Col 2:13-22 | TNotes

2:14 ^a the record of the charges against us: The Greek phrase suggests an IOU that we have all signed. Since we are unable to pay what we owe, it stands against us. The law of God required obedience that people are unable to give, but God has forgiven our debt through the work of Christ (2:13 ^b).
2:15 ^c He shamed them publicly by his victory (literally he led [them] in triumphal procession): The Roman army would celebrate a great victory with a triumphal procession. The victorious Roman general would lead the humiliated captives from his campaign into the conquered city. The image vividly captures the glorious victory that God, through the cross of Christ, has won over all hostile spiritual powers (see also Eph 4:7-11 ^d).
Summary for Col 2:16-23: 2:16-23 ^e Paul repudiates the false teachers and their demands, explaining why their appeal comes from human teachings (see 2:8 ^f). They advocated various rules of conduct that had no basis in Christ. 2:16 ^g what you eat or drink: Religious teachings that prohibited certain kinds of food and drink were widespread in the ancient world. The Old Testament does not prohibit drinking alcohol, but many pious Jews who lived in pagan cultures did abstain (cp. Dan 1:8-16 ^h).

• Many ancient religious groups, including the Jews, celebrated the new moon with various ceremonies (see Num 10:10 ⁱ; Ps 81:3 ^j; Isa 1:13 ^k).

• Jewish Sabbaths were set forth in the law of Moses and celebrated by Jews as an essential part of their religion. Christians could continue to observe the Sabbath if they wanted to, but Paul asserts that Christians have liberty on this matter (see Rom 14:5 ^l) and that it is wrong for anyone to insist on Sabbath observance as a necessary expression of Christian piety.
2:17 ^m The reality of Christ was anticipated by the Old Testament rituals, which Paul calls shadows (see also Heb 10:1 ⁿ).
2:18 ^o the worship of angels: People in the first century were fascinated with spiritual beings. Some Jews believed that angels were present during their times of worship, and some might even have worshiped them.

• The false teachers were evidently saying they had had visions that established certain rituals as requirements for the community.
2:20 ^p You have died with Christ: Christ’s death on the cross marked his victory over the spiritual powers (2:15 ^q), so we who participate in his death have likewise been set free from the evil spiritual powers of this world (see 2:8 ^r).