Colossians 2:20

If ye died with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, do ye subject yourselves to ordinances,

'IF YE DIED WITH CHRIST' -i.e. in baptism (Colossians 2:13-14). Again, Paul doesn't even contemplate. class of people known as 'un-baptized' Christians.

'FROM THE RUDIMENTS' -4747. stoicheion stoy-khi'-on; neuter of. presumed derivative of the base of 4748; something orderly in arrangement, i.e. (by implication). serial (basal, fundamental, initial) constituent (literally), proposition (figuratively): -element, principle, rudiment.

-same as Colossians 2:8.

'OF THE WORLD' -'Elementary teachings and practices the peculiar sphere of which is the world' (Vincent p. 498). 'the world's rudimentary notions' (Wey)

Points to Note:

1. Some say that this expression refers to the Law of Moses, 'These believers had then been separated from those elementary forms of religious instruction, those Jewish rites and ceremonies, which had been fulfilled in Christ and thus been superseded by Christ.' (Erdman p. 84)

2. The phrase 'of the world', may also have. moral connotation (1 John 2:15). For paganism, the background of many of these Christians (Colossians 1:21), contained strong rules and regulations relating to material things also (Acts 17:18 'Stoic philosophers').

3. Note: In dying with Christ, in becoming. Christian, we really don't lose anything of value. What did these Christians die to? Valuable things, priceless things? No. Very common, very elementary, and opinions which just aren't worth much (Romans 6:21).

'WHY, AS THOUGH LIVING IN THE WORLD' -'as if you were living in the world' (NASV); 'Then why behave as though you were still living the life of the world?' (NEB). Since these Christians were still living in the physical world, in this phrase the word "world" must have an ethical sense, i.e. the old life, the old way of living. These Christians had been delivered out of the domain of the darkness (the world) (Colossians 1:12-14). Paul complains that at least some of them are acting like they are still living in the world. And if some member were to say, 'Prove it', Paul quickly responds in the next phrase:

'DO YE SUBJECT YOURSELVES TO ORDINANCES' -i.e. of the Law of Moses, or man-made human traditions and rules. 'Why let people dictate to you' (NEB); 'why do you submit, as though your life were still that of the world, to such ordinances as' (TCNT).

Points to Note:

1. Carefully note that God expects us to obey. number of human ordinances, i.e. the laws of the land (Romans 13:1 ff).

2. The ordinances in this verse refer to either those contained in the Law of Moses and or human traditions and rules that people are trying to combine with Christianity. Traditions and rules that people think are vital for salvation or gaining the favor of God.

3. Adding to the Bible, adding our own rules to the religion of Jesus Christ, doesn't mean that we are spiritually minded. Rather, it is. proof that we are still acting and thinking such like people of the world act and think.

4. This verse seems to suggest that some already had caved into this false teaching or where being intimidated by it. The ordinances under consideration are now defined.