Colossians 2:4 - Printer Friendly

ESV: I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments.

NIV: I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.

NASB: I say this so that no one will deceive you with persuasive arguments.

CSB: I am saying this so that no one will deceive you with arguments that sound reasonable.

NLT: I am telling you this so no one will deceive you with well-crafted arguments.

KJV: And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.

NKJV: Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words.

According to Paul, wisdom and knowledge are found in Christ (Colossians 2:3). For this reason, Paul can encourage the Colossian believers not to be fooled by convoluted arguments from non-believers. The Greek word Paul uses is paralogizētai, which means "to fool, cheat by trickery, or deceive." It carries a clear sense of dishonesty, not merely confusion. In other words, the challenges Paul refers to are not complex arguments, but deceptive arguments: those which seem believable, but which are actually false.

At the time this was written, false teachers such as the Gnostics may have already been attempting to deceive the Colossian believers. Paul's letters were frequently written to prevent any deception or delusion (2 Thessalonians 2:11). Isaiah 41:29 also emphasized that idols are "all a delusion."

The "plausible arguments" Paul mentions are likely a reference to the human philosophies which he will mention later in the chapter. Human arguments may appear wise, but they are foolish in comparison to God's wisdom. In 2 Corinthians 10:5 Paul would write, "We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ." Human knowledge often sets itself against God. Though wisdom is of great value (as the Proverbs proclaim), true wisdom comes from God and His Word, not human tricks.

Colossians 2:1–5 explains the entire purpose behind Paul's letter to the Christians in Colossae. Paul's desire is to fight—spiritually—for these fellow believers, but this is difficult from a distance, and from prison. While Paul is happy to hear that the Colossians are standing strong in their faith, he sees potential problems. Paul writes this letter to strengthen their faith against particular false teachings. These deceptions are mostly based in attractive, but untrue, arguments. This passage is Paul's springboard into a defense against the tricks being used against his readers.

In this passage, Paul warns Christians not to be taken in by deceptive arguments. These claims are attractive, but are merely tricks: they sound true, but they are not. Arguing for self-denial, legalism, visions, and other practices only looks good to observers. None of these are the real source of spiritual growth. Paul emphasizes the way Christ accomplished everything we need to be justified before God. As a result, there is no reason for believers to pursue these false, shallow ''shadows.'' We have the real substance: Jesus, so we should follow Him.

Chapter 1 introduced Christ as supreme over all of creation. Chapter 2 refines this argument by showing how the salvation offered through Jesus is superior to false, alternative systems. Paul specifically refutes several ideas, such as legalism, asceticism (self-denial), and mysticism. These are not how God intends us to grow, spiritually. Later chapters will contrast these false, external attempts with the true, inner spiritual growth which comes only by faith in Christ.

The book of Colossians describes Christ as superior to all other teachers, faiths, and philosophies. In this letter, written from prison, Paul once again tackles false teachings. Among these errors are claims that Christians need to give up all physical enjoyments, that they should worship angels, and that they need to rely on the wisdom of an elite few. These problems are consistent with an ancient heresy known as Gnosticism. In response, Paul explains that Christ is supreme, and sufficient for our salvation.