógmasin) is a Greek legal expression that signifies the penalty which a lawbreaker had to pay--it does not signify the laws that are to be obeyed--only the penalty. It is only through the acceptance of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ that the penalty was wiped out ("the handwriting of requirements"). But only the penalty, not the law!
Even Protestant commentators realize this. Notice what Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible states about Colossians 2:14:
Whatever was in force against us is taken out of the way. He has obtained for us a legal discharge from the hand-writing of ordinances, which was against us (v. 14), which may be understood,
1. Of that obligation to punishment in which consists the guilt of sin. The curse of the law is the hand-writing against us, like the hand-writing on Belshazzar's wall. Cursed is every one who continues not in every thing. This was a hand-writing which was against us, and contrary to us; for it threatened our eternal ruin. This was removed when he redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us, Gal 3:13. (Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition, 1991)
Some will argue that you still cannot keep the Ten Commandments (for “all have sinned”), even if they are all mentioned as being in effect after the crucifixion. Does this mean one should not try?
Furthermore, let's look at another translation:
14 having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross (Colossians 2:14, NASB)
The handwriting of requirements (often also called the hand-writing of ordinances) or certificate of debt was wiped away and nailed to the cross.
16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the LORD: I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them. (Hebrews 10:16).
God’s laws should be a way of life written on our hearts.
If Christians were not to keep the Ten Commandments, the Apostle Paul would not, for example, have been inspired to write the following:
11 But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner — not even to eat with such a person. (1 Corinthians 5:11)
9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)
Christians are to keep the Ten Commandments and not accept someone as a real Christian who does not.
Let me add, that modern scholars realize that early Christians did believe that they were to strive to keep the Ten Commandments. There was no faith resembling modern Protestantism in the first or second century A.D. Protestantism was not part of "the faith once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3)--for detailed proof, see also the free online book: Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God Differs from Protestantism.
Now, chapter 2, verses 15 & 16:
Verse 15: Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.
Verse 16: So let no
one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new
moon or sabbaths,
The late Pastor General of the old Worldwide Church of God, Herbert W. Armstrong commented about this:
THE SABBATH QUESTION
Now,
I had proved that God exists. I had disposed of evolution, but I hadn't yet
disposed of this Sabbath question. And I was reading everything that the
Methodists and other people had for Sunday and against the Sabbath. Of course,
I was reading what Seventh Adventists had and what the Sardis Era of the Church
of God had about the Sabbath; but I wasn't believing what they said,
necessarily. I was only using that as a guide to what was in the Bible, and to
see whether they had that correct; but the main point was what does the Bible
say? And I had finally come to the place where I was just about to accept the
Sabbath. And that meant 'eating crow' to me because, in a dispute as intense as
this was, a man doesn't like to admit that his wife was right and he was wrong.
But I was just about to accept it, and then I came across a booklet written by
a dissenter from the Seventh Day Adventist church.
Now they have
had dissenters from their church, just the same as we have. And here was a
dissenter who had written something to try to prove that the Adventists were
wrong about the Sabbath. And he had in this book, had gone through all of the
passages in the Bible where the Sabbath, the monthly new moons, and the annual
holy days were mentioned. And they are mentioned many times—all three of those
mentioned together.
Then he came to Colossians 2:14 and 16.
And he said, "Don't you see? There they are, and they are from the Old
Testament; and that does away with the Sabbath!" And I told my wife, I
said, "Well, I was just about to accept the Sabbath; but," I said,
"this knocks it all on the head. This is a former Seventh Day Adventist.
And this shows that those days are done away. And it includes the weekly
Sabbath as well. It says these holy days and new moons are all done away, and
that means the Sabbath is done away with it."
And my wife
was worried sick. When I told her that, she didn't sleep that night. She prayed
all night long. And in the morning, by the time I awakened in the morning, she
told me to go back to the library. And she said, "I want ask you one
thing. I want you to do this, before you make a final decision. I want you to
go through Colossians 2:16,
and look up every single word in the original Greek language and get the
meaning; and you will see." She said, "God has shown me through the
night {perhaps a dream?}, and I know that there is a word there that has been mistranslated; and
when you get that straightened out, it does not do away with the day."
