Colossians 2:18

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

Do not allow anyone, who delights in acting humble [i.e., living an ascetic life] and who worships angels, to rob you of your reward [in heaven]. [Note: This “angel worship” could mean holding angels in high regard because of their role as God’s messengers, or the claim that God can be approached only through angelic intermediaries]. He places great importance on what he [claims to] see [i.e., visions], being inflated with pride by his fleshly mind for no [good] reason.

Cross References

Colossians 2:8

Pay attention so that no one takes you [spiritually] captive through his philosophy and empty deception based on human tradition, according to the principles of the world and not according to Christ.

1 Timothy 1:7

They want to be teachers of the Law of Moses, even though they do not understand what they are saying or what they are affirming with [such] confidence.

Colossians 2:23

They certainly have an appearance of wisdom, [displaying] self-prescribed worship and [false] humility and asceticism, but they lack any value in curbing the desires of the physical passions.

1 Timothy 4:1

Now the Holy Spirit specifically says that in later times [Note: “Later times” in the New Testament usually refers to the period following the first coming of Christ and the establishment of the church], some people will fall away from the faith [i.e., the true teaching of Christianity]. They will pay attention to deceitful spirits [i.e., lying people] and the teaching of evil spirits.

2 Corinthians 11:3

But I am afraid that somehow, just as the snake tricked Eve by his cunning, your minds might[also] be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

Romans 1:25

For they exchanged God’s truth for the [devil’s] lie, and worshiped and served what was created instead of the Creator, who is to be praised forever. May it be so.

Matthew 24:24

For false christs and false prophets will appear and they will perform great [miraculous] signs and [supernatural] wonders in order to lead astray even the elect [i.e., God’s people], if possible.

Revelation 3:11

I am coming soon [or, suddenly. See 2:16, 25; 3:3]. Hold on firmly to what you have [i.e., opportunity, obedience, steadfastness, etc.] so that no one takes away your crown [See 2:10].

1 John 2:26

I have written these things to you people concerning those who are trying to lead you astray [from the truth].

Philippians 3:14

I am pushing onward toward the goal for the prize of the upward call [i.e., to heaven] from God in [fellowship with] Christ.

Ephesians 5:6

Do not let anyone deceive you with empty words, for because of such things, the wrath of God will fall upon people who are disobedient [to Him].

1 Corinthians 8:1

I now want to reply to the matter of idolatrous sacrifices [which you wrote to me about]. We know that we all possess knowledge. [Note: This may be a statement posed to Paul by the Corinthians, who seemed quite preoccupied with “knowledge”]. Knowledge [only] makes people arrogant, while love builds them up [spiritually].

Revelation 19:10

Then I fell down in front of him to worship him. But he said to me, “Do not do that; I am [only] a fellow-servant with you and with your brothers who hold onto the testimony about Jesus. You should worship God. For the testimony about Jesus is the spirit [i.e., the purpose, or source] of prophecy.”

Revelation 13:14

[And] by being given [power] to perform these signs in the sight of the [first] beast, he deceives the people on earth. He told them to make a statue to [honor] the [first] beast, which had been wounded by a sword and yet lived [through it].

Revelation 13:8

And everyone who lives on earth will worship the beast, [even those] people whose names had not been recorded in the book of life belonging to the Lamb, who was killed [i.e., in prospect] from the creation of the world. [Note: This sentence could also read “...not been recorded from the creation of the world in the book of life belonging to the Lamb who was killed”].

Revelation 12:9

Then the great dragon was thrown out [of heaven]; he is the snake from ancient times who is [also] called “the Devil,” and “Satan,” the deceiver of the entire world. He was thrown down to earth along with his angels.

2 Peter 2:14

Their eyes are filled with sexual lust, and they are never satisfied when it comes to sinning. They entice unstable people and have hearts trained to be greedy [i.e., they continually desire the possessions of others]. [In this condition] they are under God’s curse.

Colossians 2:4

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

2 Corinthians 12:20

For I am afraid that somehow, when I come [to you], I might not find you the way I want you to be, and you might not find me the way you want me to be. I am afraid there might be quarrelling, jealousy, angry outbursts, factious spirits, slander, gossip, arrogance and [other] disturbances [there].

1 Corinthians 13:4

[Note: The following traits should be understood in the context of love for people]. Love is patient [with people], and is kind [to them]; love does not envy [what people are or have]; love does not boast [of being superior to others], it is not arrogant [in dealing with people].

1 Corinthians 9:24

Do you not know that [although] everyone runs in a race, only one person wins the prize? So, you should run in order to win.

1 Corinthians 4:18

Now some of you have become arrogant, thinking that I would not [dare to] come to you.

1 Corinthians 3:3

for you are still worldly [minded]. And since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, is that not evidence that you are [still] worldly and living like [unspiritual] people?

Romans 16:18

For such men are not serving our Lord Christ but their own [unspiritual] appetites. They are deceiving the minds of innocent people by their smooth talk and flattering words.

1 Corinthians 4:6

Now I have applied these things, brothers, to myself and to Apollos as an illustration for your benefit, so that you might learn to “follow the written message.” [Note: This is thought to have been a common way of referring, in that day, to the importance of adhering to Old Testament Scripture]. So, none of you should be more proud of one [leader] than of another.

Ephesians 4:17

So, I tell you this, and insist [on it] by [the authority of] the Lord: Do not continue to live with worthless thoughts as [unconverted] Gentiles do.