Colossians 2:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Colossians 2:20
20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,
Chapter Context
Colossians 2 is a christological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of faith, mercy, wisdom. Written during Paul's Roman imprisonment (c. 60-62 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Syncretistic philosophy threatened to compromise the sufficiency of Christ.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-23: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Colossians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Colossians 2:20
20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,
Analysis
Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances. Paul argues from believers' death with Christ. "If ye be dead" (ei apethanete, εἰ ἀπεθάνετε) uses first-class condition assuming truth: "since you died." Union with Christ's death (2:12) severed connection to "rudiments of the world" (apo tōn stoicheiōn tou kosmou, ἀπὸ τῶν στοιχείων τοῦ κόσμου)—either elementary principles or spiritual powers governing this age.
"Why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances" (ti hōs zōntes en kosmō dogmatizesthe, τί ὡς ζῶντες ἐν κόσμῳ δογματίζεσθε) questions inconsistency: dead to the world but living under its regulations. Death severs obligations; corpses don't follow rules. Spiritually, believers died to this world system with Christ, liberating them from its religious requirements. Returning to such regulations denies their death-union with Christ.
Historical Context
Ancient religions prescribed detailed regulations governing diet, ritual, calendar, and conduct, promising spiritual advancement through observance. Judaism had detailed ceremonial law; Greek mystery religions required initiatory rites and taboos; pagan cults featured complex ritual systems. Paul argues that death with Christ liberates from all such systems—believers live under grace's freedom, not religious performance's bondage.
Reflection
- What religious rules do you follow thinking they advance your standing with God beyond Christ's finished work?
- How does understanding your death with Christ affect your response to legalistic religious requirements?
- Where do you still live as though you hadn't died to the world's religious systems?
Cross-References
- References Christ: Colossians 2:8, Galatians 6:14
- Parallel theme: Colossians 2:14, 2:16, John 15:19, 2 Corinthians 10:3, Galatians 4:3, Hebrews 13:9