Colossians 2:17

Colossians 2:17 is a pivotal verse in Paul's letter, clarifying the relationship between Old Testament practices and the person of Jesus Christ. It asserts that many elements of the Mosaic Law, particularly ceremonial observances, served as prophetic pointers to the coming Messiah and the New Covenant he would inaugurate. These practices were not the ultimate reality but merely preparatory sketches, with Christ Himself being the full and living embodiment of all they foreshadowed.

Context

This verse follows closely on the heels of Colossians 2:16, where Paul instructs believers not to let anyone judge them concerning food, drink, religious festivals, New Moons, or Sabbath days. The church in Colossae was being influenced by false teachers who promoted asceticism, legalism, and a form of mysticism that diminished Christ's supremacy. These teachers likely emphasized adherence to Old Testament ceremonial laws as a means of spiritual growth or salvation.

Paul's argument throughout Colossians 2 is that believers have been made complete in Christ (Colossians 2:10) and are therefore not bound by human traditions or external regulations that detract from His sufficiency. He warns against "philosophy and vain deceit" (Colossians 2:8) and practices that are "a shadow of things to come," implying that true spiritual substance is found only in Christ.

Key Themes

• Shadow vs. Substance: The primary theme is the distinction between the temporary, illustrative nature of the Old Testament ceremonial law ("a shadow") and the enduring, ultimate reality found in Christ ("the body"). The law pointed forward; Christ is the fulfillment. This concept is also elaborated in Hebrews 10:1.
• Christ's Fulfillment: This verse underscores the supremacy and fulfillment of Christ. He did not abolish the law but brought it to its intended completion, revealing its true purpose and meaning. All the sacrifices, feasts, and dietary laws were designed to prepare God's people for His coming.
• Freedom from Legalism: By declaring that the "body is of Christ," Paul liberates believers from the burden of rigidly adhering to ceremonial laws that have been fulfilled. Christian freedom is found in a relationship with Christ, not in external observances or human-made rules.
• The New Covenant: This verse implicitly points to the superiority of the New Covenant established by Christ over the Old Covenant. The Old served its purpose, but the New brings the full reality of God's grace and salvation.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek words used here are crucial for understanding the verse:

• skia (σκιά): Translated "shadow," this word denotes an outline, a faint resemblance, or a mere image. It implies something that lacks substance and is an imperfect representation of the real thing.
• soma (σῶμα): Translated "body" (here meaning "substance" or "reality"), this word stands in direct contrast to skia. It refers to the tangible, solid, and complete form. Paul is emphasizing that while the Old Testament observances were only a sketch, Christ is the full, three-dimensional reality they depicted.

Practical Application

Colossians 2:17 has profound implications for Christian living:

1. Focus on Christ: It calls believers to keep Christ at the center of their faith. True spirituality is not about strict adherence to rituals or external rules, but about a living relationship with Jesus, who is the essence of all truth.
2. Beware of Legalism: This verse serves as a timeless warning against any teaching that adds human traditions, dietary laws, or specific holy days as requirements for salvation or spiritual maturity. Such practices, when elevated above Christ, become "shadows" that distract from the "body."
3. Appreciate the Old Testament: While the ceremonial law no longer binds Christians, this verse encourages us to understand its value. The Old Testament is not irrelevant; it's a rich source of prophecy and teaching that beautifully illustrates God's plan of redemption culminating in Christ.
4. Live in Freedom: Believers are called to live in the freedom that Christ provides, understanding that He has fulfilled all righteousness. Our righteousness comes through faith in Him, not through works of the law (Galatians 2:16).

Reflection

Colossians 2:17 powerfully reminds us that in Christ, we have the complete and perfect revelation of God's will and plan. The Old Testament, with its rich tapestry of laws and rituals, served as a divine pointer, guiding humanity towards the ultimate reality found in Jesus. As believers, our gaze should be fixed on Him, the "body" and substance of all truth, rather than on the "shadows" of past dispensations or human-made regulations.