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Col 2:16

16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:

In order for us to interpret and understand this verse correctly we must examine the original language (Greek) in which these thoughts were written. Below is a representation of the verse showing the Strong's numbers from the Greek language:

16 Let <2919> <0> no <3361> man <5100> therefore <3767> judge <2919> (5720) you <5209> in <1722> meat <1035>, or <2228> in <1722> drink <4213>, or <2228> in <1722> respect <3313> of an holyday <1859>, or <2228> of the new moon <3561>, or <2228>of the sabbath <4521> [days]: 17 Which <3739> are <2076> (5748) a shadow <4639> of things to come <3195> (5723); but <1161> the body <4983> [is] of Christ <5547>.

I have heard repeatedly when I grew up in the Christian Church that this passage was teaching that Gentile believers were not required or expected to keep the Jewish Festival days.

Answer for yourself: Is this the truth of the matter? Let us investigate.

Since the Apostle Paul was instructing these Gentile believers to let no one condemn them in regards to "holy days" and "sabbaths" we need to understand to which he is referring in order to understand this verse correctly, for our worship and obedience to God hinges on correctly understanding and interpreting this verse.

Let us examine the Greek word for "holyday"…Strong's number 1859:1859 heorte- a feast day, a festival

Let us also examine Thayer's Greek Lexicon for added meaning: 1859 heorte (heh-or-tay');
of uncertain affinity; a festival: KJV-- feast, holyday.

Now please notice all the references in the New Testament to "heorte …Strong's # 1859":1859 (KJV)

The following is EVERY REFERENCE in the New Testament referring to "holyday" (Strong's #1859) as used by the Apostle Paul when he admonished the Gentile believers in Colossiae to not let anyone condemn them for observing these "holydays." Notice that is the same word used for the same "holydays" observed by the Jews and Jesus.

Answer for yourself: See if you can determine what they ALL HAVE IN COMMON?

• Matt 26:5 5 But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people. (KJV)
• Matt 27:15 15 Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would. (KJV)
• Mark 14:2 2 But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar of the people. (KJV)
• Mark 15:6 6 Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired. (KJV)
• Luke 2:41 41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. (KJV)
• Luke 2:42 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. (KJV)
• Luke 22:1 1 Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover. (KJV)
• John 2:23 23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. (KJV)
• John 4:45 45 Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilaeans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast. (KJV)
• John 4:45 45 Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilaeans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast. (KJV)
• John 5:1 1 After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. (KJV)
• John 6:4 4 And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh. (KJV)
• John 7:2 2 Now the Jews' feast of tabernacles was at hand. (KJV)
• John 7:8 8 Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast; for my time is not yet full come. (KJV)
• John 7:8 8 Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast; for my time is not yet full come. (KJV)
• John 7:10 10 But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret. (KJV)
• John 7:11 11 Then the Jews sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he? (KJV)
• John 7:14 14 Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught. (KJV)
• John 7:37 37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. (KJV)
• John 11:56 56 Then sought they for Jesus, and spake among themselves, as they stood in the temple, What think ye, that he will not come to the feast? (KJV)
  

Answer for yourself: Did you notice that in EVERY REFERENCE for "heorte" (Holyday") in the New Testament is a reference to the JEWISH FEASTS AND THE FESTIVALS OF THE LORD?

Answer for yourself: Can you now see that Paul was instructing Gentile believes to not allow others to condemn, or judge them for observing, celebrating, or commemorating the JEWISH FESTIVALS?

Answer for yourself: Does you church and Pastor teach the observance of the Festivals of the Lord or are you more acquainted with the paganized Roman holidays that are masqueraded for the truth in your church. More on that later.

Before we continue I must introduce you to the Greek word used by the Apostle Paul for "sabbath" as used in this verse (Strong's number 4521): 4521 sabbaton (sab'-bat-on); of Hebrew origin [7676]; the Sabbath (i.e. Shabbath), or day of weekly repose from secular avocations (also the observance or institution itself); by extension, the interval between two Sabbaths; likewise the plural in all the above applications: KJV-- sabbath (day), week.

