CHAPTER TWO

 

 

2:2: “the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ” = This is a continued conversation carried over from Chapter One, and as such, “the mystery” is the same as in Colossians 1:26-27: “which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

 

2:6: “As ye have therefore received Christ” = This, as you know, is improper English.  The “therefore” should always come first, such that you should not read any further until you have understood the previous section it is referring to.  Thus, it should read: “Therefore, as ye have received Christ.”

 

2:8: “through philosophy and vain deceit” = “I was directed to this Scripture as especially applying to modern spiritualism,” 1T:297.

 

“Phrenology and mesmerism are very much exalted.  They are good in their place, but they are seized upon by Satan as his most powerful agents to deceive and destroy souls.” RH, February 18, 1862.

 

“after the tradition of men” = See verse 22; Matthew 15:9; Mark 7:7.

 

Colossians 2:9: “For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily” = Proof text for the God Man.

 

2:11-13: “[11] circumcision made without hands [equals] [12] Buried with Him in baptism. . . [wherein you become] [13] dead in your sins” = The ceremony of Baptism has replaced circumcision.  See John 3:5.

 

2:13: “forgiven of all your trespasses” = How are you “forgiven of all your trespasses? = By “being dead in your sins.”

 

2:14-17: “ordinances” = Here is an excerpt from my Bible Study: “SABBATH, STILL VALID TODAY.”

 

COLOSSIANS 2:14-17 = “NAILING IT TO HIS CROSS”

 

 

Colossians 2:14: “was against us. . . contrary to us” = For those who attempt to use Colossians 2:16 to prove that the Biblically Commanded Seventh-Day Sabbath (Exo. 20:8-11), Blessed by God Sabbath (Gen. 2:3), Sanctified by God Sabbath (Gen. 2:3), and made Holy by God Sabbath (Exo. 20:11), are way out of line.

 

Consider that God wants to spend time with us (Tabernacle with us) throughout eternity.  And while we are enjoying the wonders of Heaven, He still asks of us to take time out in the New Heaven and new earth (Isa. 66:22) to spend every seventh day Sabbath to take time away from His wonders and spend time with Him every seven days (Isa. 66:23).  In other words, since we will be keeping the Sabbath throughout eternity, what would make one believe that any text in Scripture would be canceling, changing, or obstructing in any way the Biblically Commanded Sabbath?

 

By contrast, for those that need an explanation and argument against those who want to disobey God and find something in Colossians 2:16 that it does not say, here we go.  Consider what Colossians 2:16 is really discussing.  It plainly states, “Let no man therefore judge you.” In other words, if someone were to “judge you” in regards to these ceremonial (proved in the next paragraph) laws, don’t be concerned about them and their arguments.

 

Colossians 2:14 discusses something that is “contrary to us.” And just what is/was “contrary to us?” According to this Ephesians 2:15 it was “the Law of Commandments contained in ordinances.” And according to Colossians 2:14, it is “the handwriting of ordinances.”

 

Also, Verse 17 tells us, that whatever this “thing was to come” could not be the Biblical Sabbath, for It was already in place.  Nor was the Biblical Sabbath “a shadow,” for it was already established in God’s Law.

 

The “ordinance” Laws were placed “in the side of the Ark of the Covenant. . . [to be] a witness against thee,” as explained in Deuteronomy 31:26.  The Ten Commandment Laws were placed inside (Deu. 10:2) the “Ark of the Covenant,” not “in the side of” It.  In other words, the sacrificial system; which at this point (Christ already being sacrificed, satisfying the Sacrificial Lamb), Paul is explaining, was fulfilled/canceled when Christ died.  Hebrews 9:12 explains that Christ now ministers in the Heavenly Sanctuary for us with His shed blood; instead of the animals sacrificed in the ceremonies of the earthly Sanctuary “contained in ordinances.”

 

Let’s discover that the “ordinances,” Colossians 2:14 were canceled; NEVER the Ten Commandment Law of God. What trips most Bible students up is the word, “handwriting.” This is assumed to be God’s “handwriting.”  But the word “ordinances” should clue you into the truth that it is the “handwriting” of Moses’ and is a description of the ceremonial services; i.e., “ordinances.”

 

In Colossians 2:15, we read about “triumphing over them in it.” The “it” is referring to the cross.  Because of our Lord’s sacrifice upon the cross, Christ “triumphs” over “the handwriting of ordinances that was against us,” verse 14.

