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Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Colossians 2:23

23. have—Greek, "are having"; implying the permanent characteristic which these ordinances are supposed to have. show of wisdom—rather, "a reputation of wisdom" [ALFORD]. will-worship—arbitrarily invented worship: would-be worship, devised by man's own will, not God's. So jealous is God of human will-worship, that He struck Nadab and Abihu dead for burning strange incense ( :-). So Uzziah was stricken with leprosy for usurping the office of priest ( :-). Compare the will-worship of Saul ( :-)... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Colossians 2:16-23

C. The false doctrines of men 2:16-23Having revealed what believers have in Christ, Paul next pointed out the errors of the false teachers more specifically to help his readers identify and reject their instruction."Sad to say, there are many Christians who actually believe that some person, religious system, or discipline can add something to their spiritual experience. But they already have everything they ever will need in the person and work of Jesus Christ." [Note: Wiersbe, 2:105.] read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Colossians 2:20-23

In these verses Paul developed the third error he already alluded to, namely, asceticism. The ascetic practices ("elementary principles," stoicheai, Colossians 2:8) he referred to seem to have been extensions of Mosaic Law. "If" (Colossians 2:20) could read "Since." It is a first class condition in Greek that in this case is a condition true to reality. Christians "died" to merely human ordinances of Judaism and Gnosticism at conversion (cf. Romans 6:1-4; Romans 7:1-6; 2 Corinthians 5:14;... read more

John Darby

Darby's Synopsis of the New Testament - Colossians 2:23

2:23 appearance (k-5) Logos . there was something to allege, to say for it. flesh. (l-29) The clause in parentheses is to show that the harsh usage of the body, and all the teaching of the seducer, was for (or 'as to') the satisfaction of the flesh; 'a certain honour' is what is due to the body. read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Colossians 2:1-23

The False Teaching and its Refutation4-15. Hold fast to Christ the All-sufficient Saviour.Paraphrase. ’(4) I emphasise these truths about Christ lest you should be beguiled by plausible persuasions. (5) While I am physically absent from you, I am with you in spirit, rejoicing with you and beholding your order and the firm foundation of your faith in Christ. (6, 7) Let your moral life in Christ Jesus be in harmony with the teaching through which you received Him as Lord; be firmly rooted and... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Colossians 2:20-23

(20-23) In this and the succeeding section, St. Paul, starting from the idea of union with the Head, draws out the practical consequences of partaking of the death of Christ and the resurrection of Christ. In virtue of the former participation, he exhorts them to be dead to the law of outward ordinances; in virtue of the latter, to have a life hid with Christ in God. read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Colossians 2:23

(23) Will worship, and humility . . .—It seems difficult to connect these words with the merely ceremonial observances immediately above; and, in fact, they are almost an exact repetition of the description of the superstitious worship of the angels given in Colossians 2:18. “Will worship” is, indeed, nearly what we call superstition—the constant craving for objects to which we may find some excuse for paying reverence. The prefix applies in sense, though not in grammatical form, to the... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Colossians 2:1-23

The Abounding Assurance Colossians 2:2 The Apostle has just been speaking of an intense spiritual struggle through which he has passed on behalf of the Churches at Colossae and Laodicea, to most of whose members he was personally unknown. The purpose of his supplication was that they might be comforted, bound together into a compact fellowship, and enriched with sure and all-sufficing spiritual knowledge three blessings vitally connected with each other. Failing of such attainments, they could... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Colossians 2:20-23

Chapter 2 TWO FINAL TESTS OF THE FALSE TEACHING Colossians 2:20-23 (R.V.)The polemical part of the Epistle is now coming to an end. We pass in the next chapter, after a transitional paragraph, to simple moral precepts which, with personal details, fill up the remainder of the letter. The antagonist errors appear for the last time in the words which we have now to consider. In these the Apostle seems to gather up all his strength to strike two straight, crashing, final blows, which pulverise and... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Colossians 2:1-23

II. COMPLETE IN HIM, IN WHOM ALL THE FULLNESS DWELLS CHAPTER 2 1. The mystery of God (Colossians 2:1-8 ) 2. Complete in Christ (Colossians 2:9-15 ) 3. Exhortations and warnings (Colossians 2:16-23 ) Colossians 2:1-8 In view of the last verses of the preceding chapter we can understand his anxiety and the great conflict he had for the Colossians and for those living in nearby Laodicea, and for as many who had not seen his face in the flesh. He was deeply concerned about them after he heard... read more

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