8 Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers2:8 Or the spiritual principles; also in 2:20. of this world, rather than from Christ.
18 Don’t let anyone condemn you by insisting on pious self-denial or the worship of angels,2:18 Or or worshiping with angels. saying they have had visions about these things. Their sinful minds have made them proud,
20 You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, 21 "Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!"? 22 Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them. 23 These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires.