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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE LETTER TO THE COLOSSIANS

CHAPTER TWO:
“BEWARE WORLDLY WISDOM!”

[“Philosophical Warnings”]
Key Word: Wisdom
Theme Verse: 8

Colossians 2:1-5 – Purpose of Paul’s Suffering

CO2:1 Now I want all of you to realize how great was my agony in your behalf 54 - as well as for those in Laodicea 55 and all others who have not seen me face to face 56 in the flesh -

54	My agony: Or, conflict, fighting, strenuous, anxiety, struggle, efforts. [Philippians 1:30] The Greek is AGONA. Compare Luke 13:24 and AGONIZESTHE

55	Laodicea: Compare Colossians 4:13, 15, 16. About three decades later Laodicea is to be blessed by a Christine epistle from the Heavenly Master, Jesus Christ. [Revelation 1:11; 3:14] Both Tacitus and Josephus mention this prosperous city of Asia Minor.

56	Face to face: The only congregations to whom Paul wrote letters without ever visiting them. Despite this he has deep concern for them and their particular problem. Compare Acts 20:38.

CO2:2 so that their hearts might be comforted 57 as they are all united together in a way of compassionate affection 58 – to experience the riches of a total comprehension 59 and complete knowledge of God’s mystery 60 [fulfilled] in Christ.

57	Comforted: Or, encouraged, cheered, braced. Paul mentions the heart(s) also at Colossians 3:15, 16, 22; 4:8.

58	Compassionate affection: Or, loving way, bound, welded, united; MOF: may learn the meaning of love. [Colossians 3:14] Compare Ephesians 4:15, 16. The Greek AGAPE in NCMM is also rendered by compassionate affection, benevolent empathy, loving concern, prefer and love.

59	Total comprehension: Or, firm conviction, more certain, full wealth of. This is the opposite of those uncertain “winds” of teaching and doctrine that may blow through a church. [Ephesians 4:14, 15]

60	Mystery: Paul uses the word “mystery” three more times at Colossians 1:26, 27; 4:3. MYSTERION was a Gnostic buzzword. See notes on Colossians 1:26. God’s “mystery” [or, sacred secret] involves His purpose regarding Christ and such involves even the Apocalypse. [Revelation 10:7]

CO2:3 It is in [Christ] that all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge 61 are hidden away.

61

Hidden away: Paul wrote to the Corinthians that Christ was “the wisdom of The God.” [1 Corinthians 1:22, 30] Paul uses “wisdom” most often in 1 Corinthians. Compare also Colossians 1:9, 28; 2:23; 3:16; 4:3. Paul does not mean Christ is all-knowing for even the Son admits he is not. [Matthew 24:36] Jesus confessed that he only knew as a result of the Father. [John 5-7] Note Revelation 1:1. It is possible Paul alludes to Proverbs 8:22-30. See Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes on Proverbs 8:22-30 in NCMM rendering.

CO2:4 The reason I say this is so that no one may delude you with persuasive statements. 62

62	Persuasive statements: Or, arguments, mislead, plausible discourse, high-flown talk. Compare Ephesians 4:14, 15; 1 John 4:1, 2. Here lies that “apostasy already at work.” [2 Thessalonians 2:3ff]

CO2:5 For even though I am bodily absent I am still with you in spirit. I continue to rejoice in your proper alignment 63 and in your firm conviction in Christ. 64

63	Proper alignment: Or, good order, discipline, steadiness, harmony. The Greek is TAXIN and literally means “line-up.” Compare 1 Corinthians 14:40.

64	Firm conviction: Or, faith, steadfastness, steadiness, solid front, solidity, unbroken front. Refer back to Colossians 1:23.

Colossians 2:6-7 – Rooted in Christ

CO2:6 So now just as you accepted 65 Christ Jesus as [your] Master, so continue to walk with him. 66

65

Accepted Christ as your Master: Or, accepted, trusted. Compare John 1:12, 13. That is, becoming his disciple by learning his doctrine and then forming a conviction concerning Christ. [Matthew 16:24] The word “Master” is from the same word as “Lord” [or, sir]. “Lord” in English means keeper of the bread, while “Master” may refer to a teacher.