 

Reading Colossians 2:16: “Let no man therefore judge you in meat [offerings], or in drink [offerings], or in respect of an holyday [Greek; “G1859;” meaning “Feast day”], or of new moon [when a month begins], or of the Sabbath [When the Sabbath fell upon the ceremonial] days.” Let us be aware that Paul is actually quoting Ezekiel 45:17 in Colossians 2:16.  And if you believe that Ezekiel is canceling or referring to the Biblical Seventh-Day Sabbath, nobody can convince you different from your un-Biblical arguments.  Ezekiel is speaking of the Festival (ordinance) Sabbaths.  These offerings were in place in order “to make reconciliation for the house of Israel.” Ezekiel 45:17.  Ezekiel clearly sets forth the ceremonial Sabbaths from the Weekly Sabbath.  Better explained by seeing Chapter 46 of Ezekiel.  The Seventh-Day Sabbath was NEVER considered to be an “ordinance” or a “shadow,” verse 17.

 

Which of the Ten Commandments deals with “meat, or in drink” or “new moon” Laws?  That this passage is clearly dealing with the ceremonial system of Laws is agreed to by every legitimate Bible commentator.

 

Here is Ezekiel 45:17, “And it shall be the prince’s part to give burnt offerings [do we still burn offerings to our Lord today?], and meat offerings [Do we still bring “meat offerings” to our Lord today?], and drink offerings [Do we still give “drink offerings” to our Lord today?], in the feasts [Here is what is being discussed], and in the new moons [which determine when the months begin], and in the Sabbaths [“the Sabbaths” of the Feast days], in all solemnities of the house of Israel: he shall prepare the sin offering [Do we do this today?], and the meat offering [Do we do this today?], and the burnt offering [Do we do this today?], and the peace offerings [Do we do this today?], to make reconciliation for the house of Israel.”

 

Therefore, if you believe that Ezekiel is canceling or referring to the Biblical Seventh-Day Sabbath, nobody can convince you different from your un-Biblical arguments.  Ezekiel is speaking of the festival (ordinance) Sabbaths.  The Seventh-Day Sabbath was NEVER considered to be an “ordinance,” or “against us,” as we see in Colossians 2:14.  Nor is the Biblical Sabbath “a shadow of things to come,” in Colossians 2:17.

 

The entire context of Colossians 2:16 is about the “ordinances.” Therefore, the judging of “meat” offerings, and “drink” offerings, and “feast days” kept, and “new moon” sightings in order to begin the “Feast Day” observances, and the “High Sabbath” celebrations when the Biblical Sabbath fell upon the prescribed “Feast Day” celebrations, are now no longer to be observed, because Christ has come, died, was buried, risen, and fulfilled that “Ceremonial Law,” thus, making any “judgment” for no longer observing them in error.  People “judging” you remember?

 

Wherefore, the real question that people are asking when discussing “ordinances” is: “Do ‘ordinances’ equal, or are they the same as the Ten Commandment Law of God?” Bear in mind that the “feast days” are understood to be “an ordinance,” Exodus 12:14.  Nowhere, not anywhere, no place, will you find the Seventh-Day Sabbath of the Bible listed as an “ordinance.”

 

Therefore, let us not ignore the context (“context, context, context”) of this passage; which is “reconciliation” towards God.  We find it in Ezekiel 45:17 and Colossians 2:13, “having forgiven you all trespasses.” How?  By “Blotting out the hand writing of ordinances that was against us,” Colossians 2:14, etcetera.

 

This, as you know, is improper English in Colossians 2:16.  The “therefore” should always come first, such that you should not read any further until you have understood the previous section.  Thus, it should read: “Therefore, let no man judge you,” in regards to the previous instruction about no longer observing the “ordinances” that you are now to be no longer keeping.

 

Back to Colossians 2:14, “handwriting of ordinances.” The literal Greek when these two words are put together literally means, “a certificate of death.” The Greek being “G5498; cheirographon,” meaning “certificate; handwritten note; legal document;” and “G1378; dogma,” meaning “decree; doctrine; ordinance; dogma; command; principle.” It is in the context of a debt that is owed.  And according to Romans 6:23, we owe “death.”

