Colossians 2:22

Colossians 2:22 is part of Paul's strong warning to the Colossian believers against deceptive philosophies and false teachings that were threatening the purity of the gospel. This verse highlights the futility and temporary nature of human-made rules and traditions, especially those that detract from the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ.

Context

In Colossians chapter 2, Paul confronts specific errors prevalent in Colossae, which included elements of Jewish legalism, asceticism (severe self-discipline and abstinence), and possibly Gnostic ideas that emphasized secret knowledge and the worship of angels. He argues that believers are already "complete in Him" (Colossians 2:10) through Christ, having died with Him to the "rudiments of the world" (Colossians 2:20). The preceding verses (Colossians 2:16-21) criticize those who would judge others based on food, drink, festivals, new moons, or sabbath days, or who advocate for harsh bodily discipline. Verse 22 serves as a rhetorical question, emphasizing the perishable nature of these external practices.

Key Themes

• Futility of Legalism: The verse underlines that human-made rules concerning external observances (like "touch not; taste not; handle not" from verse 21) are ultimately useless for true spiritual growth or salvation. They are temporary and do not address the heart.
• Temporary vs. Eternal: The phrase "which all are to perish with the using" highlights the transient nature of physical things and the regulations surrounding them. Unlike eternal spiritual truths found in Christ, these earthly concerns are consumed, decay, or become obsolete.
• Human vs. Divine Authority: Paul sharply contrasts "the commandments and doctrines of men" with the divine truth revealed in Christ. This echoes warnings found elsewhere in Scripture against prioritizing human traditions over God's word (Mark 7:7).
• Sufficiency of Christ: The underlying message is that true spiritual life and freedom are found in Christ alone, not in adherence to burdensome or man-made regulations.

Linguistic Insights

• "perish with the using" (Greek: apochrēsei - ἀποχρήσει): This phrase conveys the idea of something being consumed, worn out, or becoming useless through its very application or consumption. It emphasizes the ephemeral nature of the things being regulated (e.g., food, drink) and, by extension, the rules themselves.
• "commandments and doctrines of men" (Greek: entalmata kai didaskalias anthrōpōn - ἐντάλματα καὶ διδασκαλίας ἀνθρώπων): This clear designation underscores that these rules originate from human wisdom or tradition, not from divine revelation. Paul consistently distinguishes between God's commands and human inventions that seek to bind the conscience.

Practical Application

Colossians 2:22 remains highly relevant for believers today. It serves as a vital reminder to:

• Examine Our Practices: We must discern whether our spiritual practices are rooted in biblical truth and a genuine relationship with Christ, or if we are inadvertently clinging to human traditions or legalistic rules that have no lasting spiritual value.
• Prioritize Christ: Our focus should always be on Christ's finished work and His sufficiency for salvation and sanctification, rather than on external observances or a rigid adherence to non-biblical codes of conduct.
• Guard Against Legalism: The church must be vigilant against the temptation to impose human-made rules as requirements for spiritual maturity or acceptance, which can stifle true Christian liberty (Galatians 5:1) and lead to hypocrisy.
• Live in True Freedom: Understanding that salvation and righteousness come through faith in Christ frees believers from the burden of trying to earn God's favor through works or adherence to a list of do's and don'ts that are "to perish with the using."