(α) triumphed over all spiritual agencies, however powerful (ii. 15).
(3) [ii. 16]-iii. 4. Obligations following thereupon.
(i) Consequently the Colossians must not
(β) either submit to ritual prohibitions (ii. 16, 17),
(α) or substitute the worship of inferior beings for allegiance to the Head (ii. 18, 19).
(ii) On the contrary this must henceforth be their rule:
1. They have died with Christ; and with Him they have died to their old life, to earthly ordinances (ii. 20–23).
2. They have risen with Christ; and with Him they have risen to a new life, to heavenly principles (iii. 1–4).
IV. Hortatory (iii. 5-iv. 6).
Practical application of this death and this resurrection.