Let us examine what Thayer's Greek Lexicon can add to our understanding: 4521 sabbaton-

• 1) the seventh day of each week which was a sacred festival on which the Israelites were required to abstain from all work
  • a) the institution of the sabbath, the law for keeping holy every seventh day of the week
  • b) a single sabbath, sabbath day
• 2) seven days, a week

Answer for yourself: Does the Apostle Paul teach Gentile believers to not let others condemn them for observing Jewish new moons, Jewish Festivals and holy days, and Jewish sabbaths (understood as Biblical Feasts and Festivals)?

Answer for yourself: Is the Apostle Paul writing to Gentiles to come to Christ after the cross of Christ and all the while observe these Jewish Feast days as well? Yes he is.

Answer for yourself: What has changed then for us today if he instructed Gentile believers after the cross to observe and not desist from observing the Jewish Festivals and Sabbaths? Nothing should have but sadly it has since Rome changed everything in the 4th century!

Answer for yourself: Since the Apostle Paul founded many of the churches which he would later correspond and write to, then as their Pastor we see him instructing Gentile believers to not let others judge or condemn them in their observance of Jewish Feasts and Sabbaths. Then is your Pastor preaching the same Gospel to you or perhaps have you been listening to another Gospel and were not aware?

Answer for yourself: Does your church and your Pastor instruct you in how to observe the Seven Festivals of the LORD? If not, why not? If not, then is it about time you sought out a Pastor who has studied the Bible well enough to teach the truth which is often hidden in the original languages of Greek and Hebrew, and often overlooked when only reading the English?

Bet Emet Ministries is one such ministry who has paid the price to learn these hidden truths and revelations from God for we have devoted ourselves to over 15 years of diligent Bible study comprising the original languages in which the Bible was written in order to fully understand the difficult words of the Bible, the cultures in which the documents were originally written to ensure correct understanding, and the history that surrounds each document which again guarantees we arrive at the correct understanding which God intended for all to comprehend, understand, and implement in their lives. Back to the article at hand.

EXAMINING THE SABBATH AND HOLY DAYS MORE CLOSELY

1. sabbaton ^4521^ or sabbata: the latter, the plural form, was transliterated from the Aramaic word, which was mistaken for a plural; hence the singular, sabbaton, was formed from it. The root means "to cease, desist" (Heb., shabath; cf. Arab., sabata, "to intercept, interrupt"); the doubled has an intensive force, implying a complete cessation or a making to cease, probably the former. The idea is not that of relaxation or refreshment, but cessation from activity.

The observation of the seventh day of the week, enjoined upon Israel (both Jews and Gentile believers engrafted by faith into the Olive Tree of Israel), was a sign between God and His earthly people, based upon the fact that after the six days of creative operations He rested, <Exod. 31:16,17>, with <20:8-11>.

In the Epistles the only direct mentions are in <Col. 2:16>, "a sabbath day," RV (which rightly has the singular, where it is listed among things that were "a shadow of the things to come" (i. e., of the age introduced at Pentecost), and in <Heb. 4:4-11>, where the perpetual sabbatismos is appointed for believers; inferential references are in <Rom. 14:5> and <Gal. 4:9-11>. For the first three centuries of the Christian era the first day of the week was never confounded with the "sabbath"; the confusion of the Jewish and Christian institutions was due to apostasy from apostolic teaching.

Answer for yourself: Does the Apostle Paul teach Gentile believers to not let others condemn them for observing new moons, holy days, and sabbaths (understood as Biblical Feasts and Festivals)?

Now let us first examine the Greek word for "judge" as used in this verse:

As taken from the Strong's Concordance: 2919 krino (kree'-no); properly, to distinguish, i.e. decide (mentally or judicially); by implication, to try, condemn, punish: KJV-- avenge, conclude, condemn, damn, decree, determine, esteem, judge, go to (sue at the) law, ordain, call in question, sentence to, think.

