Bible Commentary

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 2. Set your affection &c.] Not “ affections,” but “ affection,” affectus, the tendency, bias, of the mind. More lit., “ think the things &c.”; in the sense not of articulate thought but rather of character, as we call a man thoughtful, high-thoughted, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Colossians 3:2”

Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in will-worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honor to the satisfying of the flesh. 23. which things] More precisely, if the word may be tolerated, which-like things; the prohibitions given above, Col 2:21, and all others which depend on the same principle. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Colossians 2:23”

Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? 22. which all are to perish with the using;)] Lit., which are all for corruption in the consumption. I.e., the things which are thus forbidden as soul-tainting are things merely material, not moral, and this is evidenced by their merely … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Colossians 2:22”

(Touch not; taste not; handle not; 21. ( touch not; taste not; handle not; ] Better (discarding the bracket here), Handle thou not, nor taste, nor touch. This rendering represents exactly the construction of the Greek, and is truer to the shades of meaning of the first and last of the three Greek verbs. The … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Colossians 2:21”

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, 20. Wherefore ] The word is certainly to be omitted on documentary evidence. A new and separate theme is now in view, the doctrines of the intruding teachers about duty … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Colossians 2:20”

And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. 19. holding ] Holding fast (R.V.). The word is used Act 3:11 of the healed cripple’s grasp of the Apostles who had healed him. The erring teacher is said … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Colossians 2:19”

Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshiping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 18. Let no man] Another parallel but distinct caution after that of Col 2:16. beguile you of your reward ] Rob you of … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Colossians 2:18”

Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body [is] of Christ. 17. a shadow ] Cp. Heb 8:5; Heb 10:1. The word suggests the idea of “an image cast by an object and representing its form.” (Grimm’s N.T. Lexicon, ed. Thayer.) things to come ] from the point of view of the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Colossians 2:17”

Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of a holy day, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath [days]: 16 23. Christian Liberty and Theories hostile to it 16. therefore ] Such is the Christian’s position in this sacrificed and triumphant Saviour. He stands possessed of … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Colossians 2:16”

[And] having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. 15. having spoiled ] “ Having put off from Himself ” (R.V.). The Greek verb is apparently unknown before St Paul; classical illustration is impossible. Its literal meaning is “ to strip off ”; and its voice … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Colossians 2:15”