John,
Since in Colossians 2:17 “are” is used, is Paul saying the law had not passed away at that time, or is he just communicating it will always be a shadow?
- Therefore, do not allow anyone to condemn you in matters of eating or drinking, or in regard to a feast, or a new moon, or a Sabbath,
- which are a shadow of things to come, but the reality is of Christ.
Wendell
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Hi, Wendell.
I am glad you are thinking about what you are reading. The law probably had not yet passed at the time Paul wrote that letter. It is the same for other works of Paul. For instance, the book of Hebrews (which I believe Paul wrote) is filled with present tense verbs when the writer speaks of the law, especially the activities of the priests under the law.
At the same time, the law will always be the shadow of Christ that God intended. That is what makes study of the law, indeed, the whole Old Testament, so beneficial for believers today.
Thanks for the question.
Pastor John