66

Walk in him: That is, “Your lifestyle and daily conduct must reflect Christ.” Or, walk about. GDS: live in vital union with. The Greek is PERIPATEITE [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #4043, walk around, live, follow, deport oneself] which is literally “continue walking”. This is an interesting choice of a word. The English word peripatetic is defined as “1. A follower of Aristotle, who walked about while teaching.” Here is a subtle warning against such Greek philosophy with its “worship of demons” [Acts 17:22; 1 Corinthians 10:20, 21] including and Aristotle’s trinity. [See On the Heavens.] For details on Aristotle and the Trinity search his name in Error of the Trinity in Nazarene Commentary 2000©. It is interesting that the Nazarene also taught while walking about.

CO2:7 Remain planted in him – built up in him 67 – and steady in the Faith 68 - just as all of you were taught – overflowing in thanksgiving. 69

67	Remain planted in him: That is, “Your firm stance must be rooted deeply in the foundation of Christ.” Or, RHM: sure in your faith; TAY: let your roots grow down into him. [Colossians 1:23; Ephesians 3:17] “In him” [Christ] as opposed to the Greek Aristotle. [Compare John 15:1ff]

68	Steady in the Faith: See Colossians 1:23. It is not enough to have a mere passing acquaintance with Christ. The true disciple of the Nazarene becomes truly rooted in him. The fundamental in this is learning as the following phrase shows.

69	Overflowing in thanksgiving: Or, KNX: overflowing with gratitude. Never should these blessings be taken for granted. The Christian can never thank God enough for what He has done by Christ.

Colossians 2:8-12 – Beware Worldly Philosophy

CO2:8 Be alert so that no one takes you captive 70 and carries you away like spoil through philosophy 71 and hollow seduction. 72 That is, something in accordance with human tradition 73 or cosmic elemental principles 74 and not in harmony with Christ. 75

70	Captive: Or, spoil, carry off, getting hold of. [Hebrews 13:9]

71	Philosophy: Or, MOF: theosophy; PME: intellectualism; NEB: delusive speculations. Having alluded to Aristotle above, Paul means Greek philosophy in particular. [1 Corinthians 2:13] The Greek is PHILO-SOPHIAS [love + wisdom].

72

Hollow seduction: Or, hollow sham, idle fancies, make-believe, empty phantasies, high-sounding nonsense, delusive speculations, empty seduction. [Ephesians 4:14, 15; 5:6] Most inspired epistles warn of the coming of false teachers just as the Nazarene foretold. [Matthew 24:4, 24; compare 2 Thessalonians 2:1ff; 2 Peter 2:1ff; 1 John 4:1ff; and, the letter of Jude] The modern Church in the 3rd Millennium is filled with such persons who continue to “twist the Scriptures.” [2 Peter 3:16] There are thousands on the World Wide Web.

73	Human tradition: Or, tradition of men. An echo of Matthew 15:9. Such “traditions of men” or man-made doctrine can result in vain worship. [Isaiah 29:13] From the Egyptians, the Greeks developed such doctrines as hell-fire, soul immortality, and the Trinity – none of which are taught in the Bible.

74

Cosmic elemental principles: Or, KJV: rudiments of the world; RHM: first principles of the world; GDS: material ways of looking at things; NOR: he may set forth some human tradition, or some theory about the nature of the universe. The phrase “elemental spirits” is from the Greek STOICHEIA [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #4747] and literally is “elementary things.” This is also an allusion to the Stoic philosophers. [Compare Acts 17:18] The Stoics believed matter and force were the elementary principles of a wholly material world, with out a personal God. They believed the soul was the result of an impersonal deity. They were naturalists who sought happiness as the highest virtue. Ultimately their souls would be reabsorbed by the deity or be destroyed with the Universe. They rejected the idea of a resurrection. One does not have to think long before identifying similar thinking in the modern world – a mixture of Darwin and Sartre and evolutionary existentialist. One also sees modern attempts to mix Hinduism [and Buddhism] in a Taoist philosophy of the Universe.

