Colossians 2:23 Analysis of Ascetic Practices
Analysis of Ascetic Practices in Colossians 2:23
Colossians 2:23 (BBE) states, "These things seem to have a sort of wisdom in self-ordered worship and making little of oneself, and being cruel to the body, not honouring it by giving it its natural use" [1]. This verse is part of Paul's warning against false teachings that emphasize ascetic practices.
The surrounding passage, Colossians 2:16-23, addresses the issue of regulations and ordinances that some were trying to impose on the Colossian church. The larger argument is that believers should not be swayed by those who promote a mix of Jewish legalism and ascetic practices, as these are contrary to the freedom and sufficiency found in Christ [2].
The historical setting of Colossians is crucial for understanding this passage. The letter was written by Paul to a church he had not visited, likely during his imprisonment in Rome around 61-63 AD. The Colossian church was predominantly Gentile, and Paul's primary concern was to counter the influence of false teachers who were promoting a syncretistic form of Christianity that incorporated elements of Jewish legalism and mysticism [3].
The key terms in Colossians 2:23 include "will-worship" (ethelothreskeia), which refers to self-imposed or arbitrary worship practices not commanded by God, and "neglecting of the body" (aphrosyne tou somatos), which can be understood as harsh treatment or ascetic practices towards the body [2]. The original language highlights the nuances of these terms, with "will-worship" implying a form of worship devised by human will rather than divine command.
A major exegetical decision in this passage revolves around understanding the nature of the "things" (or "ordinances") referred to in verse 23. Interpreters have debated whether these refer to specific ascetic practices or to the philosophical and legalistic teachings being promoted by the false teachers. The phrase "a reputation of wisdom" suggests that these practices were esteemed for their perceived spiritual value [2].
The range of interpretations for Colossians 2:23 is broad. Some traditions view the verse as a critique of extreme asceticism, emphasizing that true spirituality is not found in self-imposed austerity but in a relationship with Christ. For instance, John Gill notes that the practices mentioned "have indeed a shew of wisdom" but are ultimately ineffective in conquering evil desires [6]. Similarly, the Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary highlights the arbitrary nature of these worship practices, suggesting they are "will-worship" devised by human will rather than divine command [2].
In the history of Christian tradition, Colossians 2:23 has been used to caution against excessive asceticism and the imposition of humanly devised religious practices. The verse has been interpreted in various ways across different Christian traditions. For example, in Reformed theology, it is often seen as a warning against the dangers of legalism and the insufficiency of human works for spiritual growth [5]. The Methodist tradition, as represented by Adam Clarke, views the passage as part of Paul's broader exhortation to the Colossians to remain steadfast in their faith and not be led astray by false teachers [4].
The implications of Colossians 2:23 continue to be relevant in contemporary Christian debates about ascetic practices and the nature of true spirituality. The passage underscores the importance of discerning between practices that have a "reputation of wisdom" and those that are truly grounded in a relationship with Christ.
Sources
- Colossians “Colossians 2:23 (BBE) — These things seem to have a sort of wisdom in self-ordered worship and making little of oneself, and being cruel to the body, not honouring it by giving it its natural use.”
- Colossians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Colossians 2:23: have--Greek, "are having"; implying the permanent characteristic which these ordinances are supposed to have. show of wisdom--rather, "a reputation of wisdom" [ALFORD]. will-worship--arbitrarily invented worship: would-be worship, devised by man's own will, not God's. So jealous is God of human will-worship, that He struck Nadab and Abihu dead for burning strange incense (Lev 10:1-3). So Uzziah was stricken with leprosy for usurping the office of priest (Ch2 26:16-21). Compare the will-worship of Saul (Sa1 13:8-14) for which he was doomed to lo”
- Colossians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Colossians 2 (introduction): HIS STRIVINGS IN PRAYER FOR THEIR STEADFASTNESS IN CHRIST; FROM WHOM HE WARNS THEM NOT TO BE LED AWAY BY FALSE WISDOM. (Col. 2:1-23) For--He explains in what respect he "labored striving" (Col 1:29). Translate as Greek, "I wish you to know how great a conflict (the same Greek word as in Col 1:29, "agony of a conflict" of fervent, anxious prayer; not conflict with the false teachers, which would have been impossible for him now in prison) I have for you." them at Laodicea--exposed to the same danger from false teachers as the Colossia”
- Colossians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Colossians 2 (introduction): The apostle shows his great concern for the Church at Colosse and at Laodicea; and exhorts them to steadfastness in the faith, and to beware of being seduced by specious and enticing words, Col 2:1-5. And to walk in Christ, as they had been taught, and to abound in faith and holiness, Col 2:6, Col 2:7. To beware of false teachers, who strove to pervert the Gospel, and to lead their minds from him in whom the fullness of the Godhead dwells; with whom they were filled; by whom they had received spiritual circumcision; and into whom they were baptized a”
- CCEL (Reformed (Old Princeton)) “Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Vol. 2, section 39: is extinct. 3. This theory tends to lower our sense of sin and guilt. All moral evil becomes mere weakness, the yielding of the feebler powers of the spirit to the stronger forces of the flesh. If sin invariably, and by a law which controls men in their present state of existence, arises from the very constitution of their nature as sentient beings, then the responsibility for sin must be greatly lessened, if not entirely destroyed. 4. If the body be the seat and source of sin, then whatever tends to weaken the body or to reduce the force”
- Colossians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Colossians 2:23: Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom,.... The authors of them set up for men of wisdom, and were esteemed such, and are often styled "wise men"; and their scholars that received their traditions, and explained and enforced them on others, , "the disciples of the wise men": and they pretended, that these constitutions of theirs were "a hedge for the law", and for the honour of it, and to preserve it, and keep men from transgressing it; and this carried in it some appearance of wisdom: and their pretensions to it lay in the following things, in will worship; ”