Colossians 2:11

In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:

In {G1722} whom {G3739} also {G2532} ye are circumcised {G4059} with the circumcision {G4061} made without hands {G886}, in {G1722} putting off {G555} the body {G4983} of the sins {G266} of the flesh {G4561} by {G1722} the circumcision {G4061} of Christ {G5547}:

Also it was in union with him that you were circumcised with a circumcision not done by human hands, but accomplished by stripping away the old nature’s control over the body. In this circumcision done by the Messiah,

In Him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of your sinful nature, with the circumcision performed by Christ and not by human hands.

in whom ye were also circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, in the putting off of the body of the flesh, in the circumcision of Christ;

Commentary

Context

In Colossians 2:11, the Apostle Paul continues his argument against various false teachings that threatened the young church in Colossae. These teachings often combined elements of Jewish legalism, such as the emphasis on physical circumcision, with philosophical concepts and ascetic practices. Paul's central message throughout this chapter is the absolute supremacy and sufficiency of Christ. He explains that believers in Christ have already received everything they need for salvation and spiritual completeness, rendering external rituals unnecessary and even detrimental if relied upon for righteousness.

Key Themes

  • Spiritual Transformation vs. Physical Ritual: The verse draws a sharp contrast between the physical rite of circumcision, a sign of the Old Covenant, and the spiritual reality that believers experience in Christ. This "circumcision made without hands" signifies an internal, divine work, not a humanly performed one.
  • Victory Over Sinful Nature: The phrase "putting off the body of the sins of the flesh" describes the essence of this spiritual circumcision. It is a decisive severance from the power and dominion of sin, a spiritual death to the old, unregenerate self. This is not merely a moral improvement but a radical transformation of one's spiritual state.
  • Sufficiency of Christ's Work: The phrase "by the circumcision of Christ" highlights that this profound spiritual change is accomplished solely through Christ's work, particularly His death and resurrection. It is through union with Him that believers partake in this spiritual reality, which surpasses any ceremonial act.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "made without hands" is acheiropoiētos (ἀχειροποίητος), emphasizing that this circumcision is not a human work but a divine one. It stands in direct opposition to physical circumcision, which is performed by human hands. This spiritual act signifies a complete spiritual cutting away of the sinful nature. The phrase "putting off the body of the sins of the flesh" can be understood as stripping away or divesting oneself of the old self, similar to how one might remove old clothing. This imagery underscores the radical separation from the former life of sin that occurs in Christ.

Practical Application

Colossians 2:11 is a powerful reminder that true Christian identity and spiritual completeness do not come from adherence to external rituals, legalistic practices, or self-effort, but from a profound, internal work of God through Christ. For believers today, this means:

  • Focusing on Internal Transformation: Our walk with God is about a changed heart and spirit, not merely outward religious observances. While disciplines are valuable, they are a response to, not a means of, our spiritual circumcision in Christ.
  • Embracing Freedom in Christ: We are liberated from the burden of trying to earn God's favor through works. Our standing before God is secure because of what Christ has already accomplished for us.
  • Living a Holy Life: Having been spiritually circumcised, we are called to live in alignment with our new identity. This means actively putting off the old self and its sinful desires, and walking in the newness of life that Christ provides. This verse lays the groundwork for understanding the spiritual reality of Christian baptism, often seen as an outward symbol of this inner transformation.

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Cross-References

  • Romans 2:29 (22 votes)

    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 (15 votes)

    For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

  • Romans 6:6 (10 votes)

    Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with [him], that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

  • Ephesians 4:22 (10 votes)

    That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

  • Deuteronomy 30:6 (9 votes)

    And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.

  • Galatians 5:24 (9 votes)

    And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

  • Galatians 2:20 (8 votes)

    I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.