“Touch not; taste not; handle not;”– Colossians 2:21 (KJV)
“Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!”– Colossians 2:21 (NLT)
“Don’t touch this! Don’t taste that! Don’t even look at it!”– Colossians 2:21 (MSG)
What Does Colossians 2:21 Mean?
This verse, Colossians 2:21, gives us a simple but powerful instruction. The Apostle Paul, writing to the Colossians, sends a strong message about legalism. He mentions certain rules and restrictions that some people felt were necessary to follow. The phrases “Touch not; taste not; handle not” seem to express a kind of strictness that was common among early religious leaders. They often created many rules, believing they were necessary for holiness.
However, in this verse, Paul is warning the Colossians that following these strict rules doesn’t provide true righteousness. Instead of focusing on a number of “do not” commands, we should be focusing on faith and the love of Christ. Paul emphasizes that salvation and spiritual growth do not come from obeying rules alone, but from a relationship with Jesus. When we believe in Him, He transforms us and helps us live in a way that pleases Him, without the burden of endless rules.
Colossians 2:21 Explanation and Commentary
Let’s break down what this verse means more deeply. Paul writes this letter to address concerns within the Church at Colossae. There were false teachings that mixed Christian beliefs with other philosophies and regulations. Some were telling the believers that they had to follow strict dietary laws or religious rituals to be accepted by God. Paul counteracts this by proclaiming the freedom that comes through Christ’s sacrifice.
When we think about the rules listed in Colossians 2:21, we may wonder why was it such a big deal to Paul. Legalism – the idea that we must earn God’s favor through following rules – can become a significant hurdle for us. When individuals focus too much on what not to do, we often take our eyes off of what God wants us to do. This leads to a joyless faith where love, grace, and mercy are overshadowed by fear and obligation.
We learn from this verse that relationship is more important than rules. Just like in a family, we do not have to earn a parent’s love by following strict orders. Our relationship with them provides the love and support we need. In the same way, God desires a personal relationship with each of us, free from the strains of a legalistic mindset. When we understand this, we can start to enjoy our spiritual lives more fully.
Context of Colossians 2:21
To better appreciate this verse, we need to look at its context. In the broader section of Colossians, Paul writes about the sufficiency of Christ. Colossians 2 is a mix of deep theology and practical advice. He illustrates how false teachings threaten the true message of the Gospel.
In the preceding chapters, Paul emphasizes who Christ is. He describes Him as the image of the invisible God, the pre-eminent one in all creation. Knowing Christ is central to having a true relationship with God. The false teachers in the Church were trying to add traditional practices to God’s grace, which caused confusion. Paul is keen to clarify that faith in Christ is enough. Adding more rules creates burdens and can lead us away from understanding His grace.
Understanding this context fills our understanding of Colossians 2:21 with a sense of urgency. Paul wants to free us from the requirements that distract us from the essence of faith. He wants the believers to know they are free through Christ and do not need to follow any additional human regulations to please God.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Colossians 2:21
Now, let’s break down the key phrases in this verse. “Touch not,” “taste not,” and “handle not” represent commands that are supposed to restrict behavior. Paul is likely quoting what these false teachers were preaching. Their idea was that if you avoid certain things, you could achieve a higher spiritual status.
Thinking about this, we can relate it to our lives. It is similar to those moments when someone tells us, “You can’t do this” or “You can’t do that” without giving us the freedom to ask why. It can often create a fear-based system instead of love-based faith.
Paul is speaking against this kind of teaching. He encourages us to realize that nothing outside of Christ can make us holy. Instead of a list of things to avoid, he reminds us to focus on Christ and His transformative power in our lives. When we experience true worship, our hearts and lives change, guiding us to live according to God’s ways rather than from a place of fear or obligation.
Lessons to Learn From Colossians 2:21
One critical lesson we can draw from Colossians 2:21 is the importance of focusing on our relationship with Christ rather than following a strict list of rules. God desires our hearts, and through a relationship with Him, He will inspire us to make choices that align with His will.
Another lesson is the danger of legalism. Rules about what we can eat or drink, or how we should conduct ourselves in a spiritual setting, can feel like shackles. When we let the rules weigh us down, we miss out on the joy and freedom of living under God’s grace. Instead of fear, we should confidently live under Christ’s love.
Also, it reminds us to be cautious about what teachings we allow into our lives. Not all spiritual guidance is beneficial. We should seek wisdom through scripture, prayer, and the prompts of the Holy Spirit to discern what is truly from God and what isn’t. For this reason, it’s also essential for us to assemble with fellow believers who share the same vision of following Christ closely.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on Colossians 2:21, we recognize that our faith in Jesus Christ shouldn’t be bound by rules and regulations. Freedom in Christ means we can enjoy a genuine and intimate relationship with God. Rules alone will not satisfy us; only Christ can complete our hearts.
Let’s strive to live out our faith authentically. We should focus on growing in our understanding of who Christ is and building our relationship with Him. This approach fills our lives with spiritual joy, peace, and purpose. Our Christian journey isn’t about avoiding activities but embracing God and His love.
We invite you to explore more topics to further grow in your understanding of God’s word, such as 1 Samuel 20:3, 1 Samuel 20:1, and 1 Samuel 20:2!