 

That the prophesied Messiah would come and eventually these ceremonial Sabbaths and other practices associated with the Feast days would be abolished because of Christ’s death is clearly seen by going to Hosea 2:11, “I will also cause all her mirth to cease, her feast days, her new moons, and her Sabbaths [associated with], and all her solemn feasts.”

 

In regard to the “Sabbath days” being discussed here.  The Biblical FACT that Paul is addressing festival Sabbath’s and not the weekly Commanded Biblical Sabbath should be well noticed (as most Biblical scholars agree upon this point).  The proof is in the pudding, as they say, when compared to Ezekiel 45:17, of which Paul is quoting.

 

Looking back to Colossians 2:14 we have the phrase, “handwriting of ordinances,” which literally means, a “certificate of death.” Therefore, how is it that God’s Law is a ministration of death?  Because in It, It points out sin and sin brings death (Rom. 6:23).  By contrast, Gods Law is not “against us,” nor “contrary to us,” but sin is.  Therefore, it is not God’s Law of “ordinances” that, although was active for its purpose, that was the problem.  It is our sin.

 

Getting back to Colossians 2:16, it should be argued that the “Sabbath” mentioned here is NOT the weekly Biblical Sabbath, but the ceremonial Sabbaths that feel on the weekly Sabbath, which were a “shadow” to be done away with.  The same Biblical verbiage is used in Hebrews 10:1.  Let’s compare. “For the Law having a shadow of good things to come,” continuing on, those “sacrifices” could not deal with the sin problem.  They only pointed to the true “Sacrifice” for sin, Jesus Christ.  Thus, any ceremonial “Sabbath” day, commanded in “ordinances,” was ultimately only a “shadow” pointing to Christ’s sacrifice.  By contrast, the weekly Commanded Sabbath was not the subject.

 

Again, Colossians 2:16: “Let no man therefore judge you in meat [offerings], or in drink [offerings], or in respect of an holyday [Greek; “G1859; heorte” meaning “Feast day”], or of new moon [when a month begins], or of the Sabbath [When the Biblical Sabbath fell upon the ceremonial] days.” For examples see Leviticus 16:30-31; 23:24 & 32.

 

Paul’s point is that the Moral Law of Ten Commandments, which were placed upon stone, are now understood to be transferred to one’s own heart (Jer. 31:31-33; Heb. 10:16).

 

Another piece of evidence is the Hebrews 10:1-10 passage.  This section bears a very close thematic and linguistic parallel to Colossians 2:16-17.  What the Book of Hebrews is discussing is the physical “body of Jesus Christ,” verse 10, and makes reference to the festal calendar of Israel (verses 1 & 3).  The important focus of Paul is on the “shadow of. . . things that were to Come [Messiah],” Colossians 2:16; Hebrews 10:1.

 

Only aspects of the Law of Moses [Ceremonial Law] could show us Jesus, as opposed to the Ten Commandment Law showing us Jesus.  In other words, the Law of Moses (Ceremonial portion only) was a “shadow” to what Jesus would do in order to cover our sins.  While the Ten Commandments of God are the very character of Jesus [God] Himself. Given such impressive parallels, Hebrews 10:1-10 becomes an invaluable benchmark against which we can test any interpretation of Ephesians 2:15 and Colossians 2:16-17.

 

Hebrews, Chapter 10, is a prolonged contrast between the sacrificial system of the Old Testament and the physical body of Christ.  Paul asserts two things:

 

(1) The sacrifices were a “shadow” of the sacrifice of Jesus;

(2) The sacrifice of Jesus abolishes the Old Testament sacrificial system (verse 9), since believers know that Messiah has been sacrificed (already Come).

 

Therefore, as does Hebrews, Chapter 10, so does Colossians 2:16-17 refer to offerings and sacrifices, i.e., “ordinances,” (Sanctuary services) and not God’s Ten Commandment Law, else we need to go get our “Bullocks” and start sacrificing right away.

 

Staying with Colossians 2:14-17 (since this is the most used section of God’s Word to attack any reference to continuing to observe one of God’s Ten Commandments), the Second wrong assumption (the First being that the Ten Commandments of God, or more appropriately the Sabbath Commandment was canceled), is that the Old Covenant was “against us.” If that were true, God would be guilty of establishing a Covenant that was against His people.  By contrast, what was against the people was not the Covenant, which is God’s commitment to save us, but the Hebrews then, and our sins now, which where/are exposed by the Law (see James 1:23-25).  In other words, when you break God’s Law, It becomes “against us.” When obedient to It, It becomes “for us.”

