Colossians 2

Paul's Ministry to the Church

1 For I want you to know y how great a w struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, 2 that z their hearts may be encouraged, being a knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of b God's mystery, which is Christ, 3 c in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this in order d that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. 5 For e though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your f good order and g the firmness of your faith in Christ.

Alive in Christ

6 h Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 i rooted and j built up in him and k established in the faith, just l as you were taught, abounding m in thanksgiving.

8 See to it that no one takes you captive by n philosophy and o empty deceit, according to p human tradition, according to the q elemental spirits 1 of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For r in him the whole fullness of deity dwells s bodily, 10 and t you have been filled in him, who is u the head of all rule and authority. 11 In him also v you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by w putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 x having been buried with him in baptism, in which y you were also raised with him through faith in z the powerful working of God, z who raised him from the dead. 13 a And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God b made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by c canceling d the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 w He disarmed the rulers and authorities 2 and e put them to open shame, by f triumphing over them in him. 3

Let No One Disqualify You

16 Therefore let no one g pass judgment on you h in questions of food and drink, or with regard to i a festival or j a new moon or a Sabbath. 17 k These are a shadow of the things to come, but l the substance belongs to Christ. 18 Let no one m disqualify you, n insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, o going on in detail about visions, 4 p puffed up without reason by q his sensuous mind, 19 and r not s holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.

20 If with Christ t you died to the u elemental spirits of the world, v why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations - 21 w "Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch" 22 ( x referring to things that all perish as they are used) - according to y human precepts and teachings? 23 These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in z promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are a of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.

  1. Cross References
    Philippians 1:30
    Engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
  2. Cross References
    Colossians 1:29
    For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.
  3. Cross References
    Colossians 4:8
    I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts.
    Ephesians 6:22
    I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts.
  4. Cross References
    Colossians 3:14
    And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
  5. Cross References
    Colossians 1:27
    To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
  6. Cross References
    Isaiah 11:2
    And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him,...
    Isaiah 45:3
    I will give you the treasures of darkness and t...
    1 Corinthians 1:24
    But to those who are called, both Jews and Gree...
    1 Corinthians 1:30
    And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who...
    1 Corinthians 2:6 - 7
    Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, altho...
    Luke 11:49
    Therefore also the Wisdom of God said, 'I will ...
    Ephesians 1:8
    Which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and in...
  7. Cross References
    Romans 16:18
    For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.
    Ephesians 5:6
    Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.
    2 Peter 2:3
    And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.
  8. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 5:3
    For though absent in body, I am present in spirit; and as if present, I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did such a thing.
  9. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 14:40
    But all things should be done decently and in order.
  10. Cross References
    1 Peter 5:9
    Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
  11. Cross References
    Colossians 1:10
    So as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.
    1 Thessalonians 4:1
    Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more.
  12. Cross References
    Ephesians 3:17
    So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith - that you, being rooted and grounded in love.
  13. Cross References
    Acts 20:32
    And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
    Ephesians 2:20
    Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.
    1 Corinthians 3:9
    For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building.
  14. Cross References
    Hebrews 13:9
    Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them.
  15. Cross References
    Ephesians 4:21
    Assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus.
  16. Cross References
    Colossians 4:2
    Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
    Ephesians 5:20
    Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
  17. Cross References
    1 Timothy 6:20
    O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called "knowledge.
  18. Cross References
    Ephesians 5:6
    Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.
  19. Cross References
    Matthew 15:2
    "Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat."
  20. Cross References
    Colossians 2:20
    If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations -
  21. Cross References
    Colossians 1:19
    For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell.
    John 1:14
    And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
  22. Cross References
    Colossians 2:17
    These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.
  23. Cross References
    Ephesians 3:19
    And to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
  24. Cross References
    Ephesians 1:21 - 22
    Far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.
  25. Cross References
    Ephesians 2:11
    Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called "the uncircumcision" by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands -
    Romans 2:29
    But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.
  26. Cross References
    Colossians 2:15
    He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.
    Colossians 3:9
    Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices
  27. Cross References
    Romans 6:4
    We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
  28. Cross References
    Colossians 3:1
    If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
    Romans 6:5
    For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.
  29. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 6:14
    And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power.
    Acts 2:24
    God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.
    Ephesians 1:19
    And what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might
  30. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 6:14
    And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power.
    Acts 2:24
    God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.
    Ephesians 1:19
    And what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might
  31. Cross References
    Ephesians 2:1
    And you were dead in the trespasses and sins
  32. Cross References
    Ephesians 2:5
    Even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ - by grace you have been saved -
  33. Cross References
    Acts 3:19
    Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out.
  34. Cross References
    Romans 7:4
    Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God.
  35. Cross References
    Colossians 2:11
    In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ.
  36. Cross References
    Genesis 3:15
    I will put enmity between you and the woman, an...
    Psalms 68:18
    You ascended on high, leading a host of captive...
    Isaiah 53:12
    Therefore I will divide him a portion with the ...
    Matthew 12:29
    Or how can someone enter a strong man's house a...
    Luke 10:18
    And he said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lig...
    John 12:31
    Now is the judgment of this world; now will the...
    John 16:11
    Concerning judgment, because the ruler of this ...
    Ephesians 4:8
    Therefore it says, "When he ascended on high he...
    Hebrews 2:14
    Since therefore the children share in flesh and...
  37. Cross References
    Ephesians 2:16
    And might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.
  38. Cross References
    Romans 14:3
    Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him.
    Romans 14:10
    Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.
    Romans 14:13
    Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.
  39. Cross References
    Romans 14:17
    For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
    Hebrews 9:10
    But deal only with food and drink and various washings, regulations for the body imposed until the time of reformation.
    Leviticus 11:2
    Speak to the people of Israel, saying, These are the living things that you may eat among all the animals that are on the earth.
  40. Cross References
    Leviticus 23:2
    Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, These are the appointed feasts of the Lord that you shall proclaim as holy convocations; they are my appointed feasts.
    Romans 14:5
    One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.
  41. Cross References
    Mark 2:28
    So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.
    Numbers 28:11
    At the beginnings of your months, you shall offer a burnt offering to the Lord : two bulls from the herd, one ram, seven male lambs a year old without blemish.
  42. Cross References
    Hebrews 8:5
    They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, "See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.
    Hebrews 10:1
    For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near.
  43. Cross References
    Colossians 2:2
    That their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ.
  44. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 9:24
    Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.
  45. Cross References
    Colossians 2:23
    These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.
  46. Cross References
    Ezekiel 13:7
    Have you not seen a false vision and uttered a lying divination, whenever you have said, 'Declares the Lord,' although I have not spoken?
    1 Timothy 1:7
    Desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions.
  47. Cross References
    Ephesians 4:17
    Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds.
  48. Cross References
    Romans 8:7
    For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot.
  49. Cross References
    Ephesians 4:15 - 16
    Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.
  50. Cross References
    Revelation 2:13
    'I know where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.
    Revelation 3:11
    I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.
  51. Cross References
    Romans 6:2
    By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?
  52. Cross References
    Colossians 2:8
    See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.
  53. Cross References
    Galatians 4:9
    But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more?
  54. Cross References
    Colossians 2:16
    Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath.
    1 Timothy 4:3
    Who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
  55. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 6:13
    Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food" - and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.
  56. Cross References
    Isaiah 29:13
    And the Lord said: "Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men.
    Matthew 15:9
    In vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'
    Titus 1:14
    Not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth.
  57. Cross References
    Colossians 2:18
    Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind.
  58. Cross References
    1 Timothy 4:8
    For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
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