Let us now look at the same Greek word from Thayer's Greek lexicon:

2919 krino-

• 1) to separate, to put asunder, to pick out, to select, to choose
• 2) to approve, to esteem, to prefer
• 3) to be of an opinion, to deem, to think
• 4) to determine, to resolve, to decree
• 5) to judge
  • a) to pronounce an opinion concerning right and wrong to be judged, that is, summoned to trial that one's case may be examined and judgment passed upon it
  • b) to pronounce judgment, to subject to censure, used of those who act the part of judges or arbiters in matters of common life, or pass judgment on the deeds and words of others
• 6) to rule, to govern, to preside over with the power of giving judicial decisions, because it was the prerogative of kings and rulers to pass judgment
• 7) to contend together, of warriors and combatants
  • a) to dispute
  • b) in a forensic sense; to go to law, to have suit at law
    

Answer for yourself: Does the Apostle Paul instruct Gentile believers like you and me to not allow others to pass judgment on the deeds (celebration of the Feasts) based upon their opinions, or give even their opposing opinions as to whether your keeping and observing the Festivals and Sabbaths of God is right or wrong since they mean well, but are unknowledgeable about the Bible in these instances? He sure does!

Answer for yourself: Do you want someone's opinion on how to please God and worship Him in Spirit and Truth, or do you want "The Truth" as shown in detailed study such as the one you hold in your hand?

Let us now examine the Greek word used in this verse for "respect":

As taken from the Strong's Concordance:

3313 meros-

• 1) a part
• a) a part due or assigned to one
• b) lot, destiny
• 2) one of the constituent parts of a whole
• a) in part, partly, in a measure, to some degree, as respects a part, severally, individually
• b) any particular, in regard to this, in this respect
  

Answer for yourself: Do you see that the Apostle Paul instructed the Gentile believers that they had a lot and destiny to observe the Biblical Sabbaths and Festivals?

Answer for yourself: Do you see that God assigned to each one of us a part to fulfill in the observance and commemoration of Biblical Feasts and Sabbaths?

Let us now turn our attention to the New Moon Festival as we research the Greek word for "new moon":

As taken from the Strong's Concordance:

5730 neomenia (ne-o-mayn'-ee-ah); from 3501 and 3376; found only in Col. 2:16: first of the month, a new moon festival.

*** This Greek word was not included in the original Strong's Dictionary but is found in other Greek lexicons. Alphabetically it belongs between Strong's number 3500 and 3501.

3376 men-

1) a month

• the time of the new moon, new moon (the first day of each month, when the new moon appeared was a festival among the Hebrews)

Answer for yourself: Do you see that the Apostle Paul was instructing the Gentile believers in Asia Minor to let no one condemn them or keep them form observing the Jewish New Moon festival which is called in Hebrew "the born again" festival? He sure was!

Answer for yourself: Do you notice that the Apostle Paul was instructing Gentile believers to not allow others who mean well, but who offer only opinions instead of rightly interpreting the Word of God, prevent them from observing, or cause them to desist from observing Jewish Feasts, Festivals, as well as the Sabbath day which is the 7^th days of the week?

Answer for yourself: Does your church and your Pastor instruct you like the Apostle Paul instructed his disciples to keep the Sabbath of the 7^th day or has he led you to keep Sunday, the first day of the week, as your Sabbath, thus breaking the Fourth Commandment?

Answer for yourself: Does your church and your Pastor instruct you like the Apostle Paul instructed his disciples long after the cross of Christ to continue observing Jewish and Biblical Feasts, Festivals, and Sabbaths even in the face of "do-gooders" who mean well but who definitely do not have the mind of Christ on the matter?

Like the Apostle Paul, we at Bet Emet Ministries are jealous over you with godly jealousy, for we desire to see the consummation of your betrothal unto God, that you might be presented one day without spot or blemish as a chaste virgin to Christ. But, because of our diligent efforts over the last 15 years to discover deeper truths long hidden in the Bible, we understand, as did Paul, that you have been beguiled as Eve and your minds have been defiled and corrupted from the truth of God's Word.

