Colossians 2:16 about freedom from human judgment
ShareThoughts December 15, 2025 in ASL 6 Subscribers Subscribe
Link Colossians 2:16 is about freedom from human judgment regarding specific ceremonial practices, not an endorsement of moral sins like murder, stealing, or adultery. The verse addresses aspects of the Mosaic Law that were considered a "shadow of things to come," which were fulfilled in Christ. Colossians 2:16 Meaning The verse 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 sabbaths". Context of the passage (Colossians 2:14-17): Paul explains that Christ "wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us" by nailing it to the cross. The requirements (ordinances, ceremonial laws) were specific regulations given to Israel that foreshadowed Christ's coming. Ceremonial vs. Moral Law: The practices mentioned (food/drink restrictions, festivals, new moons, certain Sabbaths) were part of the ceremonial law. These were distinct from the moral laws, such as the prohibitions against murder, stealing, and adultery found in the Ten Commandments. Freedom in Christ: Paul is telling the Colossian believers not to let others judge them for not observing these specific ceremonial laws, because the "substance is of Christ". Murder, Stealing, and Adultery The Bible is clear that murder, stealing, and adultery are still considered sins for Christians. These actions are violations of the enduring moral law, which reflects God's unchanging nature and is reiterated throughout the New Testament. Jesus Himself reaffirmed several of the Ten Commandments, including the prohibitions on murder, adultery, and stealing (Matthew 19:18-19). Other New Testament passages, such as Romans 13:9 and James 2:11, explicitly repeat and uphold these moral standards. In summary, Colossians 2:16 grants freedom from judgment regarding ceremonial observances, but it does not diminish the ongoing Christian obligation to follow the moral commands to not murder, steal, or commit adultery. Link
Title: Col 2:14-17 Link 1