What does Colossians 2:11 mean?

Explanation

Colossians 2:11 speaks metaphorically about a spiritual circumcision not performed by human hands.

In the Jewish tradition, circumcision was a physical act, a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham's descendants, signifying their separation to God and obedience to His laws.

Paul, however, uses this imagery to convey a spiritual truth: true circumcision is a matter of the heart.

In this verse, "the circumcision made without hands" refers to a spiritual transformation wrought by Christ.

It implies a stripping away or 'putting off' of the sinful nature ('the body of the sins of the flesh').

This is not a physical circumcision, but a spiritual one brought about by the work of Christ on the cross, where believers trust in his death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins.

Paul's message is that this 'putting off’ is part of the process of becoming a follower of Christ, who enables believers to overcome the sinful nature and live a life that is pleasing to God.

Historical Context

Colossians was written by the Apostle Paul in approximately 60-62 A.D. while he was in prison, probably in Rome.

At the time, the Colossian church was facing heretical teachings that incorporated elements of Jewish legalism, Gnosticism, and ascetic practices.

These teachings suggested that Christ was insufficient for salvation and that other practices or experiences were necessary.

Paul refuted these ideologies, emphasizing that salvation and spiritual fulfillment were solely through Jesus Christ. The practice of physical circumcision had deep roots within the Jewish community as a sign of their covenant relationship with God.

However, Paul addresses the metaphorical act of circumcision to emphasize that external practices are not what define a relationship with God but rather an internal change of the heart through Christ.

Theological Insights

Different theological traditions interpret this verse differently.

Traditional Protestant theology often views this passage as emphasizing the "circumcision of the heart," which means a spiritual transformation that is necessary for salvation and cannot be achieved through ritualistic or legalistic means.

Catholic interpretation may focus on the cooperate nature of salvation, recognizing that while Christ's work is full and complete, an individual's journey toward holiness involves participating in the sacraments and the Church community, which both symbolize and effect inward grace.

Some within the New Perspective on Paul might argue this verse points towards a redefinition of the term 'Israel' and what it means to be God's people, with Gentile believers now included through the work of Christ.

Practical Applications

Colossians 2:11 invites individuals to examine their personal spiritual state and consider the importance of an inward transformation over external religious practices.

For believers, it suggests focusing on cultivating a relationship with God that is based on faith in Jesus Christ rather than relying on outward rituals or following religious rules.

The idea of "putting off the body of the sins of the flesh" also indicates a call to personal holiness and ethical living, turning away from sinful behaviors and attitudes that separate us from God.

Cross-References

• Romans 2:29 - "But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God."
• Philippians 3:3 - "For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh."
• Galatians 5:6 - "For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love."
• Ephesians 4:22-24 - "That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word for "circumcised" is "περιετμήθητε" (perietmēthēte), derived from "περιτέμνω" (peritemnō), which means to cut around. This term is used metaphorically here.

The phrase "without hands" is written as "χειροποιήτου" (cheiropoiētou) in Greek, and it strongly emphasizes that this procedure is spiritual and divine rather than physical.

The "putting off the body of the sins" uses "ἀπέκδυσιν" (apekdusin) which metaphorically means to strip off or divest oneself of something, as one would take off clothing, thus implying the removal of the sinful nature.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Most ancient religions had rituals that signified purification or entrance into a covenant with their gods.

In Judaism, physical circumcision was unique as an Abrahamic covenant sign.

In many ancient myths, rites of passage often involved some form of sacrifice or body alteration, though none has a direct one-to-one correlation with the concept of Christian spiritual circumcision.

Paul's concept of a spiritual transformation that manifests in ethical living resonates across religious traditions, such as the idea in Hinduism of shedding ignorance for spiritual enlightenment or the Buddhist concept of renouncing attachments for inner peace.

Scientific Perspectives

The spiritual concept of "circumcision of the heart" does not directly intersect with scientific understandings, as it's a religious metaphor.

However, it might be related to psychological ideas about significant life changes. Psychology examines how belief systems and transformations in one's sense of self can lead to changes in behavior and personality, which aligns with the verse's emphasis on inner change.

Commentaries

Various Biblical scholars and theologians offer diverse insights into Colossians 2:11:

• John Calvin suggests that Paul introduces the idea of spiritual circumcision to dismiss the need for the physical one, making the case for the sole sufficiency of Christ.
• Matthew Henry emphasizes the complete and radical nature of the inward change, aligning it with repentance and the rejection of one's sinful nature.
• **N.T.

Wright**, a proponent of the New Perspective on Paul, might argue that the verse redefines the people of God not by ethnic markers like circumcision but by faith in Christ.

• **F.F.

Bruce** notes that the "circumcision made without hands" is a fundamental transformation through Christ's death and resurrection, which all believers share in spiritually.