Note 32 at Col. 2:19: The thrust of Paul's criticism here was against those who did not give Jesus the place He deserved. In the previous verses, Paul spoke about exalting Jesus above all the Old Testament rituals which shadowed His coming. Now he spoke out against people who put the emphasis on worshiping angels and self denial but they didn't place Jesus as the Head.

The head is above every other part of the body in position and importance. Those who emphasize observing days such as the sabbath, observing feasts and dietary laws, worshiping angels, and those who promote asceticism (see note 35 at v. 23, p. 1204) are all taking away from the Headship of Jesus. Christianity is a relationship with Jesus, not the observance of rituals. Rituals are the heart of religion but true Christianity rejects rituals for relationship.

Note 33 at Col. 2:19: Jesus is the Head of the body of Christ (see note 3 at 1 Cor. 12:14, p. 932; see note 14 at 1 Cor. 12:27, p. 934). But the Head doesn't do all the work. The Head directs, but the body must function also. Likewise, for the body of Christ to increase, every part of the body has to contribute and function under the direction of the Head (see note 32 at Eph. 4:16, p. 1120).

In the body of Christ, there is nothing wrong with our Head, the Lord Jesus Christ. There is something wrong with the body though. In a sense, many parts of the body are paralyzed, causing the body overall not to have the effect that the Head desires.