Have you ever wondered about Colossians 2:16-17?
The passage reads: "Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.” (ESV)
This passage has led to several interpretations and has been debated for centuries.
Some say it abolishes Old Covenant practices like the dietary laws of Leviticus 11, the Seventh-day Sabbath, and the Feasts of the LORD.
Others say it means Christians shouldn't criticize each other about observing the Sabbath or the Feasts of the LORD.
Still, others believe that in this passage Paul is urging participation in the Sabbath and annual Feasts.
What does the Bible say about it? Well, let's dive into what this passage really means.
Beyond the surface reading, a deeper examination of the biblical and historical context surrounding Colossians offers a fresh perspective. This article delves into an alternative interpretation, arguing that the Apostle Paul's message is not focused on critiquing or endorsing the abolition of the Sabbath and festivals themselves. Rather, his emphasis lies with the sacrificial practices associated with these observances.
Focus is on Sacrifices, Not the Sabbath or Biblical Calendar
Many interpretations focus on the calendar aspects or a complete break from Old Covenant practices. But Paul's main concern within these verses is with the sacrificial offerings linked to these feasts, not the Sabbath or the feasts themselves.
Consider this: Paul mentions "food or drink" alongside "feast, new moon, Sabbaths." The focus is on the "shadow" aspect of the festivals, potentially pointing to the sacrifices as foreshadowing Christ's sacrifice, the true substance and fulfillment. The emphasis therefore is on the sacrifices tied to these feasts, not the observance or celebrations of the weekly Sabbath or annual Feasts themselves.
Strengths of this View:
This view aligns with the idea that Christ fulfills the Old Covenant law (Matthew 5:17). It also avoids the contradiction of some ideas/teachings that there are passages that seem to abolish the Sabbath and Holy Days, while others seem to clearly establish them (e.g. 1 Corinthians 5:7-8, Hebrews 4).
Understanding the Old Covenant Offertory System
The Old Covenant had a whole system of offerings – food, drink, animals – central to worship, especially during the Sabbath and annual feasts. Key passages that mention these offerings during the feasts are found in Numbers 28:1-29:40, 1 Chronicles 23:31, 2 Chronicles 2:4, 8:12, 13, 31:3, Nehemiah 10:33, Ezekiel 45:17, and Hosea 2:11. This helps us understand Paul's reference to "food or drink." In this passage of Colossians, Paul isn’t talking about everyday meals or even the law of clean and unclean meats mentioned in Leviticus 11, but the sacrificial practices.
Hebrews 10: A Supporting Voice
Interestingly, Hebrews 10:1-10 echoes this theme. Both passages mention the physical body of Christ, the Biblical festal calendar, and the idea of these things being a "shadow of the things to come". This connection strengthens the interpretation of Colossians 2:16-17 within its context.
Here's the key takeaway: Christ Fulfills the Sacrifices
Colossians 2:16-17 isn't about the Law of Clean and unclean meats, the Sabbath, or the feasts themselves. The passage doesn't explicitly mention continued observance or abolishment of the Sabbath and Feasts. The passage also doesn't instruct believers to not judge one another based on whether or not they observe the seventh-day Sabbath or the annual Feasts of the Lord. Lastly, Paul doesn't advocate for or against participation in the Sabbath or these specific festivals within this passage either.
This passage is about how Jesus' sacrifice fulfilled the entire sacrificial system, rendering the Temple ceremonies with their offerings obsolete.
Similar to food and drink regulations, attending the Jewish festivals is not necessary for the Colossians to be considered righteous by God. Christ’s sacrifice on the cross has already secured their justification (Colossians 2:14). Therefore, any religious act performed as a means of achieving justification is pointless. It attempts to add to what Christ Jesus has already accomplished (Galatians 2:17).
Historical Context Matters
Colossae had a large Jewish population. Based on the information provided within the Epistle to the Colossians and the other New Testament letters, it is safe to conclude that new believers in Jesus were being pressured by non-believing and even some believing Jews, to continue to offer Temple sacrifices to be considered righteous by God. When Paul says, "do not let anyone judge you," he is instructing believers not to be swayed by legalistic religious critics who try to define how God will judge them. The ultimate judgment belongs solely to Christ Jesus. Paul is telling them to let go of the old sacrificial system and focus on Jesus, the ultimate sacrifice. Focusing on meticulously following religious ceremonies and rituals isn’t the goal and shouldn't be our primary aim. True faith in Christ is the key.
Conclusion: Continuity and Change, and The Completeness of Christ's Sacrifice
Colossians 2:16-17, when we consider the sacrifices within the feasts, reveals a profound message. The need for physical sacrifices ends with Christ Jesus. Spiritual principles remain, but the practices change.
Paul emphasizes the all-encompassing nature of Christ's sacrifice. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, willingly offered His body on the cross, atoning for our sins. This act of infinite love – God humbling Himself to become human – secured our redemption. On the cross, Jesus didn't just die; He absorbed the wrath God rightfully held against sin. He became our substitute.
This shift is monumental. We are no longer bound by the limitations of the old sacrificial system. Our focus now rests on the ultimate sacrifice – Jesus Christ, our Savior, who conquered sin and death.
So are the Sabbath and Feasts Still Relevant? What the New Testament Teaches Us Today:
In this New Testament context, the Sabbath and the Feasts of the LORD are still relevant for Christians today and can now be seen as celebrations of Christ's sacrifice and the ongoing victory He won for us.
This clarifies that the focus of the Sabbath and Feasts has shifted from physical sacrifices to celebrating Christ's sacrifice and its ongoing impact. It's important to note that this is just a particular interpretation within Christianity, and there may be differing viewpoints.
What are your thoughts?
Let the Discussion Begin!