QUESTION: What is the understanding of Colossians 2:16?

ANSWER: Most of what Paul wrote to the various churches was to warn Christians not to go back under the Old Testament; not be brought in bondage again to it (Galatians 5:1-4); not to accept the binding of the old law of circumcision (Galatians 5:6; Galatians 6:15); and not to allow Judaizing Teachers to insist that Christians keep the Holy Days (including the Sabbaths) of the Old Testament. This is precisely his argument and directive in Colossians 2:16. Note carefully the context of the passage by reference to Colossians 2:14!