75

Not in harmony with Christ: A disciple of Christ, or Friend of the Nazarene, is a learner of Jesus Christ, their master and teacher. There is a serious danger that modern disciples may spend more time on the doctrines of men rather than the teachings of Jesus. If disciple must ask, “Where did I learn this? Did I learn it myself by Bible study? Or, is it something I have automatically assumed because I was raised this way?”

CO2:9 Because in [Christ] is the indwelling of the embodiment 76 of complete divinity.

76

The indwelling of the embodiment of complete divinity: That is, “there dwells in Christ perfect godhood.” A phrase much manipulated by modern trinitarian Egyptians and Greeks. Or, KJV: all the fulness of The Godhead bodily; TCN: for in Christ The Godhead in all its fulness dwells incarnate. One can see the trinitarian bias in such renderings. Compare PME: Yet it is in him that God gives a full and complete expression of himself (within the physical limits that he set in Christ himself). The Greek is THEOTETOS [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #2320, divinity, godhead]. The word “godhead” has been put through a trinitarian filter. Examine the original meaning in a dictionary. For details see Colossians 2:9 in Error of the Trinity in Nazarene Commentary 2000©. The meaning is likely, “because in [Christ] is the indwelling of the embodiment of complete divinity.” [See notes on John 1:1 in Nazarene Commentary 2000©.] Paul means – not Christ “in the days of his flesh” – but presently in his glorified state. When on earth he was “made less than (a) god.” [Psalm 8:5; Hebrews 2:5-10]

CO2:10 And all of you have life’s complete fulfillment in union with him 77 – the One who is the Head of all government and authority. 78

77

Complete fulfillment in union with him: That is, “total fulfillment is found only in Christ.” Or, complete, filled full. The word “fullness” is from another popular philosophical word – PLEROMA [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #4138, to fill up]. Life is not in the Universe, but originates from Christ. [Compare John 1:3, 4; 5:26]

78

Head of all government: Compare a parallel at Ephesians 1:19-22. Paul does not mean absolute authority equal with that of The God for Jesus states his authority was received from another. [Matthew 28:18, 19] Compare 1 Corinthians 15:27. [1 Peter 3:22] Christ is not the head of God, but rather God is the head of Christ. See Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes on 1 Corinthians 11:3.

CO2:11 It is in union with him all of you were also circumcised with a non-human circumcision, 79 by stripping off the flesh 80 in Christ’s circumcision. 81

79

Non-human circumcision: That is, “a circumcision not performed by human hands.” The introduction of this subject indicates another force at work – the Judaizers. See Acts 15:1, 2. Read the letter to the Galatians for details on this subject. These were a strong Jewish influence wishing the Church to remain under the Law of Moses. Compare notes on Romans 2:28, 29 in Nazarene Commentary 2000©. [Philippians 3:3] The expression “without hands” means a spiritual or divine source, not of human creation.

80	Stripping off the flesh: Compare notes on Romans 6:6. [Colossians 3:1, 2] See Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes on Galatians 5:24 and the surround context.

81	Christ’s circumcision: Or, Christian circumcision. Circumcision was a “sign” regarding the Abrahamic covenant promise. The Christian circumcision is a sign of the New Covenant heavenly promise.

CO2:12 Also, all of you were all together buried with him in baptism 82 and then also raised up together with him by means of your deep conviction 83 through God’s inner operation 84 – the One who raised [Christ] from among the dead. 85

82	Buried with him in baptism: Or, his baptism. See Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes on Romans 6:4. Here the language is similar to Ephesians 2:1, 2.

83	You were also raised with him by your deep conviction: The Nazarene is the source of the teaching about a spiritual resurrection at John 5:24-26. See Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes on 1 John 3:14. [Ephesians 2:1, 2]

84

Inner operation: Or, The God’s inworking; the inworking of The God. [Ephesians 1:19] The Greek is ENERGEIAS TOU THEOU – Divine Energy, God’s inner energy. Faith or conviction is the result of divine energy working within the heart and mind of the believer. This results from meditative study of God’s Word where His mind is revealed.