 

However, it must also be ascertained and understood that throughout the entire Book of Colossians, Paul NEVER once uses the word “Law.” Interesting, right?  Check it out for yourself.  Therefore, to JUMP to the conclusion that Paul is even discussing God’s Ten Commandment “Law” is a quantum leap in doctrine.  He uses the word “handwriting” in reference to “laws” separate from the Moral Law.

 

Consequently, the meaning of “G5498; cheirographon,” i.e., “handwriting,” which occurs only once in Scripture (in Colossians 2:14), has been clarified by recent studies on the usage of the term in apocalyptic and rabbinic literature (see Samuele Bacchiocchi, “From Sabbath to Sunday.” “A Historical Investigation of the Rise of Sunday Observance in Early Christianity,” [Rome, 1977], Appendix, pages 349-350), as a term that is used to denote the “record book of sins,” or a “certificate of sin-indebtedness,” but not the Moral or Ceremonial Law.  This view is supported also by the clause, “and this he has removed out of the middle,” Colossians 2:14.  By the phrase “the middle” is and was meant, “the position occupied at the center of the court or assembly by the accusing witness.”

 

Let me state up front that many critics believe that the renowned Seventh-Day Adventist theologian Samuele Bacchiocchi is used to refute the entire SDA position upon Colossians 2:16, when he states in his work, “From Sabbath to Sunday,” (1977), page 339, “It is therefore linguistically impossible to interpret the latter [“Sabbaton”] as a reference to the Day of Atonement or to any other ceremonial sabbaths, since these are never designated simply as ‘sabbata.’ ” As great as most of his works are, here he is absolutely WRONG.  Therefore, do not use Bacchiocchi as the standard SDA position on Colossians 2:16.

 

Let’s go with the Scriptures and stay in context and attempt to discover what it was that Paul is discussing here.  Colossians 2:8 can help us with that.  He is concerned about the Colossian believers getting caught up in “philosophy and vain deceit,” and “the tradition of men,” and “the rudiments of the world.” Now that we have the context, which nowhere is discussing the Seventh-Day Commanded, Blessed, Made Holy, and Sanctified Sabbath Day; neither is that the subject of verse 16.

 

In the context of the Book of Colossians, the accusing witness then, is the “record Book of sins,” which God in Christ will erase and remove out of the court; which by the way, shows us both that the Ten Commandment Law is not canceled, but is non-operative against those whose sins are erased.  Therefore, the legal basis of the “record Book of sins” was/is “the binding statutes,” or “regulations” (“tois dogmasin”).  Meaning they are in effect only when one is in disobedience to them.  Meaning again, they are still operative.  By contrast, what God DID destroy on the Cross was not the legal ground (God’s Law) for our entanglement into sin, but the written “record” of our sins.  Glory Halleluiah!

 

By destroying the evidence of our sins, God also “disarmed the principalities and powers,” Colossians 2:15, since it is no longer possible for them to accuse those who have been forgiven.  Therefore, we can conclude that the document “nailed to the Cross” is not the “Law,” in general, nor the “Bible Sabbath,” in particular, but rather “the record” of our sins.  Any attempt to read into this text a reference to the Ten Commandment Law or the Sabbath Law in particular, lacks contextual and linguistic support.  IN FACT, if the Law of God could be canceled or changed then Jesus need not to have died upon the cross at all.

 

To my critic’s main point.  They believe that since the FACT that “a Sabbath” is mentioned definitely cancels the Fourth Commandment of the Decalogue, RIGHT?  It must be remembered that Paul is not warning the Colossians against the observances of all the practices mentioned in the Colossians 2:14-17 passage as such, but against “anyone” who passes “judgment” on how to eat, drink, or observe certain sacred times and manners.  The Biblical FACT that Paul is addressing festival Sabbath’s, and not the weekly Biblical Sabbath, has been proven above.

