Colossians 2: 8 – Human traditions

Beware that no one shall be despoiling you through philosophy and empty seduction, in accord with human tradition, in accord with the elements of the world, and not in accord with Christ.

Paul’s warning is primarily about not being carried away by “philosophy.” The second thing he mentions is “empty seduction in accord with human tradition.” One could also read the sentence as one thing: philosophy, namely empty seduction according to human tradition. Understood in this way, philosophy itself also belongs to the tradition of men.

The word tradition relates to trade (cf. the English ’trade’ > trade, transfer). The concept is neutral in itself. Paul’s teaching was also handed down, both orally and in writing (1 Thess. 2:15; 3:6; 1 Cor. 11:2). He praises his readers when they hold on to his traditions. In that case it is of course not about human tradition but about words that were made known to Paul through revelation (Gal.1:12).

In Galatians 1:14, Paul tells how from an early age he was extremely zealous for the traditions of his forefathers. They were traditions that, because of their many additions, invalidated the word of God (Matt. 15:6). Such traditions also threatened to tire Paul’s readers (2:16). Nice-sounding reasoning, but in reality “empty seduction”. Distracting from the fullness in Christ!

Delen: