Colossians 2:22
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Colossians 2:22
22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
Chapter Context
Colossians 2 is a christological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of worship, wisdom, love. 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 2:22
22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
Analysis
Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Paul exposes these regulations' futility: the objects regulated "are to perish with the using" (a estin panta eis phthoran tē apochrēsei, ἅ ἐστιν πάντα εἰς φθορὰν τῇ ἀποχρήσει). Things consumed cease to exist; focusing spiritual life on material items' use or avoidance misses the point. Food digests and disappears; it cannot defile spiritually (Mark 7:18-19).
These regulations follow "commandments and doctrines of men" (kata ta entalmata kai didaskalias tōn anthrōpōn, κατὰ τὰ ἐντάλματα καὶ διδασκαλίας τῶν ἀνθρώπων), echoing Jesus's rebuke of Pharisees (Matthew 15:9). Human tradition substituting for divine command creates religious systems satisfying human ideas of spirituality while missing God's actual requirements. Such systems feel rigorous and spiritual but rest on human authority, not divine revelation.
Historical Context
Jesus repeatedly clashed with Pharisaic tradition elevating human regulation over biblical command. The Pharisees' elaborate purity laws, Sabbath restrictions, and tithing requirements exemplified religious systems multiplying rules beyond Scripture's requirements. Paul fought similar legalism throughout ministry, whether Jewish ceremonialism (Galatians) or Gentile asceticism (Colossians). Both substituted human tradition for gospel freedom.
Reflection
- What church traditions or practices have achieved status approaching Scripture's authority in your thinking?
- How do you distinguish between biblical commands and human traditions that may be beneficial but aren't mandatory?
- Where does your Christian community confuse cultural preferences with biblical requirements?
Cross-References
- Word: Isaiah 29:18, Titus 1:14
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 29:13, Daniel 11:37, John 6:27, 1 Corinthians 6:13