Colossians 2:8
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. (NIV)
Watch out for people who try to dazzle you with big words and intellectual double-talk. They want to drag you off into endless arguments that never amount to anything. They spread their ideas through the empty traditions of human beings and the empty superstitions of spirit beings. But that’s not the way of Christ. (MSG)
Word Study
Captive – G1639 εἰμί eimi, to be, exist, be present
Hollow – G3031 κενός kenos, empty, empty-handed; by extension: vain, ineffective, useless, foolish
Thoughts…
The Greek termstoicheia, translated “basic principles of this world” in this context denotes false, worldly, elementary teachings. Paul was counteracting the Colossian heresy, which, in part, taught that for salvation one needed to combine faith in Christ with secret knowledge and with human regulations concerning such physical and external practices as circumcision, eating and drinking and observance of the religious festivals. (Archeological Study Bible).
Today’s word is very simple. Don’t get trapped in legalese. The thief on the cross died without observing any traditions, eating certain foods or wearing certain clothing and met Jesus in paradise. I am not saying these observances are bad, I am just saying trust that the only way to Heaven is accepting Jesus as your savior. There is no more and no less.
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