"Well,"
I said, "I can't believe that; but I'll certainly go down and look up
these words in the original Greek language." So, I got a Greek text; and I
took the words, one by one. And I looked up each Greek word in the lexicon,
which gives the definition in the English language of each Greek word. And I
finally came to a word 'respect.' Now I want to take time to show you what it
was, so I have asked Aaron Dean to come out and read the text. I can't bring a
Bible and read it to you. Aaron?
[Aaron Dean]
"Yes, Sir."
You're there.
Will you read Colossians 2:14 first? Colossians 2:14 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. A
handwriting of ordinances, now nailing it to the cross. The idea was that all
this is nailed to the cross; and that meant that the Sabbath was nailed to the
cross, and the holy days. Now it says in that verse, "handwriting of
ordinances." Well, I thought it meant this—what Moses had, and that
included the Sabbath and everything. Now
verse 16, if you will read it. Colossians 2:16 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. Now,
I get an echo over here. I didn't hear every word of it, but I know it pretty
well by heart. It talks about in respect of a holy new… Let's see. What is
it—the Sabbath, holy day, and new moon?
The holy day,
new moon, and the Sabbath. Now, I'd already read this. And you see, that is
what got me because verse 14 talked about nailing to the cross; and in verse 16
there was the holy day, the new moon, and the Sabbath day. And I said,
"That does away with the Sabbath." I said, "We know…" I
said, "even the Adventist's admit that the annual holy days are done away
with. They don't observe these annual Sabbaths."
So I went to
the library, and I came to the word 'respect'. I looked up every word in Colossians 2:16. And I saw that the word for
'respect'—the original Greek word is m-e-r-e-i
; and it means part, parcel, portion, or observance of. And I looked further
into commentaries, and I'd looked up in different lexicons; and one lexicon
said that one definition of m-e-r-e-i
is sacrificial meat observance. Sacrificial meat observance.
When I saw
that the days weren't being done
away with, but that the sacrificial meat offerings on the days were done away
with (and only the physical things, but not the spiritual things); then I said,
"Then the days are not nailed to the cross. The days are not done away
with." And I said to my wife, "That means you're not keeping enough
of the Sabbath. You're only keeping the weekly Sabbaths, and we've got to keep
the annual Sabbaths as well." And she was overjoyed! She could see it
right away [Laughter]; because now I could see the Sabbath, and I could see
that it meant the annual Sabbaths as well.
[More info
from another sermon]
Such
arguments as "the annual Sabbaths are part of the law of Moses," or
"they offered sacrifices on the annual Sabbaths," or "Colossians 2:16 does
away with the annual Sabbaths," are not scriptural.
For the
annual Sabbaths were not part of the law of Moses,
but
were observed
before the ritualistic ordinances contained in the law of Moses were given.
Sacrifices were offered on the weekly Sabbath, but this does not do away with
the Sabbath. In fact, sacrifices were offered
on every day of the year (Num. 28:3
Colossians 2:16 refers, not alone to the annual Sabbaths, but to the annual days, the monthly new moons, and the weekly Sabbath. Whenever the Bible uses the expression "sabbath days" with new moons and holy days, it is referring to the weekly Sabbath days, the new moons and the annual holy days or feast days. The "sabbath days" of Colossians 2:16 refers to the weekly Sabbath. Compare I Chron. 23:31 with II Chron. 2:4, 31:3
; Ezra 3:5; Neh. 10:33; Ezek. 46:3. If Colossians does away with the one, it also abolishes the other.
Colossians 2:16 was
written as a warning to the Gentile Christians at Colosse to protect them from
false teachers — teachers who were subtly perverting the message Paul taught.
Notice what Paul wrote: "Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in
drink [margin — for eating or drinking], or in respect [any part or portion
connected with the observance] of an
holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days" (Col. 2:16).
