Colossians 2:19

Translate, "Not holding fast the Head." He who does not hold Christ solely and supremely above all others, does not hold Him at all [BENGEL]. The want of firm holding of Christ has set him loose to (pry into, and so) "tread haughtily on (pride himself on) things which he hath seen." Each must hold fast the Head for himself, not merely be attached to the other members, however high in the body [ALFORD]. from which--rather, "from whom." the body--that is, all the members of the body (Eph 4:16). joints--the points of union where the supply of nourishment passes to the different members, furnishing the body with the materials of growth. bands--the sinews and nerves which bind together limb and limb. Faith, love, and peace, are the spiritual bands. Compare "knit together in love" (Col 2:2; Col 3:14; Eph 4:3). having nourishment ministered--that is, supplied to it continually. "Receiving ministration." knit together--The Greek is translated, "compacted," Eph 4:16 : implying firm consolidation. with the increase of God-- (Eph 4:16); that is, wrought by God, the Author and Sustainer of the believer's spiritual life, in union with Christ, the Head (Co1 3:6); and tending to the honor of God, being worthy of Him, its Author.

I. The apostle expresses concern for the Colossians (Col 2:1-3). II. He repeats it again (Col 2:5). III. He cautions them against false teachers among the Jews (Col 2:4, Col 2:6, Col 2:7), and against the Gentile philosophy (Col 2:8-12). IV. He represents the privileges of Christians (Col 2:13-15). And, V. Concludes with a caution against the judaizing teachers, and those who would introduce the worship of angels (Col 2:16-23).