Colossians 2:16-23
Read Colossians 2:16-23
Helpful Background Information:
Historical background of Colossians: The Apostle Paul likely wrote Colossians anywhere between 60 and 62 A.D. while he was a prisoner in Rome. Colossae was a small yet well-known city in what is now modern-day western Turkey. Although Colossae’s population was mainly Gentile, there was a large Jewish presence; hence, the church in the city was likely a good mix of Jew and Gentile. This is reflected in the letter, where Paul combats the heresies of Jewish legalism (the view that a person needs to keep dietary restrictions, Old Testament festivals, etc.) and Gentile mysticism (such as angel worship and worldly philosophies).
In Colossians 2:16-23, Paul begins by stating “therefore”. Before our passage, in verses 2:10-15, Paul has stressed that we have spiritual fullness in Christ. Jesus took our sins on the cross, and we have been raised in new life with him. Because it’s in Christ that we have spiritual fullness, Paul is saying, do not let anyone impose upon us spiritual guidelines or requirements that do not have Christ at their heart. Legalism, or the idea that keeping rules is the grounds for our acceptance with God, is powerless to save or to restrain sin - and is ultimately a rejection of the work of Christ. Paul then names specific practices the false teachers were promoting. The point is this: Jesus Christ is sufficient for salvation, and believers must not be judged by external observances of Old Testament regulations (of which were pointing forward to Christ anyway) or useless strict-living practices. Christians obey God’s law not to earn His favor, but because His grace enables us to do so through our union with Christ.
Reflection Questions:
Reread Colossians 2:16-23, and then go back and read Mark 7:1-23. What similarities do you notice between Christ’s criticism and the Pharisees and Paul’s criticism of the false teachers in Colossae? What are the main points they are making? How does this change your view and understanding of the Christian life?
How do you distinguish between properly obeying God’s laws and commands in Scripture versus the false teaching of legalism? (If you need help answering, read John 14:15, Romans 6:17, Ephesians 2:8-10, and 1 John 5:3)
Take a moment to reflect: Are you resting in Christ’s finished work for your acceptance with God, or striving to add something to it? What might "resting in Christ" look like for you this week?