| Geneva Study Bible {22} Which all are to perish with the using;) {23} after the commandments and doctrines of men? (22) Another argument: the spiritual and inward kingdom of God cannot consist in these outward things, which perish with the using. (23) The third argument: because God is not the author of these traditions, therefore they are not that which we are obligated to do. People's New Testament 2:22 Which all are to perish with the using. The prohibition applies to food and drink. After the commandments and doctrines of men? These ordinances, whether Jewish traditions, or those of ascetics, are dependent upon the commands and teachings of men. Wesley's Notes 2:22 Perish in the using - Have no farther use, no influence on the mind. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary 22. Which-things, namely, the three things handled, touched, and tasted. are to perish-literally, "are constituted (by their very nature) for perishing (or 'destruction by corruption') in (or 'with') their using up (consumption)." Therefore they cannot really and lastingly defile a man (Mt 15:17; 1Co 6:13). after-according to. Referring to Col 2:20, 21. All these "ordinances" are according to human, not divine, injunction. doctrines-Greek, teachings." Alford translates, "(doctrinal) systems." Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 2:18-23 It looked like humility to apply to angels, as if men were conscious of their unworthiness to speak directly to God. But it is not warrantable; it is taking that honour which is due to Christ only, and giving it to a creature. There really was pride in this seeming humility. Those who worship angels, disclaim Christ, who is the only Mediator between God and man. It is an insult to Christ, who is the Head of the church, to use any intercessors but him. When men let go their hold of Christ, they catch at what will stand them in no stead. The body of Christ is a growing body. And true believers cannot live in the fashions of the world. True wisdom is, to keep close to the appointments of the gospel; in entire subjection to Christ, who is the only Head of his church. Self-imposed sufferings and fastings, might have a show of uncommon spirituality and willingness for suffering, but this was not in any honour to God. The whole tended, in a wrong manner, to satisfy the carnal mind, by gratifying self-will, self-wisdom, self-righteousness, and contempt of others. The things being such as carry not with them so much as the show of wisdom; or so faint a show that they do the soul no good, and provide not for the satisfying of the flesh. What the Lord has left indifferent, let us regard as such, and leave others to the like freedom; and remembering the passing nature of earthly things, let us seek to glorify God in the use of them. | 