2 Cor 11:1-4

• 1 Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me.
• 2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
• 3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
• 4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

Answer for yourself: Having seen Colossians 2:17-18 for yourself, maybe for the first time in your lives, can you now see that if you attend churches that do not teach the Biblical Feasts or Festivals, as well as the Saturday Sabbath that you have been beguiled, deceived, and have accepted another Jesus and another Gospel?

Answer for yourself: Can you also see how this acceptance of another Gospel, in this instance the nullification of the Feasts, Festivals, and Sabbath in the Christian Church will have an effect on the Marriage Supper and your possible presentation to Messiah one day?

The Greek word for "bear" is as follows as seen from the Strong's Concordance:

430 anechomai (an-ekh'-om-ahee); middle voice from 303 and 2192; to hold oneself up against, i.e. (figuratively) put up with: KJV-- bear with, endure, forbear, suffer.

Let us examine Thayer's Greek Concordance for further meaning:

430 anechomai-

• 1) to hold up
• 2) to hold oneself erect and firm
• 3) to sustain, to bear, to endure

Answer for yourself: Are you guilty of enduring the teaching of another gospel in you life and your church by your Pastor by him not instructing you to continue observing Biblical Feasts and Festivals, as well as the Jewish Sabbath?

Paul has a stern warning for Gentile believers in his day as well as for us today!

Gal 1:8-12

• 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
• 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
• 10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
• 11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
• 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. (KJV)

Bet Emet Ministries has, just in this article alone, shown you ample evidence that you have accepted another Gospel without even being aware you have. The good news is that you are now coming to the truth which, when acted upon in repentance and faith, will ensure your wedding to Messiah one day where you will be presented to him as a chaste virgin. But be not mistaken, if you accept and follow, and die in your sins, then you best not plan on being the Bride in the world to come, but only the guests at the wedding of Messiah (see Matt. 22 and Matt. 25 for details) .

Paul warns and commands that when one is found to be preaching another Gospel, you as a part of the Body of Christ have a moral responsibility, which will seem hard for you to do today since we have an over emphasis of the grace message preached without a balance of the justice of God. Such a one who preaches another Gospel (and remember in this case we have shown him to be one who fails to instruct, or instructs opposite of what the Apostle Paul teaches, that Gentile believers are to observe, keep, commemorate, and celebrate the Biblical Feasts, Festivals, and Sabbaths, no matter who he is (Priest, Pope, Cardinal, Pastor, Minister, Evangelist, Apostle, Prophet, etc.) are to be "accursed."

Let us examine what it truly means for such a one who preaches heresy to be "accursed."

The Strong's # is 331 anathema (an-ath'-em-ah); from 394; a (religious) ban or (concretely) excommunicated (thing or person): KJV-- accused, anathema, curse, X great.

Let us examine Thayer's Greek Lexicon:

331 anathema-

• 1) a thing set up or laid by in order to be kept specifically, an offering resulting from a vow, which after being consecrated to a god was hung upon the walls or columns of the temple, or put in some other conspicuous place
• 2) a thing devoted to God without hope of being redeemed, and if an animal, to be slain; therefore, a person or thing doomed to destruction
• a) a curse
• b) a man accursed, devoted to the direst of woes

Answer for yourself: Please understand that I did not make up the definitions of these inspired words in your Bibles, but understand they often bring us face to face with concepts we have never heard, or find so disturbing that we don't want to even consider them.

Does the Apostle Paul teach that one who preaches another Gospel, and in this instance one who is devoted to God (like a Pastor) who instructs and teaches against, or condemns the Gentile observance of Biblical Feasts, Festivals, and Sabbaths is without hope of being redeemed and is doomed to destruction and only has facing him the direst of woes?

Answer for yourself: Can you now understand the double reward or judgment upon teachers of the Word of God? Their responsibility to not represent God to His people is tremendous!

God made sure we would not miss His message to all mankind by giving all men "rehearsals" [appointed times with Him as Feasts and Festivals] whereby the annual celebration and observance of the Biblical Feasts and Festivals, as well as the weekly Sabbaths, and High Sabbaths, would reinforce His truths throughout our lives. But many of us have been deprived of them, and continue to be so by our churches today who are either unaware of, or who have rejected outright anything Jewish as being "bad." What a shame! Even more, it has eternal consequences!

