What does Colossians 2:16 mean?

Explanation

Colossians 2:16 advises against allowing others to pass judgment on one’s religious practices related to dietary rules or observance of certain days.

Literally, it means that believers should not be criticized or held to standards set by others regarding what they eat or drink, or how they celebrate religious festivals, observe the new moon, or honor the Sabbath.

On a deeper level, this verse suggests the superiority of Christ's sacrifice over the Old Testament laws and the freedom believers have in Christ from the rules and regulations that governed the Jewish tradition.

Historical Context

Colossians was written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Colossae, a city in Asia Minor (present-day Turkey), likely around A.D. 60–61.

At that time, early Christians, many of whom were Gentiles, were being influenced by Jewish Christians who insisted on the observance of the Old Testament laws and traditions as essential for salvation.

This included dietary laws and religious holy days.

Paul's intent in writing this letter was to combat these Judaizing influences and affirm the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ.

Theological Insights

Different Christian denominations interpret this verse through various theological lenses:

• Adventist Perspective: Typically views the “sabbath days” in this verse as referring to ceremonial sabbaths rather than the weekly Sabbath, thus holding to the observance of Saturday as the Sabbath.

• Mainstream Protestant Perspective: Often sees this text as part of the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith, not by works of the law, which includes not being judged by former Jewish observances.

• Catholic Perspective: Interprets this in line with the view of the New Covenant, recognizing the fulfillment of the law in Christ and not requiring adherence to the Jewish ceremonial observances.

Practical Applications

This verse encourages Christians to focus on their personal relationship with Christ rather than becoming entangled in legalistic practices.

It can be applied to modern scenarios by promoting tolerance within the Christian community when there are differences in observances and practices.

It also serves to reassure believers that their salvation is through faith in Christ alone and not dependent on adhering to specific dietary or ceremonial laws.

Cross-References

• Romans 14:3 - "Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him."
• Galatians 4:9-10 - "But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years."
• Romans 14:13 - "Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way."

Language Study

Two key terms in the original Greek manuscript stand out:

• krineto (κρινέτω): A third person singular present imperative verb meaning "let him judge" or "let him not judge," signifying the act of making a judgment or decision.

• sabbaton (σαββάτων): The plural form of "Sabbath," which in the Jewish context referred to the weekly day of rest, but here may refer to special religious days of rest and feasting.

By examining the original language, it’s clear that the writer is giving a command that judgments and division over these matters should not exist within the church.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient religions, dietary laws, and calendar observances played a significant role in defining the religious identity of adherents.

For example, in Judaism, kashrut laws determined what could be eaten, and precise festivals marked their religious calendar.

Comparatively, early Christianity marked a departure from these practices, emphasizing faith and the internal condition of the heart over external observance.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse itself does not directly touch on scientific topics but may peripherally relate to discussions on the psychology of religion and group dynamics.

Modern psychology acknowledges the human propensity for in-group/out-group distinctions, which may manifest in the judgments admonished against in the verse.

Commentaries

Commentators offer several perspectives on Colossians 2:16:

• Matthew Henry's Commentary: Suggests that external rites and ceremonies are shadows of things to come but that the substance belongs to Christ.
• John Gill's Exposition of the Bible: Interprets this verse as a caution to the Gentiles, indicating that Jewish members should not impose their rituals on them.
• The Pulpit Commentary: Discusses the temporal and imperfect nature of the ordinances mentioned, which were to expire with the coming of the reality, which is Christ.

Each of these commentaries emphasizes the central message of the Apostle Paul in this verse: Christ’s sacrifice supersedes and fulfills the Old Testament ceremonial laws.