Colossians 2:8 – Three Minute Bible

December 18, 2024December 18, 2024

Colossians 2:8d – The Path to Unity

…rather than on Christ.

Summary: As we come to the end of this verse, Paul points us, once again, to the only one who can save us: Jesus.

Wait a minute! How did we get here again?

Let’s review:

“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.” (Colossians 2:8)

In this one sentence, Paul has outlined a major threat to those of us who believe in Jesus. A “hollow and deceptive philosophy” is a persuasive argument that looks substantial on the outside but inside is empty, void of any real value.

December 17, 2024December 17, 2024

Colossians 2:8c – Spiritual Dangers

…and the elemental spiritual forces of this world…

Summary: With three simple words the NIV translation of Paul’s letter transports us into the realm of the unknown. As we ponder what Paul means, we find a warning against pagan beliefs.

Whenever I read this passage, I stop and pause when I get to the phrase “elemental spiritual forces.” The wording is very unusual. The idea of “elemental spiritual forces” intrigues me, and I find myself wondering what Paul is talking about.

December 16, 2024December 16, 2024

Colossians 2:8b – A Touchy Subject

… which depends on human tradition …

Summary: This passage continues Paul’s thoughts on protecting the church from “hollow and deceptive philosophy.” The challenging part is trying to figure out what he is talking about.

In this passage, Paul explains a bit more about the “hollow and deceptive” philosophies that he has in mind. Here, he adds that they depend on “human tradition.” Interestingly, the word Paul uses for “tradition” has a particular meaning in Greek.

“Parádosis” is the Greek word for “a precept; specially, the Jewish traditionary law:—ordinance, tradition” (Strong’s G3862). It appears that he was thinking of the Jewish believers who insisted that circumcision was still necessary for salvation (See Galatians 2:12 and Titus 1:10).

December 14, 2024December 15, 2024

Colossians 2:8a – A Can of Worms

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy …

Summary: In this passage Paul cautions believers against teachings and philosophies that distract from the heart of the gospel.

Paul opens up a can of worms with this passage. “Why?” you ask. Because, Dear Reader, someone has to decide what a “hollow and deceptive philosophy” is.

The Bible is generally acknowledged as the principal authoritative document for all of Christianity. Even so, people find things to argue about. Sometimes it feels like the more we have to argue about, the happier we are as Christians!