What does Colossians 2:15 mean?

Explanation

Colossians 2:15 speaks of a triumph Christ achieved through His death and resurrection, where He disarmed and exposed the spiritual rulers and authorities that were opposed to God and His people.

The language used evokes imagery of a victorious general or emperor who parades the defeated enemies in front of the populace, celebrating a military triumph.

Here, the 'principalities and powers' refer to spiritual entities or forces that are typically seen in New Testament theology as adversarial to God and humanity.

The term 'spoiled' reflects the victory of Christ in stripping these forces of their power, and 'made a shew of them openly' suggests a public display or shaming of these defeated powers.

The phrase 'triumphing over them in it' refers to Christ's definitive victory over these forces through the crucifixion, which paradoxically became His means of triumph.

Historical Context

The Epistle to the Colossians was written by the Apostle Paul, traditionally dated to around AD 60-62 while Paul was in prison, probably in Rome.

Colossae was a city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), and the church there was facing issues of false teaching.

These included syncretistic practices combining Jewish law-observance with local pagan beliefs and ascetic practices.

It appears the Colossian heresy presented angels or spiritual powers as beings that deserved worship and played a significant role in salvation.

Paul writes to assert the supremacy of Christ over all created things, including spiritual authorities.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives interpret Colossians 2:15 in varied ways:

• Orthodox/Catholic: This view might emphasize the cosmic victory of Christ, celebrating his defeat of evil powers as an extension and affirmation of the Church's continual battle against sin and evil.
• Reformation/Protestant: This perspective might highlight the sufficiency of Christ's work on the cross, emphasizing sola fide (faith alone) and sola gratia (grace alone) as the means of salvation, not any adherence to an observance of law or worship of angels.
• Evangelical: The emphasis could be on the personal application of Christ's victory, finding freedom from spiritual bondage and sin.
• Liberation Theology: This interpretation might see the verse as a symbolic manifesto for social and spiritual liberation from all oppressive systems and structures.

Practical Applications

Believers can take heart in the victory of Christ over spiritual forces, finding comfort and assurance that they do not need to live in fear of demonic powers. It can also serve as a reminder to avoid practices or beliefs that place anything or anyone on a par with Christ.

Furthermore, the verse can be applied by rejecting all forms of spiritual enslavement and bondage, finding liberation in the accomplished work of Christ.

Cross-References

• Ephesians 6:12 - For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
• 1 Corinthians 15:24 - Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
• Hebrews 2:14 - Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text include:

• "Spoiled" (ἀπεκδυσάμενος - apekdysamenos): To strip off or disarm.
• "Principalities and powers" (ἀρχάς ... καὶ ἐξουσίας - archas kai exousias): Terms used in the New Testament for various ranks of spiritual entities, typically adversaries to God's reign.
• "Made a shew" (δειγματίζων - deigmatizo): To expose, make an example of, or put to open shame.
• "Triumphing" (θριαμβεύων - thriambeuon): To lead in triumph; a term borrowed from the Roman practice of a victorious general parading defeated enemies.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The motif of a divine figure defeating chaotic or evil entities is common in ancient Near Eastern religions.

Egyptian mythology describes the god Horus triumphing over Set, a deity of chaos.

In Greek mythology, Zeus defeats the Titans.

These myths resonate with the Christian narrative of divine victory, though the Christian view uniquely focuses on the paradox of a deity triumphing through self-sacrifice and humility instead of raw power.

Scientific Perspectives

The passage primarily addresses spiritual and theological concepts outside the domain of empirical science.

However, modern psychology and sociology might provide insight into the human experience of perceived spiritual forces at play and the psychological impact of belief in a higher power's triumph over evil.

Commentaries

Various commentators offer their insights on Colossians 2:15:

• Matthew Henry: Henry sees this verse as showcasing, Christ's victory over the powers of darkness, which had sought to keep people from salvation, and presenting the wisdom and goodness of God in redemption.
• John Gill: Gill emphasizes the disarming of the powers of darkness through Christ's atonement, which foretold the spread of the Gospel and the end of Pagan and Jewish states.
• William Barclay: Barclay notes the Roman imagery of a triumphant general and applies it to Christ's decisive victory over hostile cosmic powers.
• **N.T.

Wright**: Wright contextualizes the verse within the first-century world's understanding of spiritual powers and explains how Paul reassigned traditional Jewish symbols to explain Jesus' messianic victory.