The original
Greek in verse 16 for "meat, or in drink" — en
broosei
and en
posei
— means "in eating and in drinking."
There is no
mention of the abolition of God's Law or His holy days. Nothing is done away in
these verses. In fact, it is just the opposite. The very criticism the Colossians were
receiving about their observance of these days proves they were keeping them.
How could they be criticized "with regard to" days they were not
keeping?
The
once-pagan Colossians never kept
these holy days of God before! They were heathen prior to conversion. Now that
they had learned the Gospel, they were keeping holy the days God made holy. And
Paul is warning them not to return to or be influenced by their old pagan ways
— the ways of those who hated God's Law and His festivals.
"Let no
man therefore judge you ..." (verse 16) in these matters, said Paul,
"but [rather] the body of Christ" (Col. 2:1, last part).
Next verse:
Verse 17: which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.
Let me expand on what Herbert Armstrong taught a little. Yes, there are mistranslations of passages such as Colossians 2:16-17. Here is what our free booklet, Should You Keep God's Holy Days or Demonic Holidays?, has about that:
Colossians 2:16-17
Probably, the most common portion of the Bible that is often cited as “proof” that the Sabbath and the biblical Holy Days are done away is Colossians 2:16-17. So, let's examine one slight mistranslation of 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 (Colossians 2:16-17, KJV).
The above translation is close, however, it added a word “is” (which is why the KJV translators put is in italics) that is not in the original Greek.
A truly literal translation would leave it out as it is not in there. Notice the Strong's Concordance numbers and related words for verse 17:
3739. 2076 ..4639... 3588... 3195....3588.. 1161 .......4983 9999 3588 5547
Which are a shadow of things to come; the. But..…. body ............ of… Christ.It should be noted that 9999 means that there was no word in the biblical text—the word “is” is not in this scripture.
Because the same three Strong's words (#4983, 3588, & 5547) are used four other times in the New Testament and in those times the KJV translates them as "body of Christ" (Romans 7:4; 1 Corinthians 10:16; 1 Corinthians 12:27; Ephesians 4:12)--as does the NKJV—so should have the KJV.
Therefore, if those translators were simply consistent with themselves, they would have translated Colossians 2:16-17 to state (and included parentheses or commas):
16 Therefore let no man judge YOU in eating and drinking or in respect of a festival or of an observance of the new moon or of a sabbath 17 (for those things are a shadow of the things to come), but the body of Christ.
Or in other words, do not let those outside the ‘body of Christ’ (the church, Colossians 1:18) judge you regarding Holy Days, but only the true church itself. Colossians 2:16-17 is not saying that the Sabbath and Holy Days are done away.
Even the early Orthodox bishop Ambrose of Milan recognized that Colossians 2:17 was referring to the “body of Christ” as he wrote the following commenting on that verse:
Let us, then, seek the body of Christ...where the body of Christ is, there is the truth. (Ambrose of Milan. Book II. On the Belief in the Resurrection, section 107)
It is sad that modern translators of the Greek have often ignored what the expression really meant.
It is poor exegesis (biblical interpretation) to rely on a mistranslation to claim that the holy days are done away with.
And sadly, at least in the case of the NKJV translators, I believe there mistranslation was intentional!
Next, chapter 2, verse 18:
Verse 18: Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
Sadly, in the Greco-Roman Catholic, as well as in the Protestant churches, we have seen people who worship angels--though they do not call it worship of angels. Yet they pray to them.
If you raise objections, those who are improperly worshiping angels do tend to become vainly puffed up in their minds. Others get puffed up on various tangents and tend to believe that justifies them not supporting the church leading the Philadelphian portion of the Church of God in this century (see also The Philadelphia Church Era).
Continuing:
Verse 19: and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God.
The head is Christ, who leads the body. This is another hierarchical governance reference as well as one pointing to Christians being part of one body.
Chapter 2, verses 20, 21, and 22:
Verse 20: Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations—
Verse 21: “Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,”
Verse 22: which all concern things which perish with the using—according to the commandments and doctrines of men?
