2:8–15 · Christ is over every power and authority:The identity of this “philosophy” has been discussed extensively above, where I suggested that it encouraged Gentiles to take up the law in addition to their faith in Christ for full attainment of the Christian life. Paul warns the Colossians of this potential threat by using a rare verb, translated as “take captive,” found only here in the New Testament (though Paul uses a similar term in 2 Cor. 11:8). The dangerous teaching, which has yet to infect the community, is characterized by human tradition, not the wisdom of God. Moreover, it relies on the stoicheia (elemental forces, basic principles of the world, or the gods of this world; see also Gal. 4:3, 8–9) rather than Christ, who represents the fullness of God (2:9). Stoicheia is repeat…