What does Colossians 2:16-17 mean?

[WalterandDebbie]

Saturday 9-9-23 7th. Day Of The Weekly Cycle, Elul 23 5783, 81st. Summer Day​

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What does Colossians 2:16-17 mean?​

Paul refers to the Old Testament legal requirements, from verse 16, calling them "a shadow of the things to come." The Greek word skia, translated as "shadow," can also refer to "shade, a sketch, or an outline." Paul contrasts this with the Greek word sōma, translated as "body." This word can also mean "reality or substance." This is the reason adherence to the Law is not a requirement: The Law was merely an outline; it is a shadow, or a hint of things to come.

Christ is the actual substance. In making this statement, Paul did not speak against the Law, but rather spoke of Jesus as superior to the Mosaic law. It is the difference between a book and the author of a book. The Law could not exist without the Author. Jesus serves as the author of life (Acts 3:15). He fulfilled the Law without contradicting it. Jesus taught, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them"

Colossians 2:16-17, Paul is addressing Gnosticism in the congregation in Colossae1. The issue was never whether we should keep the Sabbath and Festivals of God, but rather how we should keep them1. Paul says that ‘Let no one judge you… regarding a festival or Sabbaths… but the body of Christ’2. This means that no one, except the body of Christ—the Church—should judge in those matters2. The Church—the body of Christ—the preserver of the truth—CAN, and should, judge in that regard2.Matthew 5:17).

Love, Walter And Debbie

 

[Mr. G Lee]

Paul refers to the Old Testament legal requirements, from verse 16, calling them "a shadow of the things to come." The Greek word skia, translated as "shadow," can also refer to "shade, a sketch, or an outline." Paul contrasts this with the Greek word sōma, translated as "body." This word can also mean "reality or substance." This is the reason adherence to the Law is not a requirement: The Law was merely an outline; it is a shadow, or a hint of things to come.

A little reminder as a shadow of things to come (a parable in view) The shadow of death is the letter of the law death and its sufferings and not the promised new incorruptible body that all die not receiving .Hebrew 11;39

I think you could say believers living in bodies of death as shadow of new life to the believer.. The new heavens and earth where shadows disappear there will be no night

Christians yoked with Christ have the power of new born again life but it is not of our flesh.

2 Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

 

[WalterandDebbie]

A little reminder as a shadow of things to come (a parable in view) The shadow of death is the letter of the law death and its sufferings and not the promised new incorruptible body that all die not receiving .Hebrew 11;39

I think you could say believers living in bodies of death as shadow of new life to the believer.. The new heavens and earth where shadows disappear there will be no night

Christians yoked with Christ have the power of new born again life but it is not of our flesh.

2 Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us

Hello Mr. G Lee, We see what you are saying, and we thank you for your input.

Love, Walter And Debbie