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