[8] See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. [9] For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, [10] and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.

Colossians 2:8-10

I haven’t really looked yet at why Paul wrote his letter to the church in Colossae. The reason for this being, to be honest, there are so many theological arguments concerning the “Colossians heresy” it’s mind blowing. But for those who want to know it probably consisted of an odd mix of Gnosticism, Asceticism, and an emphasis on the importance of angels; some have said there was also a Judaizing element in it. I will leave that for you to discover.

Having said all that we can’t ignore the issue and our passage does specifically warn the church about wrong ideas and thinking. So let’s work our way through this.

Paul is not condemning philosophy. The Cambridge dictionary definition for philosophy is, “the use of reason in understanding in such things as nature of the real world and existence, the use and limits of knowledge, and the principles of moral judgement.” However, Paul is clearly referring to one specific expression of philosophical thought that was a threat to the faith of the Colossian church. We can see clearly that this philosophy aimed to deceive, it is “empty deceit.” It is deceitful, as over against “the word of truth” (Colossians 1:15). It is empty, as over against the glorious riches (Colossians 1:27) and treasures (Colossians 2:3) that are in Christ.

Philosophy, in general, is considered to be an extremely helpful discipline designed to help us think through ultimate issues such as the existence of God, the meaning of life, the nature of good and evil, how we use language plus a variety of other tough topics. However, as Christians, philosophy must be made subject to the final authority of Scripture.

So, Christians do need to be cautious about any form of philosophy that is “not according to Christ” (vs 8), that is to say, if it is in any way contrary to the revelation of God in Christ or diminishes from his supremacy and glory, it should be dismissed.

Paul has in mind a particular philosophy that detracts from the centrality of Christ and undermines our confidence in his sufficiency to be and do for us all that we need for life and Godliness. Paul argues

“for…….all the fullness of the divine nature dwells in Christ.” Because we are complete in him and in no other, we have no need for human ideas that try to give us something that Christ didn’t provide. Any philosophy (or theology even) that says, “Christ was necessary, but not sufficient is wrong and misleading.

The philosophy that Paul condemns is “according to human tradition” (vs 8), in other words it is earthly in it’s origin. This is a philosophy that was conceived in the mind of man and did not come by means of divine revelation. It may well be compatible with and conform to human traditions and make sense when looked at from a this-worldly perspective, but it has nothing in it of God. Therefore it has in it human limits whereas Christ and scripture have limitless enabling.

Perhaps, worst of all, this philosophy is “according to the elemental spirits of the world.” Since the Greek word translated “elemental” is probably not the original text but maybe interpreted to refer to the letters of an alphabet, it may be used here as a reference to first principles or the fundamental elements of something, hence the rudimentary concepts of human thought or the basic ideas of human reasoning.

What is clear is Paul is referring to active spiritual beings, i.e., demons, that were thought to be exercising influence over the physical universe.

If this is the case, no wonder Paul warned them so strongly lest they be taken captive. There is demonic energy behind any philosophy, says the apostle, that undermines or detracts from or tries to supplement the work of our Lord Jesus Christ. He, and he alone, is truly enough! He is all we will ever need.

There is fullness in only one: Jesus! In him, and therefore in no one else, you will find every resource, every truth, and all power. Look again at;

Colossians 2:3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

and

[10] and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.

You have been filled which can be read you have been fulfilled in him.

The same word is used to describe Christians as being “filled” with the “fruit of righteousness” (Philippians 1:11) “ joy” and “peace” (Romans 15:13) as well as “goodness” and “knowledge” (Romans 15:14), not to mention the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).

The false teachers tried to convince the Colossians that the fullness they desired was unattainable in Christ alone. Paul responds by reminding them that everything they need to be complete, full, and fulfilled is in Jesus, and Jesus alone.

The “Colossian heresy” no longer exists in precisely the form it did in Paul’s day but there is still great relevance in his words of warning to be careful with philosophies we encounter that are not Christ centred.

Any idea or system of thought that would suggest Christ is not supreme, sufficient and sovereign, that he is not infinitely and exclusively worthy of our absolute devotion and adoration is deceitful, destructive and wrong. Christ is everything.