Albert Barnes Commentary Colossians 2:20

"If ye died with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, do ye subject yourselves to ordinances," — Colossians 2:20 (ASV)

Wherefore. In view of all that has been said. If it is true that you are really dead to the world, why do you act as if you still lived under the principles of the world?

If you are dead with Christ. If you are dead to the world in virtue of His death. The apostle here, as elsewhere, speaks of a very close union with Christ. We died with Him; that is, such was the efficacy of His death, and such is our union with Him, that we also became dead to the world. See Barnes on Romans 6:2; see Barnes on Romans 6:4; see Barnes on Romans 6:8; see Barnes on Romans 6:11.

From the rudiments of the world. The marginal note is elements. The elements or principles which are of a worldly nature, and which reign among worldly men. See Barnes on Galatians 4:3.

Why, as though living in the world? Why do you allow them to influence you, as though you were living and acting under those worldly principles? They ought to do so no more than the things of this world influence those who are in their graves.

Are you subject to ordinances. The rites and ceremonies of the Jewish religion. See Barnes on Galatians 5:1-4.