Colossians 2:20 - If you died with Christ from the elements of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to ordinances,
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What does "Colossians 2:20" mean?
This verse, Colossians 2:20, is a key part of Paul's argument against false teachings that were circulating in Colossae. To understand it, let's break it down:
"If you died with Christ from the elements of the world...": This refers to the believer's union with Christ in his death and resurrection. Baptism symbolizes this death to the old way of life and rising to a new life in Christ. "Elements of the world" (Greek: stoicheia tou kosmou) is interpreted in a couple of ways:
Spiritual Powers/Deities: Some scholars believe this refers to demonic or angelic powers that were thought to control the cosmos. Paul is saying that through Christ, believers have been freed from the dominion of these powers.
Elementary Religious Principles: More commonly, this refers to the basic, rudimentary principles and practices of religion, including those of the Old Testament Law. Paul is arguing that believers who are united with Christ have moved beyond these elementary things.
"...why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to ordinances...": This questions the Colossians' adherence to certain rules and regulations. "Ordinances" refers to specific commands or rules. Paul is likely addressing the false teachers in Colossae who were trying to impose legalistic requirements upon the Colossian believers, trying to draw them back into some form of rule-keeping for salvation or spiritual growth. The phrase "as though living in the world" emphasizes that these ordinances are appropriate for people who are still under the sway of the world's systems, but not for those who have died and risen with Christ.
In essence, Paul is arguing this:
> If you have truly died to the old way of life and are now united with Christ, why are you still acting as if you are bound by these external rules and regulations? You've been set free from those things through your relationship with Christ.
Key Takeaways:
Freedom from Legalism: Paul is emphasizing the freedom that believers have in Christ. He's warning against a legalistic approach to faith that focuses on outward compliance rather than a genuine relationship with God.
Union with Christ: The verse highlights the importance of understanding our union with Christ in his death and resurrection. This union is the foundation of our new identity and freedom.
False Teachings: Paul is combating false teachings that were threatening to undermine the gospel message. These teachings likely involved a mixture of Jewish legalism, pagan philosophies, and possibly even some forms of mysticism.
Christ as Sufficient: The underlying message is that Christ is sufficient for salvation and spiritual growth. Believers do not need to add anything to his work or rely on external rules to please God.
Context is Crucial:
To fully understand this verse, it's important to read it within the broader context of the entire letter to the Colossians. Paul is passionately urging the Colossians to hold fast to the truth of the gospel and to resist the false teachings that were trying to lead them astray.
Colossians 2:20 - If you died with Christ from the elements of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to ordinances,
What does "Colossians 2:20" mean?
This verse, Colossians 2:20, is a key part of Paul's argument against false teachings that were circulating in Colossae. To understand it, let's break it down:
"If you died with Christ from the elements of the world...": This refers to the believer's union with Christ in his death and resurrection. Baptism symbolizes this death to the old way of life and rising to a new life in Christ. "Elements of the world" (Greek: stoicheia tou kosmou) is interpreted in a couple of ways:
Spiritual Powers/Deities: Some scholars believe this refers to demonic or angelic powers that were thought to control the cosmos. Paul is saying that through Christ, believers have been freed from the dominion of these powers.
Elementary Religious Principles: More commonly, this refers to the basic, rudimentary principles and practices of religion, including those of the Old Testament Law. Paul is arguing that believers who are united with Christ have moved beyond these elementary things.
"...why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to ordinances...": This questions the Colossians' adherence to certain rules and regulations. "Ordinances" refers to specific commands or rules. Paul is likely addressing the false teachers in Colossae who were trying to impose legalistic requirements upon the Colossian believers, trying to draw them back into some form of rule-keeping for salvation or spiritual growth. The phrase "as though living in the world" emphasizes that these ordinances are appropriate for people who are still under the sway of the world's systems, but not for those who have died and risen with Christ.
In essence, Paul is arguing this:
> If you have truly died to the old way of life and are now united with Christ, why are you still acting as if you are bound by these external rules and regulations? You've been set free from those things through your relationship with Christ.
Key Takeaways:
Freedom from Legalism: Paul is emphasizing the freedom that believers have in Christ. He's warning against a legalistic approach to faith that focuses on outward compliance rather than a genuine relationship with God.
Union with Christ: The verse highlights the importance of understanding our union with Christ in his death and resurrection. This union is the foundation of our new identity and freedom.
False Teachings: Paul is combating false teachings that were threatening to undermine the gospel message. These teachings likely involved a mixture of Jewish legalism, pagan philosophies, and possibly even some forms of mysticism.
Christ as Sufficient: The underlying message is that Christ is sufficient for salvation and spiritual growth. Believers do not need to add anything to his work or rely on external rules to please God.
Context is Crucial:
To fully understand this verse, it's important to read it within the broader context of the entire letter to the Colossians. Paul is passionately urging the Colossians to hold fast to the truth of the gospel and to resist the false teachings that were trying to lead them astray.