Source Scripture
Read the passage first. Study notes begin after the Scripture.
Colossians 2:16-17
Question in context
Paul tells the assembly not to let a man judge them regarding food, drink, feast, new moon, or Sabbath. The instruction is addressed to those being judged; it does not say that YAHUAH abolished the named times.
What the passage itself says
- The command is “let no man judge you,” which protects the addressed believers from an outside judgment.
- The listed Sabbaths and appointed times are called shadows of things to come, language that still points forward rather than declaring them meaningless.
- The surrounding warnings concern philosophy, human tradition, ordinances, and voluntary religion, so human rules must not be substituted for the passage's own list.
Immediate and confirming witnesses
Read these passages with the source Scripture to follow the immediate and confirming context.
- Immediate explanation: Colossians 2:8,20-22
The surrounding danger is philosophy, worldly elements, and commandments of men, not YAHUAH's appointed times. - Lexical usage: 1 Corinthians 5:7-8
Paul elsewhere uses Passover and feast language positively for Messiah-centered holy living. - Prophetic purpose: Leviticus 23:2-4
YAHUAH calls the Sabbaths and appointed times His own feasts and holy convocations. - Apostolic confirmation: Acts 20:6,16
Apostolic practice continues to reckon travel and intention by the appointed feast calendar.
Related Words in Context
Continue with these related Scripture studies.
- Colossians 2:16: Let No Man Judge You Regarding YAHUAH's Appointed Times
Do not let men judge you for keeping YAHUAH's appointed things, because the verse does not abolish them.