 

Once again, the legal basis of the record of sins was “the binding statutes, regulations [“tois dogmasin”].” Therefore, what God destroyed on the Cross was not the legal ground (God’s Moral Law of Ten Commandments) for our entanglement in sin, but the written record of our sins.  The function of the metaphor of the nailing to the Cross the record of our sins is simply to reassure believers of the totality of God’s forgiveness.  Therefore, “a shadow of things to come,” Colossians 2:17, is a clear reference to the “ordinances” which expired and were fulfilled in the life and death of Christ.  Thus, we can see that the weekly “Sabbath” is not the “Sabbath” that is being discussed in verse 16.

 

Now let us get specific about God’s Holy Sabbath Day.  In regards to “Sabbath Days,” verse 16, the word “days” is a supplied word and not in the original.  The reason it is supplied is that the translators wanted to clarify that the original Greek word “Sabbaton” should be translated in its plural form here.  In other words, they could have (should have) translated it as “Sabbaths,” but felt more clarity was necessary of the plurality of this word.  A great example of this explanation and usage is found in Matthew 12:5, where, on two occasions “Sabbaton” is used in the same sentence, but is plural in one placement and singular in the other.  It was their attempt to be clear that this was speaking of the Ceremonial Sabbath’s, and not the weekly Biblically Commanded Sabbath Day.

 

Let’s look at Matthew 12:5 together: “Or have ye not read in the Law, how that on the Sabbath Days [plural] the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath [singular], and are blameless?” In reality, they could have translated the first occurrence in the singular form and had the sentence still make sense and be translated correctly (they also could have translated both in the plural form but it is clearer in the singular).  But they obviously felt that its plural form was needed and more correct.

 

The bottom line is that the Greek word “G4521; Sabbaton” can be used in its plurality form or singular form depending upon the context.  The actual meaning of the word is “the interval between two Sabbaths, that is, the plural in all applications,” to the extent that it is the weekly occurrence of the Seventh-Day Sabbath.  This is confirmed by seeing Acts 17:2, in which “Sabbath Days” is proceeded by the word “three,” making the Greek word “Sabbaton” plural.  But it is only plural to the extent that it is talking about the “interval” between “Sabbaths,” which it could have (should have) been translated as.  As a side note, the Aramaic translation for “Sabbaths” in this passage is “Sabbathah,” which is also a plural form of “Sabbath.”

 

Now with this explanation behind us, does this mean that Paul is canceling the observance of the weekly “Sabbath” day in the Book of Colossians?  The actual sense of what Paul is referring to (staying with the context of “ordinances,” the context of Colossians 2:14-17), is found in First Chronicles 23:31: “And to offer all burnt sacrifices unto the Lord in the Sabbaths, in the new moons, and on the set feasts, by number, according to the order Commanded unto them, continually before the Lord.” The Hebrew word for “Sabbaths” here is “H7676; Shabbath,” which is the exact meaning of our Greek word, in that it is referring to, and its meaning is, “the intermission, that is, (specifically) between the weekly Sabbath.”

 

Back to Colossians 2:16: “Let no man therefore judge you in meat [offerings], or in drink [offerings], or in respect of an holyday [Greek; “G1859; heorte” meaning “Feast day”], or of new moon [when a month begins], or of the Sabbath [When the Sabbath fell upon the ceremonial] days.”  For examples see Leviticus 16:30-31; 23:24 & 32.

 

We have the same concept in regards to Paul’s discussion of the “ordinances” of our Lord in Second Chronicles 2:4(see also Second Chronicles 31:3): “and for the burnt offering’s morning and evening, on the Sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts of the Lord our God.  This is an ordinance for ever to Israel.” Noone will say this is speaking of the weekly Commanded Seventh -Day Sabbath.

 

Consider seriously for a moment.  Can you imagine the Jews of Paul’s day NOT stoning Paul to death if he had made reference to God’s Holy Sabbath Day being canceled, either then or in the future?  Thus, the word “Sabbath” in the Old Testament is applied not only to the weekly Seventh-Day Sabbath, but also to all the days of holy rest that were observed by the Hebrews; particularly to the beginning and close of their great festivals.  There is doubtless reference to those days by Paul in this place, since he uses the plural form of “Sabbaths” here, instead of the singular (weekly) number.

