Be careful of false teaching

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. Colossians 2:8

There are many various philosophies and teachings; it is difficult to sort out what is true. Paul’s warning is direct: See to it that no one takes you captive. Captive means “to carry away” or “kidnap.” Here it refers to someone being carried away from the truth into the slavery of error. Scripture teaches that anything is false if it lures us away from an unswerving devotion to the absolute supremacy of Christ.

This is not a blanket indictment against all philosophy. The reference here is to the particular philosophy, as seen in Paul’s description that follows, being promoted by the false teachers. This philosophy is hollow and deceptive, literally, an empty deception which stands in stark contrast to the fullness in Christ. The hollow and deceptive philosophy of the false teachers promises much but delivers nothing.