Colossians 2:18-23 (NKJV) Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God.
20 Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations— 21 “Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,” 22 which all concern things which perish with the using—according to the commandments and doctrines of men? 23 These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.
V18 “Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind…” The Greek word for “cheat/beguile” is (G2603) καταβραβεύω katabrabeúō, which means to defraud someone and take their prize (earned in a game, etc.). There is a reward to living the Christian life. There is heaven and all its blessings, fellowship with God, serving God for eternity as a ruler, prince, king, and/or judge, 5 crowns (Victor’s Crown for running the race of Christian, that is, remaining faithful–1 Corinthians 9:25-27; Crown of Rejoicing for leading others to Christ–1 Thessalonians 2:19; Crown of Righteousness for striving to live the Law of Christ (Galatians 6:2) and loving the appearing (Rapture) of the Lord Jesus–1 Timothy 4:8; Crown of life for resisting temptation, living faithfully in the midst of persecution, etc. to even martyrdom–James 1:12; Revelation 2:10; and Crown of Glory for being faithful in the ministry the Holy Spirit gave us–1 Peter 5:4. It is interesting that these false teachers take delight in what they do: “false” humility, worship of angels, false visions, dreams, and guidance, and pride. There is no Greek word for “false,” it is added to give the sense. The Greek word for “taking delight” is (G2309) θέλω thelō, which means “making a decision freely,” willingly, wanting, wishing, etc. The “humility” here, then, is to “want to look and act humble” without really being humble. The Greek word for “worshipping” is (G2356) θρησκεία thrēskeia, which is not the usual word for worship (G4352). This Greek word carries the meaning of “religious ceremonies and rituals” as acts of worship. Compare verse 28 (will worship G1479). These “angels,” spirits are not the holy angels, because the holy angels refuse worship (Revelation 22:8). Compare 1 Corinthians 10:20. The words intruding…has not seen” means receiving information, etc. from spirits. Compare: (Holman Commentary) “The Colossians were being told that if they really wanted to reach new levels of spirituality they needed to engage in these kinds of experiences. The mystical journey was intended to restore a lost dimension to spiritual experience.”
The fleshly mind is accepting by our opinion is correct and right. The Bible is the only source of 100% truth.
V19 “…and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God.” The “Head” is the Lord Jesus, the head of the church (Ephesians 1:22 and Colossians 1:18); thus, it means the highest authority and chief shepherd of the church (Psalm 80:1 and 1 Peter 5:4). Jesus is the source of life and vitality for the church. We are nothing without Him. We are a body, a family, from whom we must have loyalty, care, and fellowship.
V20 “Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations—…” The basic principles of the world are those elementary principles of life as the worldly mind prioritizes. The words “basic principles” are the Greek word (G4747) στοιχεῖον stoicheîon, which mean the basically the worldly thinking, philosophy, following our heart, etc. When we died with Christ (the sin nature and ungodly soul were destroyed, and there was a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) of our soul and spirit). All the old priorities were destroyed. In context, this might mean the basics of the old Jewish religion. Also, see 1 Timothy 6:20. The world’s standards and rituals (false religion, false philosophy, etc.) and the fading Jewish rules and worship are not important. We are not to obey, follow, or practice them.
V21 “…“Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle…” Some of the ascetic and/or Jewish requirements. Touch would be contamination of the flesh. Taste would be in eating forbidden foods. Touch is the Greek word (G680) ἅπτομαι háptomai, which means touch. Here, it is used of improper touching. Compare 1 Corinthians 6:17, 1 Corinthians 7:1, 1 John 5:18. The Greek word for “taste” is (G1080) γεύομαι geúomai, which taste (food) or experience something. See John 2:29, Matthew 16:28, Hebrews 6:45, and 1 Peter 2:3. The Greek word “Handle” is (G2345) θιγγάνω thingánō which means touching unclean things, injure or kill something (Hebrews 11:28), touch the heart (emotion), or touching the mind (comprehension).
V22 “…which all concern things which perish with the using—according to the commandments and doctrines of men?” All these things are not eternal. The commandments and doctrines of men include the Mosaic Law and the human add-ons (legalism).
V23 “These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.” To our fleshly, corrupted minds this may seems to be a very holy thing, but it is self-imposed (required). They are not God required. They are made up and determined by individuals (KJV-“will worship”). These things appeal to our fleshly wisdom. In truth, they are self-imposed, a fake humility, and self-imposed neglect of the body. Too many of the monastics of early centuries, and even today, do these things. They are admired by many in society but to God they are worthless. We are to avoid doing these things.