Colossians 2:23

23. Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in will-worship, and humility, and severity to the body; but are not of any value against the indulgence of the flesh.

Translation and Paraphrase

23. (The ordinances of) which (I spoke do indeed) have a speakable appearance of wisdom in (the respects of) self-chosen worship, and (apparent) humility, and (in impressive demonstrations of) severity to the body; (but they are) not of value for the satisfying of the flesh (and restraining indulgence),

Notes

1.

Paul concludes his warnings against human ordinances and asceticism by saying that the way that some people carry out such ordinances makes an impressive show, but that the ordinances are of no value when it comes to satisfying the basic desires of the flesh, and giving us contentment.

2.

Paul concedes that the human ordinances named in Colossians 2:21 indeed have an appearance (or show, or matter, or word; Gr. logos) of wisdom in will-worship. It takes a lot of will power to live up to them. Will-worship is voluntary, arbitrary worship, worship which one devises and prescribes for himself.

Also these ordinances make those who observe them very humble-appearing. The humility, however, is outward, and not genuine. Compare Colossians 2:18. Some religious people wear dark-colored, peculiar-looking, uncomfortable clothing. Such an act does not make the person really humble.

Also the ordinances make quite a show of severity to, or neglecting the body. Any man who lives without meat, or fasts for days, or wears odd uncomfortable clothing, or takes a vow to remain unmarried, or sleeps on spikes, or walks on hot coals, or crawls on hands and knees for great distances in acts of worshipsuch people are looked upon as especially holy by multitudes of unthinking people. They really are not.

3.

In spite of these outward appearances Paul says that the ordinances of men have no value against the indulgence of the flesh (KJV, to the satisfying of the flesh). A monk in a monastery living on bread and water may make an impressive show of self-denial, but he still oftentimes may experience discontent with his lot, and crave a more normal life.

4.

The word indulgence (KJV, satisfying: Gr. plesmone) refers to the state or quality of being full and satisfied; satiety. Christ satisfies.

5.

The Christian life is not a life primarily based on the denial of the body. We may freely enjoy food, and drink, and marriage, and a home, as long as these things do not rule our lives and desires, or injure us, or cause other to stumble. We may choose to deny ourselves of something, so that we can make a sacrificial gift. This too is excellent, but we cannot demand that others do as we do in these actions.

Study and Review

64.

What do the ordinances have a show (or appearance) of? (Colossians 2:23)

65.

In what three respects may ordinances make a show of wisdom?

66.

What is will-worship?

67.

Does severity to (or neglecting of) the body have any value? Does it have any appearance of value?

68.

Do the ordinances of men have any value (or honor) against the indulgence (or satisfying) of the flesh?

69.

Suggest a title or topic of your own for Colossians 2:6-23 (Col. chapter 2).