Heretical Add ons in Colosse

Question and Answer - How did the extra rules get added?

The context of this question, I believe, is around our study in Colossians where the believers were being asked to observe or being judged if they did or didn’t observe certain holidays, celebrations, or other ‘rules’. In this the short answer is that they weren’t added. Most of the observances (except the pagan ones) were part of Old Testament tradition. Paul pointed distinctly that all of these were a “shadow of things to come” so that no one would mistake observing these as part of salvation nor that their eyes are taken off of Jesus. One example I would give would be of someone that had a medical condition and couldn’t go to church on the Sabbath. They were being judged and less religious or pious than someone else. The pagan celebrations are no different than ones we see today. If someone judges you for not observing time off or a holiday or whatever the question is how and who are they to judge? Are you seeking God at all times? Paul and others in the new testament surely show us that Jesus is a superset of the ‘shadow’ that was. Remember in our lesson that Paul says “These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ” Col 2:17. Note that they ‘WERE’ to come meaning that it HAS COME – this HAS come is Christ which we should look to for everything. My final comment on this… Read then Col 2:22. Note that ‘based on human commands and teachings’ will go away. So what commands and teachings are we to follow? We are to follow teaching and commands of who? Jesus of course. How do we know and follow these rather than human commands? The bible is the start and foundation. Holy Spirit and Prayer next. THEN fellowship.


NOTE: I am not a bible scholar nor do I understand all of the context around each item so I am going with what I know and can discern from what is written. Please comment on the item and, if I miss the real point please let me know. I have written the questions down exactly as they were written on the paper with no structure or wording changes. As promised, I will also work diligently with those that know the bible better than I to answer some of these questions. I expect that some of these questions and answers may be controversial. I am attempting only to impart truth and point to it. Please be patient with me and the answers. If I have said something that offends you or is inaccurate respond please. I will consult with a pastor and get back to you. Thanks to all for sharing!