A note from our Pastor’s desk:

“In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:”

Colossians 2:11

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

Our study verse for this week is a mixture of complex theological thoughts and the culture of the early church. This combination enhances the difficulty of interpreting the verse in a modern setting. The disciple should not dismiss the value of the teaching, but careful examination is warranted. 

First, consider the concept of circumcision as presented in this verse. The Colossian congregation was split between converted Jews and Gentiles. Those who were Gentiles often had to leave behind idol worship and false Gods. Meanwhile, those converted from Judaism held beliefs regarding what was necessary to complete service to God. One of those standards was circumcision for males. They said Abraham completed many tasks, but was not deemed complete by God until his circumcision. 

The Apostle is countering this argument because it is contrary to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ taught a shift from the physical to the spiritual during his ministry. This teaching is true at the kingdom level but also at the individual level. The phrase “made without hands” or sometimes “not made with hands” is an indication of spiritual rather than physical matters. In this context, the focus is on a spiritual circumcision of the heart rather than a physical action.

The second half of the verse explains the spiritual action. The believer is made complete in God when the heart desires to please God rather than fulfill the desires of the flesh. In contrast to a physical circumcision that only the Jewish converts had done, the Apostle calls for a spiritual action to be done by all believers. The congregation was now focused on something that unified them rather than dividing them by their cultural pasts.

In every generation, the disciples should remember that following after Christ is a spiritual matter. This is the ultimate lesson of our study verse this week.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah