Colossians 2:23 NIV

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 2:20-23

The Christian's exemption from bondage to outwardness. "The rudiments of the world," of which our text speaks, are, according to Bishop Lightfoot, "the rudimentary, elementary, ordinances and discipline of the mundane sphere;" or, according to Conybeare, "the childish lessons of outward firings." Taking the two renderings together, does it not seem that Paul is rather speaking of the spirit of outward things, and not of outward things themselves—the spirit of outwardness as opposed to that... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 2:20-23

The worthlessness of unauthorized ceremonialism. The apostle here reverts to the ethical errors of the false teachers. Combining his teaching here and elsewhere respecting what he calls "the rudiments of the world," we learn the following truths:— I. " THE RUDIMENTS OF THE WORLD " WERE USEFUL IN THEIR OWN TIME AND PLACE . The difficult expression, "rudiments of the world," seems to mean elementary teaching on the religious life which was no part of the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 2:23

Such as have (literally, are ( things ) having ) word indeed of wisdom ( Colossians 2:4 , Colossians 2:8 ; 1 Corinthians 2:1 , 1 Corinthians 2:4 , 1 Corinthians 2:13 ; 1 Corinthians 12:8 ). The antecedent of "such as" is "command merits and teachings" (Meyer, Alford, Ellicott), not "decrees" ( Colossians 2:21 ). For Colossians 2:22 supplies the immediate antecedent, and the wider sense thus given is necessary to support the comprehensive and summary import of ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 2:23

The failure of asceticism. I. ASCETICISM IS FASCINATING . It is remarkable to observe how readily the severest devotees of asceticism have found followers when the performance of the simpler duties of Christian charity has been left neglected. A St. Simeon, scorched by the blazing sun of noonday and chilled, by the cruel frosts of night on his pillar in the desert, finds enthusiastic imitators who would be slow in following Christ's lowly work of going about to do good to his... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Colossians 2:23

Which things - Which scrupulous observance of the numerous precepts enjoining rites and ceremonies, the observance of days, and the distinctions between meats and drinks.Have indeed a show of wisdom - Have a great appearance of piety and of regard for the will of God They have a show of “wisdom,” too, or of a deep acquaintance with divine things. They who insist on them appear to be learned in what constitutes religion, and to have a deep insight into its mysteries. Doubtless they who urged the... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Colossians 2:20-23

Colossians 2:20-23. Wherefore The inference begun Col 2:16 is continued. A new inference follows Colossians 3:1. If ye be dead with Christ As by receiving the ordinance of baptism ye profess to be; from the rudiments, or elements, of the world See on Colossians 2:8. From those ceremonies, which persons among the Gentiles or the Jews are apt to place so much dependance on; why, as though living in the world In the manner you formerly did, and being still influenced by the spirit of... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Colossians 2:16-23

Christian freedom in practice (2:16-3:4)In view of the freedom that Christ has won for them, the Colossian believers must not listen to those who try to force them to obey the rules and regulations of the Israelite law. Practices taught in the law may be compared to shadows. They are not solid or permanent, but their existence enables the viewer to know that there is some real object that casts the shadows. That real object is Jesus Christ. Now that he has come, the shadows are of no further... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Colossians 2:23

Which = Which order of. have is having. shew = reputation. App-121 . will worship . Greek. ethelothreskeia, i.e. self-imposed worship. Only here. neglecting = not sparing. Greek. apheidia. Only here. honour = value. to . App-104 . satisfying . Greek. pleamone. Only here. Ascetic observances are of no value as remedies against the old nature. read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Colossians 2:23

Which things have indeed a shadow of wisdom in will-worship, and humility, and severity to the body, but are not of any value against the indulgence of the flesh.Some things are startlingly clear in this passage so often disputed. Note these conclusions:Whatever human precepts and ordinances may exhibit as to their "wisdom," it is a delusion, for "they are not of any value." Will-worship means the kind of actions engaged in because they please the worshiper, and not because they were commanded... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Colossians 2:23

Colossians 2:23. A shew of wisdom, in will-worship,— "In performing some acts of voluntary and uncommanded zeal under the guise and affectation of uncommon devotion, in the worshipping of angels, and in austerities and extreme abstinences." The two last clauses may be transposed, as if it had been said, "It is to such a satisfying of the flesh, as does it no real honour;" a meiosis, to express what is dishonourable; whereas the highest honour of our bodies is to be the instruments of our souls... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 2:20-23

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 2:20-23

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 2:23

The Pulpit Commentary - Colossians 2:23

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Colossians 2:23

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Colossians 2:20-23

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Colossians 2:16-23

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Colossians 2:23

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Colossians 2:23

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Colossians 2:23

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