“(Touch not; taste not; handle not;”
These all refer to things that perish as they are used; they are according to human precepts and teachings — 'Perish as they are used' (aphanizo en tē chresei) shows the rules concern temporal, consumable things. 'Human precepts and teachings' (entolē kai didaskalia anthrōpōn) emphasizes their human origin, not divine. The foods consumed, the rules applied—all are transient. Why submit to temporary human rules as if eternally binding?
Church Fathers on Colossians 2:21
“Handle not, nor taste, nor touch; all which things are to perish with the using; after the precepts and doctrines of men.” You are not in the world, he says, how is it you are subject to its elements? How to its observances? And mark how he makes sport of them, “touch not, handle not, taste not,” as though they were cowards and keeping themselves clear of some great matters, “all which things are to perish with the using.” He has taken down the swollenness of the many, and…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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