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NASB | 1 John 2:3 ¶ By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 John 2:3 ¶ And this is how we know [daily, by experience] that we have come to know Him [to understand Him and be more deeply acquainted with Him]: if we habitually keep [focused on His precepts and obey] His commandments (teachings). |
Subject: abide |
Bible Note: What does he mean by saying not to judge in regard to food or new moons or Sabbath days? Note 1 of 2 Colossians 2:16-17 When addressing this question, we should try to see the full view of Paul’s argument. Again, I am short on space, and a full commentary would be nice, but I believe the simple Text can be looked at to find the truth of what Paul is teaching. No need to bring in any historical context or first century theology to solidify. Of course, these may be helpful to buttress our case, but they are simply addendums. (Such as Gnostic teachings that emerge in the second century.) Some theological background which I bring to this Text of which I believe Paul also brings. The Law of God given at Sinai is His Law for all ages even before the creation of the world. God is not a man that He should change, nor a man that He should be unfaithful. While that Law of God is expressed differently in different situations, its Truth is indivisible and complete. Paul in Colossians is warning against falling into hollow philosophies based on traditions and teachings of men. That is his main point in this section. He most assuredly is not teaching against the true Law of God found in Scripture. I do believe that we see the seeds of Gnostic thought being confronted. Col 1:22, says, “…in His fleshly body…” Why use the double words to stress that his body was fleshly unless there were questions about this? Furthermore, Paul states in Col 2:2, “[I want you to have] the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God's mystery, that is, Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Such a statement makes since when compared to Gnostic beliefs and teachings. Does this mean we must assume Gnosticism? No. Many historians believe it anachronistic to apply Gnostic teachings to Paul’s day, yet, it’s certainly something along those lines to which Paul is combating. It is clear, without disagreement that Paul is warning against hollow and deceptive philosophy. He is not teaching against any part of God’s Law. If he were, he could have stated such clearly, but instead we see him continually throughout this section referring to man made philosophy, hollow and deceptive wisdom, basic principles of this world destined to perish, and regulations that are against us. None of that sounds remotely close to God’s Law. Furthermore, several passages in Deut. and the rest of Scripture, make it clear that no one can remove or add to the Commandment of God. Paul couldn’t cancel anything if he desired to. Col 2:14 is speaking specifically of “dogma” which is never, not once, associated directly with God’s Law. Some nefarious translations actually put “Mosaic Law” in this verse, and I believe this to be of such great error to be deemed heretical in line with Marcion. (Do I put clear enough emphases on that?) (Extra Biblical sources have used the term “dogma” when referring to teaching related to God’s Law that opposing sectarians didn’t agree with, but not ever a direct reference to God’s Law.) The Col 2:14 is specifically teaching that the rules and teachings of this world’s kingdom are nailed to the cross. It is the teachings of this word’s kingdom; the kingdom of death and darkness that rules this world which is contrary to the Kingdom of life, and light, and God. Death is the ultimate end to which this world’s rules lead. Jesus “canceled out the certificate of debt.” When the resurrection of Jesus occurs, he makes a mockery of those very powers and authorities (vs. 15) by defeating death. It would be asinine to presume that Jesus’ death and resurrection made a mockery of God’s Law! Col. 2:16-17 is placed within this argument and deserves its own paragraph. Verse 18 should not be attached to this section. There are three options to understanding vs. 16 and 17. 1) Therefore…don’t let anyone judge you because you ARE NOT following these laws: food, new moons, festivals, and Sabbath. 2) Therefore…don’t let anyone judge you because you ARE following these laws: … 3) Therefore…don’t let anyone judge you because of THE WAY in which you are following these laws. If there are other options, please let me know. These are the only three I can think up. CONTINUTED |