Colossians 2:16

My teaching today focuses on the Sabbath, a topic of significant importance. However, Colossians 2:16 extends beyond the Sabbath, addressing matters of drink, food, holidays, new moon ceremonies, and, of course, Shabbat.

First, it is imperative to recognize one critical point, ensuring we are not misled by modern religious interpretations. This epistle was addressed to the believers in Colossae, a detail of great significance as we proceed with our analysis.

Food Laws

As evident in Colossians 2:16, Paul not only mentions but also warns the believers in Colossae about the principles outlined in Leviticus 11. The people of Elohim abstain from consuming pork, shrimp, crabs, or any sea creature lacking fins and scales. On land, they avoid animals that do not possess both hooves and chew the cud. He further delineates winged creatures and insects, permitting only those insects with conjoined legs, such as grasshoppers, while prohibiting others. These forbidden items are deemed unclean under Elohim’s law, which aligns with Yeshua’s teachings, and anything unclean is considered an abomination. Regrettably, contemporary religious practices often embrace these forbidden meats, even offering prayers for divine blessing despite Elohim’s explicit prohibitions.

Drunkenness

The text also references “drink.” The Scriptures do not prohibit alcohol consumption outright but strictly forbid excessive intake leading to drunkenness. While Colossians 2:16 does not specify the type of drink, a thorough study of the Older Writings reveals that a person devoted to Elohim avoids intoxication. Thus, excessive alcohol—termed “drink” in those texts—is discouraged. In ancient times, such beverages were consumed during celebrations, yet within Elohim’s framework, they are used to promote health, never to induce drunkenness.

Festivals

This pertains to Elohim’s festival feasts, which many in modern Christianity overlook. These are detailed in Leviticus 23, where instructions for their observance are provided. Some festivals were designated for celebration in Jerusalem by His followers, whether Jewish or Gentile converts—who, upon conversion, are no longer Gentiles but part of Elohim’s people. A self-identified “Gentile” (implying a slave) in the context of faith suggests a lack of knowledge of Yeshua or the Father. I note this because many modern Christians label themselves Gentiles while claiming faith, a contradiction that aligns with their deviation from the Lord’s teachings, following instead their own desires.

New Moons

The mention of new moons, or new moon celebrations in some translations, is also significant. Contrary to the notion that Jews worship the moon and stars—a misrepresentation—this practice relates to seasonal cycles. The sprouting of seeds, guided by lunar phases, determined the timing of festivals or the new year, as taught by Elohim. Modern religions, however, adhere to a pagan calendar, reflecting their pagan roots. Though this may seem harsh, speaking the truth is essential to guide people away from traditional misconceptions.

Sabbath

Finally, the text addresses the Sabbath. Some translations, such as the New Living Translation (NLT), render Colossians 2:16 as:

“So don’t let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holidays or new moon ceremonies or Sabbaths.”

I often use the NLT to teach new converts due to its readability, though it has limitations. This translation appears influenced by an author skeptical of Sabbath observance, despite its inclusion in the Ten Commandments. Such a foundation taints the text. While I employ the NLT in dialogues, it is not my sole study resource.

Consider an alternative, the TS2009 (The Scriptures 2009):

“Let no one therefore judge you in eating or in drinking, or in respect of a festival or a new moon or Sabbaths—”

In the TS 2009 and King James translations, the text does not state, “or for not observing certain holidays, new moon ceremonies, or the Sabbath.” The word “not” is absent, unlike in the New Living Translation (NLT), which introduces this interpretation. This addition reflects the influence of religious traditions rather than the original text, leading many to misinterpret its intended meaning.

This version reveals a stark contrast, avoiding the implication of non-observance. Western translations caution against condemnation for not celebrating holidays, new moons, or Sabbaths, an interpretation I deem an abomination, as Elohim Himself will judge those who neglect His appointed times. Notably, the singular “Sabbath” in some texts corrects another common error.

Focus on Colossians

Reading these verses carelessly, as one might a spam message, could lead to the misassumption that Paul addressed Jerusalem’s residents. However, this epistle targets the believers in Colossae, a city in a pagan region, not Jerusalem. Accepting this clarifies the text when using reliable translations, such as the King James or TS2009.

Location of Colossae?

To address the inquiry, Colossae is situated in modern-day Turkey, not Jerusalem. Historically known as Colossae, it lay in the region of Phrygia near the Lycus River, approximately 120 miles east of Ephesus. Today, its remnants are near Honaz in Denizli Province, though little of the ancient city remains. I have included an image for clarity regarding Colossae’s current location.

Paul was writing to the believers in Colossae, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their faith. Paul was an expert in Jewish law, having studied the Older Writings extensively with a commitment to accuracy. He possessed a deep understanding of God’s law, including the Ten Commandments and His decrees, which he never violated, knowingly. Furthermore, he did not instruct others to transgress them. Paul served as a Torah teacher, much like Yeshua, the Master.

Purpose of Paul’s Reminder to the Colossians

As previously noted, Paul’s expertise in the law underpins his message. According to Leviticus 18:3, Elohim instructs the people of Israel: “You must not do as they do in Egypt, where you used to live, or as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you. Do not follow their practices.”

Elohim reinforces this directive in additional passages: Deuteronomy 18:9, Leviticus 20:23, Deuteronomy 12:30-31, and Joshua 23:7. In the Newer Writings, Paul and Peter echo this theme in Romans 12:2, 1 Peter 1:14-15, and 2 Corinthians 6:14-17. These verses consistently emphasize separation from the practices of surrounding nations, promoting holiness and obedience to Elohim and Yeshua’s teachings. Similarly, this guidance urges us to distance ourselves from Western celebrations rooted in pagan traditions, such as Christmas, Easter, Valentine’s Day, Halloween…etc

I hope this small teaching will help clear up this confusion brought forth by ignorant, unqualified teachers.

Shalom my beautiful, family!

The images I provided are AI-generated interpretations based on available online pictures of Colossae near Honaz in Denizli Province, Turkey. Since Colossae is an unexcavated archaeological site with minimal remaining structures—primarily a grassy hill, scattered stone ruins, and some marble fragments—these images aim to reflect its current state as accurately as possible. They incorporate elements like the natural landscape, ruins, and proximity to the Lycus River, which align with descriptions and photos found online.

However, because no extensive modern excavations or detailed live imagery exist, and the site is largely overtaken by nature, the images are artistic representations rather than exact replicas. They are close to the real thing in terms of general layout and condition but may include enhanced or idealized details (e.g., more prominent ruins or clearer structures) that might not fully match the current sparse remains. For the most precise view, photographs from archaeological sources or visits to the site would be ideal, though such resources are limited as of 03:07 PM EDT on Sunday, June 08, 2025.