“So let no one judge you in food or drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ. Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God. (Col 2:16–19)”
Have you ever experienced listening to one side of a phone conversation while in the same room as the person talking? Although you can't hear the other person's words, you can still gather a general idea of the discussion's topic and direction by hearing only half of the exchange.
When reading the letters of Paul (or any apostle), it becomes evident that they often respond to specific information or letters sent to them. This aspect makes reading the letters similar to listening to a one-sided telephone conversation, where you can only hear half of the exchange.
For example, Paul's letters to the Romans and Corinthians address particular issues raised by members of those churches. In Romans, he writes about the relationship between Jews and Gentiles, the role of the law in salvation, and the importance of Christian unity. In Corinthians, Paul tackles topics such as the proper use of spiritual gifts, the role of women in the church, and the consumption of meat sacrificed to idols. In both cases, Paul's responses demonstrate that he is directly addressing the questions or concerns brought to his attention.
The same pattern is observable in the letter to the Colossians, where Paul provides solutions to presumed questions based on the prevalent religious and philosophical ideas and practices of the time of writing. By understanding the historical context, we gain better insight into Paul's concerns and his guidance to his audience.
The Holy Spirit inspires the letters of Paul (and other apostles) and has much to teach us about the Christian faith. Still, it is important to remember that they were written in specific historical and cultural contexts and are often part of ongoing conversations between the apostles and the early Christian communities to whom they were written.
What does Paul mean let no one Judge you concerning meat and drink?
The Judaizers were a group of Jewish Christians who believed that Gentile converts to Christianity must also follow Jewish customs, particularly the requirement of circumcision. Paul addressed this issue in his letter to the Galatians, where he vehemently opposed the idea of imposing Jewish customs on Gentile converts. Paul argued that justification before God comes by faith in Jesus Christ and not by observing the Jewish law. Despite Paul's teachings, the Judaizers followed him and tried to undermine his work by preaching their own version of the Gospel. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul called them "dogs," calling them out for their insistence on circumcision and the observance of Jewish customs as a requirement for salvation.
The New Testament records multiple instances where there were attempts on Paul's life by those who opposed his teachings. For example, in Acts 9:23-25, after Paul's conversion to Christianity, the Jews in Damascus plotted to kill him. In Acts 14:19, Paul was stoned and left for dead in Lystra. In Acts 20:3, we learn that there was a plot to kill Paul in Greece. And in 2 Corinthians 11:32-33, Paul refers to a plot against him in Damascus, where he had to be lowered in a basket through a window in the wall to escape. These are just a few examples of the dangers that Paul faced as he preached the Gospel and opposed those who sought to undermine his work.
Paul warns the Colossians against Jewish and Gnostic legalism and superstitions.
Paul's cautionary message in Colossians warns the Christian community of two threats that put their faith at risk. Firstly, the Judaizers impose legalistic and superstitious Jewish customs on others and judge those who do not adhere to their laws. This threat is not unique to Colossians and seen in other places such as Galatia and Philippi. In Galatians, Paul warns against those who require circumcision and adherence to the law. In Philippians, he describes those who put their confidence in the flesh, boasting about their circumcision.
Secondly, the Gentiles threaten the Colossians' faith through Gnosticism. Gnostics denied Jesus' full divinity and humanity. Some also held to an extreme asceticism that forbids marriage and certain foods. Paul also addresses this issue in his letters to Corinthians and Timothy, warning against false teachings denying Christ's resurrection and the gospel's truth. Paul reminds the Colossians that these external factors, such as food, festivals, and new moons are just shadows of things to come, but the substance is Christ, who is the head of the body of believers. Thus, they should not let anyone cheat them of their reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things they have not seen, vainly puffed up by their fleshly minds.
Wrapping it up
Paul's letters offer a unique perspective into the early Christian community and the challenges they faced in their faith. By understanding the historical and cultural context of his writings, we can better appreciate the relevance of his messages today. We can also learn from Paul's example of courage and perseverance in the face of opposition and persecution. As we continue to study the letters of Paul and other apostles, may we be inspired by their commitment to the gospel and strive to live out our faith with the same boldness and dedication.