SLAVES OF THE ELEMENTS AND WORSHIPERS OF ANGELS: GAL 4:3, 9 AND COL 2:8, 18, 20.

The essay presents a critical analysis of the references to "elemental spirits" in the Biblical passages of Galatians 4: 8 and Colossians 2:15, 18, 20. Topics addressed include the interpretation of the angels in Col 2: 15 in regard to the demonic character of the elements, and connections of the topos with historical views by non Biblical writers on cosmology including the destiny of the soul according to Empedocles and Cicero's explanation for the physical ascent of the soul.