85	Who raised him from among the dead: The parallel is in Ephesians 1:19. The Christian Bible makes clear that The God resurrected Jesus. [Acts 2:24] The same power or energy that raised Jesus from the dead operates within the Christian believer.

Colossians 2:13-15 – Triumphant Living!

CO2:13 And all of you who were dead in your short-comings – and your fleshly uncircumcision – God made alive together 86 with [Christ], graciously forgiving all of your shortcomings. 87

86	God made alive together with Christ: That is, “when God raised Christ all of you were raised with him.” The parallel is Ephesians 2:1-7.

87	Forgiving all your shortcomings: Or, trespasses, sins. This spiritual resurrection occurs upon the justification and regeneration of the Nazarene disciple. Baptism is also involved. [Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:19] Compare notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000© of Romans and the word justification.

CO2:14 [God] wiped out those handwritten regulations 88 that worked against us. He removed it out of the way 89 by nailing it to the stake. 90

88

Handwritten regulations: Or, KJV: blotting out the handwriting of ordinances. If we parallel this against Ephesians 2:11-15 this phrase in Colossians refers to the Mosaic Law of Ten Commandments and 600 other laws. Paul’s use of “us” shows he is speaking to Christian Jews. Even so, the non-Jews, or Gentiles, also were affected by this “bond” which “stood against” them as Ephesians 2 shows. The Greek is literally referring to a “handwritten” law. Compare Exodus 34:27; Deuteronomy 31:24; Hebrews 7:18.

89	Removed it: Or, annulled, set aside, destroyed. By the execution of Christ on the Tree, The God abolished or annulled the Mosaic Law with its Ten Commandments and 600 other regulations. [See Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes on Romans 7:4.]

90	Nailing it to the stake: See Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes on Galatians 3:13. Messiah had to die on a stake [or, cross] and a tree in order to remove the curse that rested on the Jews. Paul’s metaphor sees the entire Law of Moses nailed with Christ to the executioner’s Tree.

CO2:15 Thus He stripped naked and exposed to the public 91 the [religious hierarchy of] governments and authorities, 92 boldly triumphing 93 over them in the process.

91

Exposed to the public: That is, “like captives paraded in public naked and exposed.” Or, open example, put them to open shame. The Jewish hierarchy with its chief priests, scribes, and elders – thinking they triumphed – were conquered. The entire suffering and execution of Messiah was an open spectacle as the Good News reveals.

92

Authorities: Though some think this means demonic powers, the context would seem to refer to Jewish authorities which rested on the Law of Moses. The “He” is God who has done the nailing, not of Christ, but of the Law on the Tree. A striking symbol of this was the ripping of the Temple curtain at the time of Christ’s death. [Matthew 27:51] Later, the destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem in fulfillment of the prophet. [Daniel 9:25-27; Matthew 24:1, 2] The original curse pronounced by Moses on Israel was fulfilled upon a disobedient nation as a whole. [Deuteronomy chapter 28] It has continued to the present time, though individual Jews have flocked to Christ in the hundreds of thousands.

93	Triumphing: Compare 2 Corinthians 2:14.

Colossians 2:16-19 – Let None Judge You Unworthy

CO2:16 As a result of this do not let anyone criticize you 94 with regard to what you eat and drink, 95 or with regard to a festival or a new moon or sabbaths. 96

94	Criticize you: That is, “make judgments against you.” Or, judge, condemn, take you to task. Paul’s meaning is not to let the judgment or criticism of others affect or influence you regarding the subjects he now mentions. Compare similar language in Romans 14:1ff.

