Colossians 2:21

“Touch not; taste not; handle not.”

Context:The book of Colossians was written by the Apostle Paul to the believers in the city of Colossae. The purpose of the letter was to address some heretical teachings and to encourage the believers to stand firm in their faith in Christ. In this particular verse, Paul is referring to human precepts and doctrines that promote legalistic restrictions on physical things.

Key Points:

• False Human Precepts:In the preceding verses (Colossians 2:20), Paul speaks of the believers’ identification with Christ’s death and resurrection, which freed them from the elemental spirits of the world. He then addresses the false teachings that the Colossian believers were facing. These teachings involved following human traditions and regulations, which included strict rules regarding physical matters like food, drink, and touch.
• Legalistic Restrictions:The phrase “Touch not; taste not; handle not” represents a legalistic mindset that emphasizes external regulations. The false teachers imposed strict rules on what the believers could or couldn’t touch, taste, or handle. However, Paul challenges the validity of such regulations and encourages the believers to understand the true nature of their freedom in Christ.
• Freedom in Christ:Throughout the book of Colossians, Paul emphasizes the sufficiency and supremacy of Christ. He encourages the believers to find their completeness in Him alone. In the context of this verse, Paul highlights that following external regulations regarding physical matters cannot bring true spiritual growth or salvation. The Christian faith is not based on adherence to man-made rules but on a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

• Focus on Spiritual Matters:By addressing these false teachings, Paul redirects the believers’ attention to the spiritual realm. He urges them to pursue a genuine relationship with Christ, emphasizing the importance of faith, love, and spiritual maturity. True spiritual growth comes from being rooted in Christ, walking in His ways, and developing a deep understanding of His Word.

Application:

• Guard against legalism:Colossians 2:21 serves as a reminder to avoid falling into legalistic practices or relying on external rituals for spiritual growth. Our relationship with God is based on faith in Christ, not on adherence to man-made rules.
• Seek Christ above all:In a world filled with various teachings and philosophies, we must continually center our lives on Jesus Christ. He is our source of wisdom, salvation, and completeness. Focus on knowing Him intimately through prayer, studying the Bible, and seeking His guidance in all aspects of life.
• Pursue spiritual growth:Instead of placing undue emphasis on external practices, invest time and effort in cultivating spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible study, worship, and serving others. These are the areas where true transformation occurs and our relationship with God deepens.
• Evaluate teachings against Scripture:Just as Paul challenged the false teachings in Colossians, we should critically examine any teachings or doctrines we encounter. Compare them with the truth revealed in God’s Word, allowing Scripture to be the ultimate authority in discerning what is true and what is not.

Remember, Colossians 2:21 emphasizes the freedom we have in Christ and encourages us to focus on the things that truly matter in our spiritual journey.