See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.
8. Beware lest any one plunder you. He again instructs them as to the poison, which the antidote presented by him should be made use of to counteract. For although this, as we have stated, is a common remedy against all the impostures of the devil, Our Author evidently refers to what he had said as to the advantage to be derived from steadfastness in the faith. See p. 178.
Satan spoils souls by beguiling them; he could not ruin you if he did not cheat you. His agents use enticing words and fair speeches to deceive the simple, so you must stand guard against those who would flatter you into evil. The antidote is this: walk in Christ as you received Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith.
AI summary
Commenting on Colossians 2:4-12
Beware lest any man spoil you,.... Or despoil you; rob you of the rich treasure of the Gospel, strip you of your spiritual armour, take away from you the truths and doctrines of Christ, and divest you of your spiritual privileges and blessings; suggesting, that the false teachers were thieves and robbers, and men of prey: or drive and carry you away as spoils, as...