Well, while the Old Testament had various ordinances related to handling and touching, the Colossians were Gentiles. Traditions remain a problem among many today (see also Tradition and Scripture: From the Bible and Church Writings).
Hence this would perhaps be related to various pagan superstitions. Interestingly, after I wrote that, I saw that the Protestant commentary by Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown also had concluded that this was related to "superstitious prohibitions." These were not things like the Sabbath or the biblical holy days like some Protestant leaders try to suggest.
To conclude Colossians chapter 2:
Verse 23: These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.
They are of no real spiritual value and are to be avoided. Nor are they to be combined with biblical ones as the Apostle Paul wrote elsewhere:
20 Rather, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons. 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord's table and of the table of demons. 22 Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He? (1 Corinthians 10:20-22)
Do not deceive yourself that you can compromise with paganism and be fine.
Paul wanted to drive part of that home to those in Colossae.
Colossians, chapter 3,
First verse:
Verse 1: If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.
Paul is saying if you have been properly baptized, then we need to seek God's will and not be as caught up with physical matters.
He says that as well in the next verse:
Verse 2: Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
This is consistent with the words of Jesus that Matthew recorded:
31 "Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (Matthew 6:31-34)
Back to chapter 3 verse 3:
Verse 3: For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
The old self was to be buried in baptism, and now you have a new life in Jesus.
Continuing:
Verse 4: When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
Yes, that is a promise. It's a promise you can rely on.
Verse 5:
Verse 5: Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
No more pursuing the ways of sin. Including idolatry, which many who profess Christ still participate in.
Next verse:
Verse 6: Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience,
So, yes, that is a warning to not partake in various common sins.
Colossians 3, verse 7:
Verse 7: in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.
So, notice that yes, before conversion Christians have walked the wrong ways of the world.
Next verse:
Verse 8: But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.
So, Paul added another list. And yes, even from Christians there are improper bursts of anger, wratch, and even filthy language--but there should not be. More on language can be found in the article: THIRD COMMANDMENT: Words Matter.
Next:
Verse 9: Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds,
Yes, the ninth commandment applies to Christians. More on not lying can be found in the article: NINTH COMMANDMENT: For a Better World.
Continuing:
Verse 10: and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him,
Once baptized, we are to act and think more like Jesus than the world.
Verse 10:
Verse 11: where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.
Paul mentioned Scythians. Now, regarding the Scythians:
Central Asia enters history around the seventh century BC with the Scythians, a people described as having European morphological traits by both ancient Chinese and Herodotus. (Calafell F, et al. Genetics and Population History of Central Asia. In: Archaeogenetics: DNA and the population prehistory of Europe. Cambridge, 2000, p. 260)
Æschylus says “The Scythians governed by good laws”. Herodotus says, “Swine they never use, nor suffer them to be raised in their country at all”
(4:63). (Spencer MW. THE MISSING LINKS OR THE ANGLO-SAXONS, THE TEN TRIBES OF ISRAEL, Volume 1. Holliswood Press, 1901, pp. 179-180)
Let’s see another translation of Colossians 3:11:
11 Where there is neither Gentile nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian nor Scythian, bond nor free. But Christ is all, and in all. (Colossians 3:11, DRB)
The three comparisons above are making contrasts. First, with the Gentiles not being Jews (descendants of Judah), the circumcised vs. those not circumcised, and the Gentile barbarians not being Scythians. Many of the Scythians descended from Israel. The Scythians lived north of Judah, beyond the Euphrates river. More on them can be found in the free online book: Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America?
Paul's writing gives a biblical connection to the Scythians and Israelites.
Now to chapter 3, verse 12:
Verse 12: Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;
The elect of God are those called of God in this age. God is NOT calling everyone now. That should be obvious as throughout history, including in modern times, there have been billions who have never heard the true gospel. If you think God has or may be calling you, you may wish to check out our free online booklet, Is God Calling You?
