Colossians 2:11 - in whom you were also circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, in the putting off of the body of the sins of the flesh, in the circumcision of Christ;
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What does "Colossians 2:11" mean?
Colossians 2:11 is a rich verse packed with theological meaning. Let's break it down phrase by phrase:
"in whom you were also circumcised..." This refers to the Colossian believers' union with Christ. It's saying that something happened to them spiritually through their connection with Christ, and that something is likened to circumcision.
"...with a circumcision not made with hands..." This is key. It distinguishes this circumcision from the physical circumcision practiced under the Old Covenant. This isn't a literal, physical act. It's a spiritual reality. The "not made with hands" emphasizes its divine origin and spiritual nature.
"...in the putting off of the body of the sins of the flesh..." This explains what this "circumcision not made with hands" accomplishes. It's about separating from and putting off the influence and control of the sinful nature, often called "the flesh." The "body of the sins of the flesh" is a metaphor for the totality of our sinful desires and tendencies. This is a process of transformation where believers are liberated from the dominion of sin.
"...in the circumcision of Christ;" This links the spiritual circumcision directly to Christ's work. It implies that the circumcision believers experience is somehow related to or accomplished through Christ's own experience, likely referring to His death, burial, and resurrection. This is not Christ being circumcised, but the circumcision of Christ – a circumcision belonging to Christ, or effected by Christ.
In essence, the verse means:
Through your union with Christ, you have experienced a spiritual transformation that is analogous to circumcision. This transformation is not a physical act, but a divine work that involves separating you from the power of your sinful nature. This spiritual circumcision is an integral part of what it means to be in Christ and is intimately connected to His own sacrificial act.
Key Interpretations and Implications:
Spiritual Transformation: The verse emphasizes that true faith involves more than just intellectual assent; it brings about a real change in a person's life, leading to a separation from the power of sin.
Union with Christ: The verse highlights the concept of being "in Christ," a central theme in Paul's writings. Believers are united with Christ in his death, burial, and resurrection, and share in the benefits of his work.
Replacement Theology (Potentially): This verse is often cited in discussions about the relationship between the Old and New Covenants. Some interpret it as suggesting that the spiritual circumcision of Christ replaces physical circumcision as the sign of God's covenant people. Others argue that it does not invalidate the Old Covenant promises to the Jewish people, but rather introduces a new and deeper dimension to the covenant for all believers.
Progressive Sanctification: The process of "putting off the body of the sins of the flesh" is often understood as a lifelong process of sanctification, where believers continually strive to live in accordance with God's will.
In Summary:
Colossians 2:11 is a powerful statement about the transformative power of faith in Christ. It highlights the spiritual nature of true faith, the importance of union with Christ, and the ongoing struggle against sin in the life of a believer.
Colossians 2:11 - in whom you were also circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, in the putting off of the body of the sins of the flesh, in the circumcision of Christ;
What does "Colossians 2:11" mean?
Colossians 2:11 is a rich verse packed with theological meaning. Let's break it down phrase by phrase:
"in whom you were also circumcised..." This refers to the Colossian believers' union with Christ. It's saying that something happened to them spiritually through their connection with Christ, and that something is likened to circumcision.
"...with a circumcision not made with hands..." This is key. It distinguishes this circumcision from the physical circumcision practiced under the Old Covenant. This isn't a literal, physical act. It's a spiritual reality. The "not made with hands" emphasizes its divine origin and spiritual nature.
"...in the putting off of the body of the sins of the flesh..." This explains what this "circumcision not made with hands" accomplishes. It's about separating from and putting off the influence and control of the sinful nature, often called "the flesh." The "body of the sins of the flesh" is a metaphor for the totality of our sinful desires and tendencies. This is a process of transformation where believers are liberated from the dominion of sin.
"...in the circumcision of Christ;" This links the spiritual circumcision directly to Christ's work. It implies that the circumcision believers experience is somehow related to or accomplished through Christ's own experience, likely referring to His death, burial, and resurrection. This is not Christ being circumcised, but the circumcision of Christ – a circumcision belonging to Christ, or effected by Christ.
In essence, the verse means:
Through your union with Christ, you have experienced a spiritual transformation that is analogous to circumcision. This transformation is not a physical act, but a divine work that involves separating you from the power of your sinful nature. This spiritual circumcision is an integral part of what it means to be in Christ and is intimately connected to His own sacrificial act.
Key Interpretations and Implications:
Spiritual Transformation: The verse emphasizes that true faith involves more than just intellectual assent; it brings about a real change in a person's life, leading to a separation from the power of sin.
Union with Christ: The verse highlights the concept of being "in Christ," a central theme in Paul's writings. Believers are united with Christ in his death, burial, and resurrection, and share in the benefits of his work.
Replacement Theology (Potentially): This verse is often cited in discussions about the relationship between the Old and New Covenants. Some interpret it as suggesting that the spiritual circumcision of Christ replaces physical circumcision as the sign of God's covenant people. Others argue that it does not invalidate the Old Covenant promises to the Jewish people, but rather introduces a new and deeper dimension to the covenant for all believers.
Progressive Sanctification: The process of "putting off the body of the sins of the flesh" is often understood as a lifelong process of sanctification, where believers continually strive to live in accordance with God's will.
In Summary:
Colossians 2:11 is a powerful statement about the transformative power of faith in Christ. It highlights the spiritual nature of true faith, the importance of union with Christ, and the ongoing struggle against sin in the life of a believer.