Charles Spurgeon Commentary Colossians 2:21-22

"Handle not, nor taste, nor touch (all which things are to perish with the using), after the precepts and doctrines of men?" — Colossians 2:21-22 (ASV)

(Touch not; taste not; handle not; which all are to perish with the using; ) after the commandments and doctrines of men?

I have actually seen this text quoted as though it stood as a matter of teaching—“Touch not; taste not; handle not;”—whereas the apostle here means, "Why are you subject to such ordinances of men when Christ has set you free from them all? If, with a view to the good of your fellow men, you choose not to touch, or taste, or handle, you will act very wisely; but, as far as your own conscience is concerned, do not submit to any merely human regulations as to your manner of life."