The church at Colossae struggled with pagan influences, particularly an ascetic form of Gnosticism that promoted self-denial, abstinence, and manmade regulations such as do not touch, do not taste, and do not handle. These commandments and doctrines of men involved demons and the basic principles of the world, leading believers astray from true faith. Paul corrected the congregation, urging them not to worry about the community's opinions regarding good food, wine, and joyous celebration of the Sabbath and festivals, reminding them that Christ conquered the world. Colossae, located near Laodicea and Hierapolis, was evangelized by Epaphras. Christ may have seen its members as refreshing and invigorating, like cold water. Also see sermons and articles about 'Colossae, Church at'.
Colossians 2:8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.
Colossians 2:16-18 So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ. Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
Colossians 2:20-23 Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations— “Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,” which all concern things which perish with the using—according to the commandments and doctrines of men? These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.
