And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.
Ver. 19. And not holding the head] This is worse than all the former, that they despoiled Christ of his dignity; as if he alone were not sufficient to cherish and increase his Church.
With the increase of God] That proceeds from God, that is, from the Spirit of Christ the head; to which growth is opposed that vain puffing up,Colossians 2:18, whereby men do not increase, but swell; grow bigger indeed, but weaker, as a gouty hand.