Colossians 2:19

Head. That is, Christ (cf. on Ephesians 4:15, 16). The ultimate of the philosophy such as the false teachers at Colossae taught was a denial of Christ.

Joints and bands. As the members of the physical body are held together by means of joints and sinews, all of which are part of the body, so the members of the Christian church, the mystic body of Christ, should be held together. The mystic body receives its strength and is held together by a personal union with the Lord Jesus Himself. Nothing, not even angels, should come between us and our Saviour.

Nourishment ministered. Gr. epichoregeo, “to supply,” “to provide,” “to support.” The phrase may be translated, “the whole body, supported and knit together through joints and ligaments.”

Knit together. Compare Ephesians 4:16; Colossians 2:2. The Greek verb form indicates a continuing, developing process.

Increase of God. The mysterious force that brings about growth is the power of God Himself. Without this mighty principle of life, growth would be impossible. The really harmonious character can develop only as divine power unites with human effort. This is the practical outworking of righteousness by faith.