Colossians 2: 8 – The elements of the world

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.

When it comes to philosophy we probably think mainly of the Greeks and when it comes to tradition we think more about the Jews. You can bet that both directions could present themselves with strong assets! Philosophies were touted because they were devised by people who were exceptionally clever at thinking and reasoning. And the Jews, in turn, could boast of many generations in which rituals and ceremonies had been handed down. Traditions that could also (partly) be traced back to the law that God had once given to Israel on Sinai.

The Colossians would also not have been insensitive to such reasoning and recommendations. And let’s be honest: who doesn’t these considerations appeal to? They sound so reasonable and fit the ABCs of how the world thinks. Paul calls these here “the elements of the world” (cf. 2:20 and Gal.4:3,9).

The philosophies of the Greeks and the traditions of the Jews correspond to how the world thinks it can achieve the highest. But it is worldly thinking. For the world does not ascend to God, but God descends to the world!

Delen: