January 26, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – Colossians Chapter 2
1 For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
4 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.
5 For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.
6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.
20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,
21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not;
22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
23 Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body: not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
Colossians Chapter 2 contains a stern warning from the Apostle Paul against heresies and false teachings that could jeopardize the foundation of faith in Christ. He urges the believers to remain rooted in Christ and not to be deceived by human philosophies, traditions, or apparent religiosity. Paul emphasizes that in Christ lie all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, and that the believers are complete in Him. This chapter serves as an appeal to hold firmly to the truth of the Gospel and to recognize life in Christ as a source of true freedom and redemption.
Commentary
This chapter demonstrates the Apostle Paul’s concern for the churches, particularly the Colossians and the Laodiceans. Paul describes his “struggle,” which consists of strengthening the believers in their faith and protecting them from deception. He makes it clear that true riches do not lie in human wisdom or tradition, but in Christ, in whom all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden.
A central theme is the warning against false teachings that rely on human philosophy and worldly traditions. Paul shows that these teachings often appear seductive but ultimately distract faith from the true source—Christ. He emphasizes that in Christ dwells the fullness of deity and that believers are made complete through their faith in Him. This demonstrates that Christians are not justified by external rites or laws, but solely through Christ.
Baptism is presented as a symbol of union with Christ: through it, the old self is buried, and a new life emerges, characterized by faith in the resurrection of Jesus. This concept highlights the liberating power of the Gospel—sins are forgiven in Christ, and believers are freed from all human regulations and constraints.
Another important point is the emphasis that no one should cause believers to feel guilty through rules or false piety. Paul criticizes the observance of dietary laws, festivals, and human regulations, which are often portrayed as necessary conditions for life with God. However, these things are merely a “shadow” of what has become reality in Christ.
Paul also warns against false humility and the worship of angels, which are marked by a fleshly mindset and pride. Such practices lead away from the head—Christ—who is the true source of spiritual growth. Paul urges the believers to hold firmly to Christ alone, who holds the body—the church—together and enables it to grow to divine stature.
The chapter concludes with an exhortation not to be dominated by worldly regulations that ultimately have no lasting value. These rules often possess only the “appearance of wisdom” and do not lead to true holiness. Instead, believers are to live in the freedom and abundance that Christ grants.
Summary
In Colossians Chapter 2, Paul warns believers against heretics who might undermine their faith in Christ through human wisdom, traditions, and apparent piety. He emphasizes that all wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ and that believers are made complete in Him. Paul reminds them that baptism symbolizes the new life in Christ, where sins are forgiven and worldly regulations are overcome. He criticizes rules that make believers feel guilty and urges them to hold firmly to Christ alone, who is the head of the church. This chapter is a call to remain rooted in faith in Christ and to enjoy the freedom that He provides through His sacrifice and resurrection.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | Steps to Christ
Chapter 2—The Sinner’s Need of Christ
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction
Chapter 2 vividly describes the state of humanity after the fall of man. It shows how humanity was separated from God and, in its weakness, incapable of freeing itself from the bondage of sin. Through disobedience, the originally noble capabilities of humans were corrupted, and selfishness replaced love. In this state, the dependence of humans on God’s grace and the necessity of redemption through Christ are emphasized. The chapter makes it clear that only through Christ is the restoration of the connection with God possible, as He is the sole mediator between heaven and earth.
Commentary
This chapter presents the profound truth that humanity is lost without divine intervention. The original state of man, characterized by holiness, love, and fellowship with God, was radically altered by the fall of man. Humanity lost its spiritual strength and became a prisoner of sin and Satan. This estrangement from God not only led to a lack of joy in holiness but also to a departure from fellowship with God. The idea that a sinner could not experience joy even in heaven, as their inclinations and motives are entirely opposed to heavenly ones, is particularly striking. This illustrates that redemption is not merely a legal act but an inner transformation of the heart.
A central element of the chapter is the recognition that humans, by their own power, are unable to escape sin. Education, moral efforts, or external rituals cannot change the heart. This highlights the absolute necessity of God’s intervention through Christ. The description of Christ serving as the mediator between heaven and earth, bridging the gap caused by sin, is a powerful metaphorical depiction of the work of redemption. This connection is restored through Christ, who links fallen humanity with the source of divine power.
Another significant point is the notion that all human efforts toward progress or moral refinement are futile without Christ. Humans can only achieve true holiness and fellowship with God through His grace. The section also demonstrates God’s love, manifested in the sacrifice of His Son. This love is stronger than death and reveals the highest price that God was willing to pay to redeem humanity.
Finally, the chapter earnestly appeals to the reader not to disregard God’s redemptive grace. It calls for the recognition of God’s patience and efforts to restore fallen humanity. The idea that stronger measures than the sacrifice of Jesus could not have been employed underscores the urgency and depth of divine love. The chapter urges believers to reciprocate this love, surrender their lives to Christ, and accept the offered fellowship with God.
Summary
Chapter 2 describes the lost state of humanity after the fall of man and its complete dependence on God’s grace for redemption. Humanity, which originally lived in holiness and fellowship with God, became estranged through sin and unable to free itself. The gap between God and man could only be bridged by Christ, the mediator, who restores the connection between heaven and earth and offers new life to humanity. The chapter emphasizes the necessity of an inner transformation through Christ’s grace and showcases the infinite love of God, revealed in the sacrifice of His Son. It calls the reader to accept this grace and fully surrender to God in order to receive the gift of redemption and return to fellowship with Him.
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