Colossians 2:17

“Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.”

Context:To better understand any verse, it is important to consider its context. The Apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Colossians while he was in prison, addressing a variety of concerns within the church. In the preceding verses (Colossians 2:16), Paul discusses matters such as observing special days, feasts, new moons, and Sabbaths.

Symbolic Shadows:The verse begins by mentioning “shadows of things to come.” In the Old Testament, the Israelites had various ceremonial laws and practices that served as “shadows” or symbols pointing towards the coming of Christ. These shadows included the sacrificial system, the feasts and festivals, and the priesthood, among others. These practices were meant to foreshadow and prepare the people for the ultimate fulfillment found in Jesus Christ.

The Substance:The verse goes on to say that “the body is of Christ.” Here, Paul emphasizes that the substance or reality of these shadows is found in Jesus Himself. He is the fulfillment of all the Old Testament rituals and practices. Jesus is the reality to which the shadows pointed.

Christ’s Fulfillment:In the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels, we see how Jesus fulfilled these shadows. He is the perfect sacrificial Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29). He fulfilled the prophetic significance of the feasts and festivals, such as the Passover (1 Corinthians 5:7), and He became our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16).

Freed from Legalism:Understanding that Christ is the substance and fulfillment of the shadows helps believers to embrace the freedom found in Him. The verse serves as a reminder that we are no longer bound by the Old Testament ceremonial laws and rituals. We are now under the new covenant in Christ (Hebrews 8:6-7), and our focus should be on a relationship with Him rather than rigid adherence to religious practices.

Application:As believers, we should seek to deepen our understanding of Christ’s fulfillment of the Old Testament shadows. We can study the Scriptures to see how various aspects of the Old Testament find their ultimate meaning in Jesus Christ. This knowledge enables us to appreciate the richness of God’s plan and grow in our faith.

• In conclusion, Colossians 2:17 highlights the temporary nature of the ceremonial practices of the Old Testament, which served as shadows pointing to the reality found in Jesus Christ. As Christians, we are no longer bound by these shadows, but we have the privilege of experiencing the substance, which is Christ Himself.