95

Eat and drink: Likely Jewish criticism regarding kosher foods. [Romans 14:17] By “drink” he does not mean water. Our Master did “drink” wine and was criticized for it. [Matthew 11:18, 19] It is unfortunate that modern puritanical Pharisees continue to judge other Christians who feel at liberty to drink alcoholic beverages. [Proverbs 3:10; 31:6, 7] Even at the beginning of the 3rd Millennium some Christian groups refuse to eat certain meats in obedience to the dietary laws of Moses. [1 Timothy 4:1-3]

96

A festival or a new moon or sabbaths: These were Jewish observances which the Christians were no longer bound to observe. Jewish influences mentioned earlier would bring judgments on these disciples because of not observing them. As in the case above, Christians were not to allow Jewish critics to condemn them for no longer observing such, including the Sabbath. For details on the Sabbath commandment see the Biblical article on the subject in Nazarene Commentary 2000©. [Romans 14:6; Galatians 4:10]

CO2:17 All of these are mere shadows 97 of future things, but the framework belongs to Christ. 98

97	Shadows: Certain features of the law were types or mere shadows of certain Christian realities. [See Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes on Hebrews 8:5 and Hebrews 10:1.] They provided a “hazy outline” of future developments. [1 Corinthians 13:12]

98

The framework belongs to Christ: Or, reality. The Greek for “substance” here is actually SOMA which means “body.” So the verse ought to literally read: “but rather the body of the Christ.” This suggests something of a limitation of the law shadows with general regard to the Messiah. [Hebrews 9:11, 23]

CO2:18 So do not allow anyone deprive you of the Prize 99 – those who insist on self-mortification 100 and angel worship 101 – ‘taking his stand on his own visions’ 102 – puffed up by vanity in his fleshly mind, 103

99	Deprive you: Or, deprive, rob, lay down rules for you, defraud, cheat, disqualified. If we allow the criticisms of others to direct our path we will deviate from Christ. Ignore such persons. [Romans 16:18] NJB ftn: “Do not let anyone give himself the pleasure of condemning you.”

100

Self-mortification: Or, voluntary humiliation, fasting, self-mortification, self-humiliation, a fake humility. It is a feature or characteristic of some religious orders to portray themselves in a form of mock humility. Compare the Nazarene’s teachings on such things at Matthew 6:1ff. The Expositor’s Bible: “A man who knows that he is humble, and is self-complacent about it, glancing out of the corners of his downcast eyes at any mirror where he can see himself, is not humble at all.”

101

Angel worship: Or, MOF: cult of angels; NEB: angel-worship. There are several views. It is possible Paul refers to a local angel cult among Jews or pagans. It is historically reported that angel worship was a reality in this particular area. In more modern times both the western and eastern Catholic Church adored angels. Compare a quote from the New Catholic Encyclopedia: “encourages the faithful to love, respect, and invoke the angels”… [encouraging] “Masses and Divine Offices in honor of guardian angels.” [volume I, page 515] It is also possible Paul refers to those nature “spirits” of the Stoics.

102

Taking his stand on visions: Or, KJV: those things he has not seen; TCN: busies himself with his visions; KNX: stand on false visions; PME: inflated by an unspiritual imagination. There are several possibilities. Some see an allusion to the Stoics who believed in what they could see. Or, some teachers may have claimed certain visions. The modern Church has witnessed several major movements based on visions of their founders. [Ellen White, Mary Baker Eddy, Joseph Smith] Some feel “taking his stand on” is from certain pagan initiation mystery rites of pagan. Compare Paul’s condemnation of any angelic Gospel delivered to Christians. [Galatians 1:8]

103	Fleshly mind: Or, KJV: puffed up by his fleshly mind; TCN: without reason is rendered conceited by his merely human intellect; KNX: ill-founded confidence that comes from human speculation; BER: worldly mind. This would also seem to fit the Stoic philosophers.

CO2:19 and no longer clinging to the Head, 104 from whom the entire Body 105 is bonded together 106 by means of its joints and ligaments 107 – nourished and unified – and continuing to grow with the growth of God. 108

104

Clinging to the Head: Or, forgetting, fails to maintain union, cling to, keep his hold on. This seems to make it clear the above included Christian teachers attempting to introduce either Greek philosophy or Jewish traditions. [Ephesians 1:22] A disciple of Christ must be one who adheres to his teachings and sayings. This requires regular reading of the Gospels.

