⁹ But now that you know God—or rather are known by God^(A)—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces^[a]? Do you wish to be enslaved^(B) by them all over again?^(C)

⁸ See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy,^(A) which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces^[a] of this world^(B) rather than on Christ.

²⁰ Since you died with Christ^(A) to the elemental spiritual forces of this world,^(B) why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules:^(C)

¹² In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths^(A) of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!^(B)

¹⁰ They are only a matter of food^(A) and drink^(B) and various ceremonial washings^(C)—external regulations^(D) applying until the time of the new order.