Let me say first off that this is not a set up question where I'm already fully decided on the answer and just want to know what everyone else's opinion is. I am definitely leaning in a certain direction, but the following is an honest inquiry for input.
In Galatians 4:3, Colossians 2:8, and Colossians 2:20, Paul used the expression τῶν στοιχείων τοῦ κόσμου, which as I will show in a second translates into "the principles of the world." What principles was he talking about by this repeated phrase, and why did he refer to them as such?
For starters, about the translation, he uses the phrase in combination with the phrase "the traditions of man" and the word "philosophies" in Colossians 2:8. The reading is "βλέπετε μή τις ὑμᾶς ἔσται ὁ συλαγωγῶν διὰ τῆς φιλοσοφίας καὶ κενῆς ἀπάτης, κατὰ τὴν παράδοσιν τῶν ἀνθρώπων, κατὰ τὰ στοιχεῖα τοῦ κόσμου καὶ οὐ κατὰ Χριστόν" which translates as, "Take heed that there not be anyone making a prey of you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the traditions of man, according to the principles of the world, and not according to Christ." So there is a clear common element to these phrases; all refer in general to false, naturalistic (i.e. humanistic) teachings.
Then he uses just the word "principles" (στοιχεῖα) as a stand alone in Galatians 4:9, "how do you turn again to the weak and beggarly principles to which you again desire to serve anew?," referring back to the full phrase τὰ στοιχεῖα τοῦ κόσμου in Galatians 4:3.
When you take all these things into consideration, the word alone must mean "principles" and the entire phrase means "principles of the world."
So the question again becomes: What principles specifically was he talking about by the use of this repeated phrase, and why did he refer to them as such?
Blessings in Christ. Any and all responses are appreciated.
I believe you might have your answer to you thread already based on the posts I’ve read.
Paul was concerned that the Galatians and Colossians were turning back to the principles or rudiments of the world as their faith or religion, or at least mixing it with their new faith. They were diluting their new founded faith in Christ whilst still clinging on to the ancient religions of observing pagan religious dates, times and seasons. He wanted then to rid themselves of them completely.
These elementary or fundamental religions today can still be seen in some American Indians. Their observance of the stars, moon, clouds, air, temperature, wind, mist, earthquakes and nearly anything that can be observed in nature. All things observable has a religious superstition, connotation, meaning and significance to life.
Today IMO, many Christians act as the teetering Galatians and Colossians. Yes, they still observe the pagan festivals surrounding Christmas, Easter, Blood moons, comets, and even 'Jewish' holidays, so-called Christian religious events, many Catholic types especially, and more. If one is to be truly a Christian one must divest oneself from all this worldly baggage that God surely condemns, that will stifle their growth.
Bless you,
APAK