Colossians / Question
Colossians quotes rules like "Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch" and says they refer to things that perish as they are used Colossians 2:21–22. It says such regulations have an appearance of wisdom but are of no value in stopping indulgence of the flesh Colossians 2:23.
In Colossians 2:20–23 Paul asks why people who “died with Christ” would still let themselves be ruled by worldly rule-systems. He quotes the kind of strict commands being pushed: “Don’t handle… don’t taste… don’t touch.” He argues these rules target things that are temporary and used up, and they come from human teaching. This paragraph continues a warning that the Colossians should not be judged or captured by systems that promise spiritual progress through regulations, calendar practices, or intermediaries.
Paul’s basic point is clear: people who “died with Christ” should not be treated as still under the same controlling “world” system of rule-making (Colossians 2:20–23). He highlights strict commands (“don’t handle… don’t taste… don’t touch”) and says they focus on things that are temporary and get “used up” (verse 22).
A careful answer keeps the immediate passage, the book's argument, and the whole-Bible storyline together, so the question is answered in context instead of as a detached idea.
Start with Colossians 2:21-22, then read the surrounding section so the answer stays connected to the passage's flow.
21"Don’t handle, nor taste, nor touch"
22(all which things are to perish with the using), after the precepts and doctrines of men?