 

The reality is that the weekly Seventh-Day Sabbath rests upon a more permanent foundation, having been instituted in Paradise (Mark 2:27) to commemorate the completion of the creation made by God in six days.  If we look at Leviticus, Chapter 23, we can clearly see how our Lord describes each “ordinance” to be observed, and then He makes something specifically and unequivocally clear.  This clearness is found in verse 38, in how our Lord expressly distinguishes “the Sabbath of the Lord” (God’s Holy Seventh-Day Sabbath) from the other Ceremonial, or “ordinance” Sabbaths.  And that phrase that distinguishes God’s Holy Sabbath from the other “ordinance,” Sabbaths, is, “Beside the Sabbaths of the Lord.” Read this paragraph again if that does not set in.  For a correct understanding of the Hebrew word “bad, H905, meaning “beside[s],” meaning “separate from,” see Leviticus 9:17; Numbers 6:21; 16:49 & 28:24; Deuteronomy 19:9; and so many more.

 

It must be realized and remembered that every Jew and Christian of Paul’s time understood this very important distinction.  The fact that our generation does not understand this distinction, or simply does not want to because of an agenda to cancel something they feel is “against them,” instead of what our Lord has promised as “a blessing” to them (keeping His Sabbath Holy), does not conceal its true meaning.

 

The Apostle’s conclusion to the Colossian Church is that they should be “judged” by no man; that they should not regard or submit to any man’s “judgment” as to the observance of the Ceremonial Law.  Much of the ceremonies of the Law of Moses consisted in the distinction of meats and days.  It appears by a reading of the Book of Romans, Chapter 14, that there were those who were for the keeping up of those distinctions.  By contrast, here in the Book of Colossians, the apostle shows that since Christ has Come and has cancelled the Ceremonial Law (by type meeting antitype), that we ought not to keep these Ceremonial Laws anymore.  Else, silly reasoning, go get your sacrificial “Bullock” because you believe the weekly Biblical Sabbath was canceled and not the Ceremonial sacrificial system.

 

Nothing is mentioned in regards to canceling the Ten Commandments written by the very finger of God.  The sacrificial offerings were deemed necessary by our God, because of the violation of the Law of God, and they were only canceled when type met antitype in the Sacrifice of Christ.  In fact, the most telling evidence that the Law of God was not canceled is that our Lord did NOT have to be our Substitute for our violation of the same Law, if It was to be canceled anyway.

 

Therefore, WHAT WAS CANCELED, since we obviously know that Colossians 2:1-17 is talking about something being put away?  What we find is that “the laws regulating the Jewish sacrifices and offerings ceased at the death of Christ.” 1SG:110.  And, “Had they been obedient, and loved to keep God’s Commandments, the multitude of ceremonies and ordinances would not have been required.” 2T:607; 5T:667.  Now that is quite a statement.  Doesn’t that inspirer you to be better at observing God’s Holy Law?

 

“There are many who try to blend these two systems, using the texts that speak of the Ceremonial Law to prove that the Moral Law has been abolished; but this is a perversion of the Scriptures.  The distinction between the two systems is broad and clear.  The Ceremonial system was made up of symbols pointing to Christ, to His Sacrifice and His Priesthood.  This Ritual Law, with its sacrifices and ordinances, was to be performed by the Hebrews until type met antitype in the death of Christ, the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world.  Then all the sacrificial offerings were to cease.  It is this Law that Christ ‘took . . . out of the way, nailing it to His cross.’ Colossians 2:14.  But concerning the Law of Ten Commandments the Psalmist declares, ‘Forever, O Lord, Thy Word is settled in Heaven.’ Psalm 119:89.” PP:365.

 

2:17: “shadow of things to come” = Paul uses this same verbiage in Hebrews 10:1.  Thus, we can conclude that the “shadow” here, as there, is referring to the ceremonial services.

 

“but the body of Christ” = These are the only ones who are to “judge you.” Those filled with the Spirit; who do not judge of their own wills, but of the will of God.

 

2:19: “not holding the Head” = Although applying to taking care of our physical “head” so we will know the truth, Paul really is speaking of Christ as being our “Head,” for the passage is nearly identical to his same statement in Ephesians 4:15-16.

 

2:20: “why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances” = In other words, “Why do you allow worldly minded people to influence you, as though you were living and acting under their worldly principles, knowing that the sacrificial system [“ordinances”] died with Christ.”

 

2:22: “after the commandments and doctrines of men” = See Matthew 15:9 & Mark 7:7.

 

2:23: “will worship” = One’s own will as to what they are going to worship, i.e., worship beyond that which God strictly requires.

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