Col 2:17

17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. (KJV)

The Apostle Paul teaches us that the Biblical Feasts and Festivals, Sabbaths, New Moons, and Holy Days are but shadows of things yet to come through the ministry of Jesus the Messiah. In other words some are fulfilled, and the others are prophetic!

The Biblical Feasts, Festivals, and Sabbaths are "shadows" of things to come. Let us examine the Strong's # 4639 skia: shadow:

• a) shade caused by the interception of light
• b) an image cast by an object and representing the form of that object
• c) a sketch, outline, adumbration
  

Answer for yourself: Does the Apostle Paul teach us that the Feasts, Festivals, and Sabbaths represent Christ?

The Apostle Paul teaches us that the Feasts, Festivals, and Sabbaths provide learning opportunities and give us images of things yet to come through the ministry of Jesus.

Once again let us examine "to come" from Strong's: 3195 mello (mel'-lo);

a strengthened form of 3199 (through the idea of expectation); to attend, i.e. be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probability, possibility, or hesitation):

Now let us examine Thayer's Greek Lexicon:

3195 mello- to be about

• a) to be on the point of doing or suffering something
• b) to intend, to have in mind, to think to

Answer for yourself: Do you see that the Feasts, Festivals, and Sabbaths are given to Gentile believers in order for them to have in their mind and thinking events soon to transpire in appearing of Messiah and that these soon coming events are "pictured" in the Spring and Fall Festivals as well as the Sabbaths of God?

CONCLUSION: IT IS A MATTER OF WORSHIP

Now, let us establish some proper motivational factors. The Biblical memorial days were instituted by God as an integral part of the divine worship system in the church (both O.T. and N.T.). They are not a matter of salvation, where our disobedience towards them will rob us of eternal life. Yet, they are a matter of obedience toward God, and let us never forget that our obedience is interpreted by God as our love for Him. Therefore our motive in celebration should be as God originally intended; remembrance and honor for what He has done. God said his feasts were "Forever Feasts" and times of memorial (Ex. 12:14, Lev. 23:21, Lev. 23:41). If God never changes (and we have His word on that) for He does not (Mal. 3:6), it is obvious that He still desires to be honored in this manner as both the Old Testament attests as well as the New Testament once you come to understand it properly. Jesus said that the time has come to worship the Father "In spirit and in truth". Surely He is worthy. Indeed prophecy indicates that the feast days will continue to be celebrated even after the coming of Christ in the Kingdom age (Zech. 14:16). The feast days retain a deep abiding meaning for the Christian, especially since their fullness (not termination) is found in the Messiah. It is safe to say that the Christian has as much reason for celebrating these feasts as does the Jew, perhaps more (1 Cor. 5:8). The feast days contain more divine information of spiritual and prophetic value than perhaps any subject of scripture. And as said before, even the Gospels were written according to the Festival pattern and liturgical scheme of the synagogue. It is through our deliberate recognition and celebration of them that the riches of truth contained in them is released for our understanding. Thus, we come to better understand Yeshua and God in the process. Not only that, they serve as a truthful "timeclock" for the events for which we wait as we inherit the fullness of our salvation.

The spirit of praise and worship simply demands the recognition of the Biblical feast days. No other conclusion can be drawn. The celebration of these memorial days is being restored to the Church as Biblical worship becomes more complete in these "last days".

The question before us is; should Christians celebrate the feasts? Clearly we should. Why? Because they are Biblical, Messiah-centered and God ordained. While feast celebrations may not be essential to salvation, they are certainly essential for a more perfect worship order in the church. Reason simply dictates this conclusion.

Feast days are not Jewish in an ethnic sense. They are divine in a Biblical sense and therefore eternal.

THEREFORE, LET US ALSO KEEP THE FEAST!

Want to know the truth about God and the Bible instead of your denomination's rhetoric? Contact Bet Emet Ministries for we do not want your money, only your attention for let us quote Yeshua: "how can you say you love me and not obey me?"