⁸ Be careful that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition,^(A) based on the elements of the world, rather than Christ.^{(B) 9} For the entire fullness^(C) of God’s nature dwells bodily^[a] in Christ, ¹⁰ and you have been filled by him, who is the head^(D) over every ruler and authority. ¹¹ You were also circumcised in him with a circumcision not done with hands, by putting off the body of flesh,^(E) in the circumcision of Christ,^{(F) 12} when you were buried with him^(G) in baptism, in which you were also raised with him^(H) through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.^{(I) 13} And when you were dead in trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, he made you alive with him and forgave us all our trespasses. ¹⁴ He erased the certificate of debt, with its obligations, that was against us and opposed to us, and has taken it away by nailing it to the cross.^{(J) 15} He disarmed the rulers and authorities and disgraced them publicly; he triumphed over them in him.^[b](K)

¹⁶ Therefore, circumcise your hearts^(A) and don’t be stiff-necked any longer. ¹⁷ For the Lord your God is the God of gods^(B) and Lord of lords,^(C) the great, mighty, and awe-inspiring God, showing no partiality and taking no bribe.^(D)

The Tradition of the Elders

15 Then^(A) Jesus was approached by Pharisees and scribes from Jerusalem, who asked,^{(B) 2} “Why do your disciples^(C) break the tradition of the elders? For they don’t wash their hands when they eat.”^[a](D)

³ He answered them, “Why do you break God’s commandment because of your tradition? ⁴ For God said:^[b] Honor your father and your mother;^[c](E) and, Whoever speaks evil of father or mother must be put to death.^{[d](F) 5} But you say, ‘Whoever tells his father or mother, “Whatever benefit you might have received from me is a gift committed to the temple,” ⁶ he does not have to honor his father.’^[e] In this way, you have nullified the word of God^[f] because of your tradition. ⁷ Hypocrites! Isaiah prophesied correctly about you when he said:

⁵ The angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified.^{(A) 6} He is not here. For he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.^(B)