“Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.”
Beware lest anyone take you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition and the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ — phylarkidia (philosophy) is not intellectual pursuit but heretical teaching. 'Empty deceit' (kenē apatē) is hollow seduction. 'Human tradition' (paradosis tōn anthrōpōn) contrasts with apostolic tradition. 'Elemental spirits' (stoicheia tou kosmou, elements or principalities of the world) are likely demonic powers that the false teachers claim to access through ascetic practice. 'Not according to Christ' is the measuring rod: all teaching must align with Christ's supremacy.
Church Fathers on Colossians 2:7
Again, he takes hold on them beforehand with their own testimony, saying, “As therefore ye received.” We introduce no strange addition, he says, neither do ye. “Walk ye in Him,” for He is the Way that leads to the Father: not in the Angels; this way leads not there. “Rooted,” that is, fixed; not one while going this way, another that, but “rooted”: now that which is rooted, never can remove. Observe how appropriate are the expressions he employs. “And built up,” that is, in…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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