Were Holy Days the Heresy at Colosse? – Eddie Johnson lifehopeandtruth.com

Colossians 2:16-17 is often misunderstood as proof that Paul rejected biblical holy days and food laws. But a closer look reveals something different.

Paul wrote to counter false teachings—especially early forms of gnosticism—that had infiltrated the Colossian church. Some gnostics, particularly the ascetic kind, weren’t rejecting holy days altogether. Instead, they were keeping them in harsh, self-denying ways and judging others for being too festive during these God-ordained celebrations.

Paul warns: “Let no one judge you in food or drink, or regarding a festival…” (Col. 2:16). The Greek words for “food and drink” refer to the act of eating and drinking—not the dietary laws themselves. The issue wasn’t what was consumed, but how—with joy versus austerity.

Paul’s concern was not about changing holy days or food laws, but about letting no one impose man-made, joyless standards. The ascetic gnostics believed closeness to God came through harsh self-denial, even on holy days. Paul urged the Colossians not to let such people rob them of the joy intended in God’s festivals.

He was saying, in effect: “Don’t let anyone judge you for rejoicing in God’s appointed times.”

#ContextMatters #Colossians2 #BiblicalHolyDays #JoyInObedience #truthsum