Col 2:20-23 | Abbott | STEP | Dead—from the rudiments of the world; released from obligation to them, that is, from the Jewish rites. The language of the remainder of this passage ( ) is not a little obscure. The general sentiment which it has been understood to convey may be expressed thus: Why are ye subject to ordinances and outward prohibitions relating only to the perishable things of this life, that cannot spiritually affect the soul?—prohibitions which rest on the authority of human traditions, and which only make a show of sanctity by means of the outward mortification of the body.

Colossians 2:20-23

Dead—from the rudiments of the world; released from obligation to them, that is, from the Jewish rites. The language of the remainder of this passage (20-23) is not a little obscure. The general sentiment which it has been understood to convey may be expressed thus: Why are ye subject to ordinances and outward prohibitions relating only to the perishable things of this life, that cannot spiritually affect the soul?—prohibitions which rest on the authority of human traditions, and which only make a show of sanctity by means of the outward mortification of the body.