“Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.”
Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by a sensuous mind — 'Disqualify' (katabrabeuō, umpire against, disallow) warns against false-teacher claims to spiritual authority. 'Asceticism' (ethelothreskeia, self-imposed worship) and 'angel-worship' (latreuo aggelos) are the false practices. 'Going on in detail about visions' (embateuō, entering into) suggests visionary claims. 'Puffed up without reason' (physioō eis mataios, inflated in vain) critiques their spiritual pride. 'Sensuous mind' (noys tēs sarkos, fleshly mind) shows asceticism masks flesh-orientation.
Church Fathers on Colossians 2:17
Having first said darkly, “Take heed lest there shall be any one that makes spoil of you after the tradition of men” Colossians 2:8; and again, further back, “This, I say, that no one may delude you with persuasiveness of speech” Colossians 2:4; thus preoccupying their soul, and working in it anxious thoughts; next, having inserted those benefits, and increased this effect, he then brings in his reproof last, and says, “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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