105	Entire body: See Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes on Ephesians 2:21 and Ephesians 4:16.

106	Bonded together: Or, draws full supply, strengthened, united, unified.

107	Through its joints and ligaments: Or, sinews. The Head directs and the joints with ligaments move. Some believe these joints and ligaments are the church elders and deacons. Compare the complete analogy in 1 Corinthians chapter 12.

108	Growth of God: Or, increase of God, godly growth, according to God’s design. Compare 1 Corinthians 3:7 and Ephesians 2:21, 22 and Ephesians 4:16. God must always be given the credit for Christian growth.

Colossians 2:20-23 – Dead to Stoicism

CO2:20 Now, if all of you died together with Christ regarding the elementary cosmic principles, 109 why do you still live a worldly life? 110 Why do you submit to rules 111 –

109

Cosmic principles: Or, worldly rudiments, first principles, worldly principles. [STOICHEION, Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #4747] Paul has in mind the corrupt Good News of the Gnostic Judaizers who wished to force the Church to continue in the “elemental spirits” of the Mosaic Law and that Jewish ritualism that grew up around it. Not only had the Jews added to the Law by a hundred-fold, but they had slowly become Grecianized by the philosophy of Plato, just as the Christian Church was later to experience. Compare notes on Galatians 4:3 and the word Judaizers in Galatians.

110

Worldly life: Or, KJV: rudiments of the world; RHM: the first principles of the world; CON: childish lessons of outward things; TCN: puerile teaching of; WEY: world’s rudimentary notions; GDS: material ways of looking at things; KNX: worldly principles. Like the Nazarene, Paul uses the world “world” with emphasis on that Jewish world. It could also be applied to that Greek world. Like the Galatians, the Colossians were plagued by troublesome Judaizers who wanted to keep the Church within the Jewish world.

111	Submit to rules: Or, ordinances, decrees, rules. Paul has in mind the multitude of Judaic regulations which resulted from the Law of Moses, further corrupted by Greek influence. [Ephesians 2:15] Compare Colossians 2:14.

CO2:21 do not touch, 112 do not taste, do not come in contact with –

112	Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch: As those in the Law of Moses, to which the Jews added even more. Examples are found in Leviticus 5:2; 7:13 and many more. Jesus disciples could not plucked grain on the Sabbath. A cripple could not pick up his cot on the Sabbath. Etc., etc., etc.

CO2:22 that is with reference to the use of perishable things 113 – according to human tradition and doctrines? 114 [Isaiah 29:13]

113	Perishable things: There may be an echo of the Nazarene here. [Matthew 15:17-20]

114

Human precepts and doctrines: Or, commandments, human instructions. Paul either alludes to Isaiah 29:13, or the Nazarene who also cites it. [Matthew 15:9] Religion, by its very nature, tends to pile law upon law, and rule upon rule, ever-expanding creeds and doctrines. The Jews were not alone in this. The very thing has been observed among Buddhism a well as Christianity. Some modern sects are known for their strict adherence to man-made rules that find little basis in the Bible.

CO2:23 Indeed, these statements appear to be wise in that they seem to promote ritual worship 115 as well as self-humiliation and an ascetic treatment of the body. 116 However, none of these succeed in fighting against fleshly gratification. 117

115	Ritual worship: One cannot but be impressed by religious men in their garb with all of the appearances of humility and piety. All religions are filled with them. The Jews were classic examples, as the high Christian Church later was also characterized.

116

Treatment of the body: Or, neglecting of the body, self-humiliation, so-called ‘humility’. Religious clergy are supposed to give the appearance of extreme humility and piety, manifest in simple garb, sleeping on wooden beds, remaining silent, taking oaths of celibacy, oaths of poverty, public self-sacrifices. Asceticism comes in many forms and almost always has self-righteous behind it, with a veneer hiding lofty pride and jealous ambition.

117	Gratification: Which is confirmed by examining the life-styles and moral character of those who appear the most religious. Secretly they indulge in immorality, homosexuality, and greed in its worst forms. Compare 2 Peter chapter 2.

Review Questions on Chapter Two

Summary of Chapter Two