The Seven Churches of Revelation

Colossianschapter 2

23 verses · ASV

This chapter sends 518 cross-references outward and receives 481 — heaviest partner: Colossians.

Chapter summary

Paul's great conflict for them that they might have full assurance of understanding. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. In him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily; ye are complete in him. Buried with him in baptism; raised with him by faith. The handwriting of ordinances was blotted out, nailed to his cross. Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink. Henry reads the chapter as the counter to a first-rank Christological heresy.

Drafted from Matthew Henry, Calvin, Gill, Clarke, JFB, and Barnes.

Context

Epistle · Paul — see the Colossians overview for the book's full setting.

1–23 The Seven Churches of Revelation

1 For I would have you know how greatly I strive for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;

2 that their hearts may be comforted, they being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, that they may know the mystery of God, even Christ,

3 in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden.

4 This I say, that no one may delude you with persuasiveness of speech.

5 For though I am absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.

6 As therefore ye received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him,

7 rooted and builded up in him, and established in your faith, even as ye were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

8 Take heed lest there shall be any one that maketh spoil of you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ: