Colossians 2:20

Wherefore The word is certainly to be omitted on documentary evidence. A new and separate theme is now in view, the doctrines of the intruding teachers about duty and morals.

if ye be dead Lit. and better, with R.V., if ye died. See on Colossians 2:11-12. "If" assumes the "death" as a fact.

with Christ To whom they were vitally joined, through faith, sealed by baptism, for all the purposes of His redeeming work.

from the rudiments of the world See above on Colossians 2:8.

living in the world Not merely "being," but "living;" having your life-power and life-interests of and in the world. Their true "life was hid with Christ" (Colossians 3:3), and so could not be truly thus conditioned.

are ye subject to ordinances? R.V. "do ye subject yourselves to ordinances?" Lightfoot, "are ye overridden with precepts, ordinances?" The latter rendering is slightly too strong; but both indicate the main point of the Greek. The religion of the Colossians was becoming one of mechanical rule and measure, a round of ordered "practices," imposed by directors, to expiate or purify by their performance. The life of faith and love was giving way to an arbitrary discipline, far different from the obedience of the heart to the will of God in Christ.