Those not being called now will have their first real opportunity for salvation in the age to come, which occurs after the second resurrection. More on that can be found in our free online book: Universal OFFER of Salvation, Apokatastasis: Can God save the lost in an age to come? Hundreds of scriptures reveal God’s plan of salvation.
That said, notice that Christians are to be holy and put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, and longsuffering. This shows that there will be tests and difficulties that we will face.
Continuing to the next verse, Christians are also to be:
Verse 13: bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
Christians would not be asked to forgive one another if they always treated each other right. So, do not hold grudges against others, particularly other Christians. We are told we must forgive others.
Next:
Verse 14: But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.
You don't put on love like a set of clothers. You do it by sacrifice of your time, funds, interests, etc.
And yes, we are to strive for perfection.
Continuing:
Verse 15: And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
Yes, we should have the peace of God rule our hearts and be thankful. Paul also wrote the same type of thing to the Philippians:
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
Now, chapter 3, verse 16:
Verse 16: Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
You cannot let. "the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom" if you do not know what they are. In sermons, we have covered every verse of the New Testament that it shows that Jesus directly spoke. You can find those messages at the COGwriter.com home page.
As far as singing psalms and hymns, our songbook, The Bible Hymnal, is composed of psalms and hymns. In addition to English, we also have it available in other languages including Spanish language Himario Biblico, Kiswahili Nakala ya Nyimbo za Biblia, French LE LIVRE DES CANTIQUES BIBLIQUES and Serbian библијска песмарица.
Next:
Verse 17: And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him
Thankfulness is something that Paul kept telling Christians they need to have.
Do not sin by omission by not being thankful.
Verse 18:
Verse 18: Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
While some husbands have taken this out of context, they also need to remember the following that Paul also wrote:
21 submitting to one another in the fear of God. (Ephesians 5:21)
Next verse:
Verse 19: Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.
Love is what life's purpose is all about. Being married gives us opportunities to develop and show love in this age (see also The MYSTERY of GOD’s PLAN: Why Did God Create Anything? Why Did God Make You?).
More on marriage can be found in the article: Making Your Marriage Work.
Next:
Verse 20: Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord.
It is also consistent with the fifth commandment. See also the article: FIFTH COMMANDMENT: Honor and Be Honorable.
Parents, of course, are to strive to be honorable.
Continuing Paul tells fathers:
Verse 21: Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.
So, no, we should not discourage our children, but take steps to encourage them.
Verse 22:
Verse 22: Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God.
Yes, we are to work for our employers even when no one is watching.
Next verse:
Verse 23: And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,
We are not just serving our employer, but God, if we work as we should or raise our families as we should.
Continuing:
Verse 24: knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
And yes, we will be rewarded by God. Have faith that God sees all that you do and will reward His faithful servants.
Last verse of Colossians, chapter 3
Verse 25: But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality.
Yes, God will also punish. So, strive not to do wrong.
Colossians, chapter 4,
First verse:
Verse 1: Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.
Yes, employers are also supposed to be fair and not cheat or take advantage of their employees.
Next:
Verse 2: Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;
All Christians are to pray earnestly. We have a free online booklet on that: Prayer: What Does the Bible Teach?
But again, Paul brings up giving thanks.
Verse 3:
Verse 3: meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains,
So, Paul, while a prisoner in Rome is saying that Christians should pray so another door would be open to speak the word of God and the mystery of Christ.
Next verse:
Verse 4: that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
Brethren, please also pray that I, as well as other CCOG speakers, will speak as we ought to speak.
Verse 5:
Verse 5: Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.
Yes, we are to live and walk in wisdom, not just around other Christians, but around others as well. Redeem the time--make good use of your time.
Continuing in chapter 4:
Verse 6: Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
Not only should be always speak with grace, we also need to have the knowledge of how to talk and answer questions.
