Matthew Poole and continuators on Colossians 2:20

20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the word : why as though living in the world are ye subject to ordinances ?

Here the Apostle doth further argue against all impositions of superstitious observances, obtruded as parts of divine worship, whether in reviving those abrogated or serting up new ones▪ upon supposition of their union with Christ their head, and their being dead in him as to all beggarly Elements from which he had freed them by his death, Rom. 6.3, 5. & 7.4, 6. Gal. 4.9, 10, 11. with Gal. 2.19. no uncommanded worship or way of worship being after Christ, v. 8. in whom they were compleat, v. 11. being buried with him in Baptism, v. 12. having nailed those ritual ordinances to his Cross, as antiquated or out-dated, v. 14. why should they who held the head, v. 19.

As if they lived in the old World with those Children in bondage, Gal. 4.3. before Christ came, be subject to ceremonial observances, q. d. 'Tis most injurious that they should impose this yoke upon you, (Act. 15.10.) ye are most foolish if ye submit your necks: for God would not have a ceremonial worship which he himself instituted to be abrogated, that a new one should be invented by men. If the head of the Church like not the reviving that worship he hath laid aside, be sure he will not approve of any new one which he never appointed. The Apostle is not here speaking of the Magistrates ordinances about things indifferent in their use for the real good of the civil Government; but of the way of worshipping God by Religious abstinencies, &c.

Marginal references: Or, elements ▪