Did Paul reject the ongoing relevance of the Sabbath and festivals commanded in the Torah? Many people point to Colossians 2:16–17 as proof that he did. However, a growing number of scholars call that interpretation into question. Scholars argue that the Colossian believers actually observed the biblical calendar and that they were being criticized by ascetic opponents who did not. In this video, I draw on that scholarship to show why I believe that Colossians 2:16–17 does not invalidate the Sabbath and festivals but instead affirms their value.
In Him You Have Been Filled (Colossians 2)
What does true fulfillment actually look like, and where is it found? In this message on Colossians 2, David Wilber unpacks Paul’s warning against deceptive philosophies that do not align with the Messiah. Instead of chasing ideas and practices that may appear wise but ultimately lack any power to restrain the flesh, Paul redirects our focus to the “fullness” believers already have in the Messiah. We also examine Paul’s instruction not to let anyone pass judgment “in matters of food and drink or with regard to a festival, a new moon, or a Sabbath.” Is Paul dismissing these Torah practices, or is there another interpretation?