As the Apostle Peter wrote:
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: (1 Peter 3:15, KJV)
And while that ability is needed in all ages, notice the following end time prophecy:
32 ... the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action. (Daniel 11:32, ESV)
33 And those of the people who understand shall instruct many; (Daniel 11:33)
The old Radio Church of God taught:
Daniel prophesied: "The people that do KNOW their God shall be strong, and do exploits" (Dan. 11:32). Such a statement could refer only to God's people. Now notice what follows: "And they THAT UNDERSTAND among the people shall instruct many; yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days" (verse 33). Here is a very brief summary of how God's Church has been persecuted down through the centuries.
Some commentators has incorrectly applied this to the Jews. But it could not refer to the Jewish people of our day! The Jews do not KNOW their God, nor do they UNDERSTAND, nor do they instruct many in the ways of God.
This prophecy concerns GOD'S CHURCH. (Neff L. Beware of False Brethren! Good News, January 1960)
Others have also taught it:
Dan. 11:32-33
"Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits. [God grant that we will be such faithful people of God.] And those of the people who understand shall instruct many; yet for many days they shall fall by sword and flame, by captivity and plundering."
God's people will be persecuted but will warn the world. They will do a mighty work at the time of the end, just at the time when this great false leader will come in and place the abomination of desolation
(Meredith RC. Gospel of Matthew--Program 27, Bible Study https://members.lcg.org/bible-studies/gospel-matthew-program-27).
Sadly, many have forgotten this prophecy--or at least what to do about it--even though it is to be fulfilled within the next decade or so.
Isaiah teaches that God's people are to be His witnesses:
10 "You are My witnesses," says the Lord, (Isaiah 43:10a)
29. But Peter and the apostles answered and said, We are obligated to obey God rather than men. 30. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus Whom you killed by hanging Him on a tree. 31. Him has God exalted by His right hand to be a Prince and Savior, to give repentance and remission of sins to Israel. 32. And we are His witnesses of these things, as is also the Holy Spirit, which God has given to those who obey Him. (Acts 5:29-32, A Faithful Version)
How can Philadelphian Christians be witnesses, take action, and instruct many if they are not prepared? See also the article: Preparing for the 'Short Work' and The Famine of the Word.
Now to Colossians 4, verses 7 and 8:
Verse 7: Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me.
Verse 8: I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts,
Paul wanted the Christians comforted as many likely worried about Paul being imprisoned.
Next verses:
Verse 9: with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you all things which are happening here.
Verse 10: Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him),
Verse 11: and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision; they have proved to be a comfort to me.
So, Paul calls his companions "fellow workers for the kingdom of God" who also comforted him. He also was pointing out that few of his countrymen were with him. We in the CCOG often get criticized that not a huge amount of Americans are with us.
Next verse:
Verse 12: Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
He commended one who is fervent in prayers for them. Please strive to be fervent in prayers for others.
Chapter 4, verse 13:
Verse 13: For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.
Laodicea and Hierapolic were nearby and had believers.
Next verse:
Verse 14: Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you.
Luke is called the beloved physican. He would have been some type of naturopath. Apparently, he helped them with various ailments, so that might be a reason to refer to Luke as "the beloved physican."
Continuing:
Verse 15: Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas and the church that is in his house.
Yes, they also had house churches back then.
Chapter 4, verse 16:
Verse 16: Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.
So, we see that the messages in Colossians were also for others, like those in the church in the church of the Laodiceans. It is now, of course, part of the New Testament.
Next verse:
Verse 17: And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.”
Yes, those appointed to the ministry need to take heed to that call and fulfill it.
In our case, hence the CCOG.
The book of Colossians ends with:
Verse 18: This salutation by my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.
So, we see that Paul signed the letter.
Then reminded people to pray for him as he was a prisoner.
We are to be faithful to God and His government in the Church.
The Book of Colossians DOES NOT do away with the Sabbath or Holy Days as some who have relied on mistranslations wish to believe.
Jesus kept those days.
We are to strive to have Jesus live His life in us.
Philadelphian Christians are to love and bear fruit.
The Apostle Paul closes with may grace be with them.
May grace be to all of you as well.
Here is a link to a related sermon: Book of Colossians.
Thiel B. Book of Colossians. COGwriter (c) 2024 https://www.cogwriter.com/Colossians.htm