Commentary on the Epistle to the Colossians · John Calvin

012 - Verses 16-19

·16 min·1 clip

Calvin warns that anyone who draws believers away from the simplicity of Christ is cheating them out of their spiritual prize.

This episode is a reading and analysis of John Calvin's commentary on Colossians 2:16-19. Calvin explains why Christians are no longer bound by Old Testament ceremonial laws regarding food, drink, and holy days, arguing they were mere shadows pointing to Christ. He also warns against false teachers who promote the worship of angels or other mediators, asserting that all spiritual nourishment and growth come solely from Christ as the head of the church.

As heard by us

A direct defense of freedom in Christ, with a sharp warning against anything that draws believers away from the Head.

John Calvin reads Colossians 2:16-19 as a firm defense of Christian freedom. Food, drink, feast days, the new moon, and Sabbath observance are treated as shadows; Christ is the body.

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Why you'd press play

When you want Colossians 2 turned into a defense of conscience and a warning about angel mediation.

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