Colossians 2:14
Verse
Context
Alive with Christ
13When you were dead in your trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our trespasses,14having canceled the debt ascribed to us in the decrees that stood against us. He took it away, nailing it to the cross!15And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Blotting out the hand-writing of ordinances - By the hand-writing of ordinances the apostle most evidently means the ceremonial law: this was against them, for they were bound to fulfill it; and it was contrary to them, as condemning them for their neglect and transgression of it. This law God himself has blotted out. Blotting out the hand-writing is probably an allusion to Num 5:23, where the curses written in the book, in the case of the woman suspected of adultery, are directed to be blotted out with the bitter waters. And there can be little doubt of a farther allusion, viz., to the custom of discharging the writing from parchment by the application of such a fluid as the muriatic acid, which immediately dissolves those ferruginous calces which constitute the blackening principle of most inks. But the East India inks, being formed only of simple black, such as burnt ivory, or cork, and gum water, may be wiped clean off from the surface of the paper or parchment by the application of a wet sponge, so as to leave not one legible vestige remaining: this I have often proved. Nailing it to his cross - When Christ was nailed to the cross, our obligation to fulfill these ordinances was done away. There may be another reference here to some ancient mode of annulling legal obligations, by nailing them to a post; but I do not recollect at present an instance or example. Antiquated laws are said to have been thus abrogated.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Blotting out--Greek, "Having wiped out"; coincident in time with "having forgiven you" (Col 2:13); hereby having cancelled the law's indictment against you. The law (including especially the moral law, wherein lay the chief difficulty in obeying) is abrogated to the believer, as far as it was a compulsory, accusing code, and as far as "righteousness" (justification) and "life" were sought for by it. It can only produce outward works, not inward obedience of the will, which in the believer flows from the Holy Spirit in Him (Rom 3:21; Rom 7:2, Rom 7:4; Gal 2:19). the handwriting of ordinances--rather, "IN ordinances" (see on Eph 2:15); "the law of commandments contained in ordinances." "The handwriting" (alluding to the Decalogue, the representative of the law, written by the hand of God) is the whole law, the obligatory bond, under which all lay; the Jews primarily were under the bond, but they in this respect were the representative people of the world (Rom 3:19); and in their inability to keep the law was involved the inability of the Gentiles also, in whose hearts "the work of the law was written" (Rom 2:15); and as they did not keep this, they were condemned by it. that was against us . . . contrary to us--Greek "adversary to us"; so it is translated, Heb 10:27. "Not only was the law against us by its demands, but also an adversary to us by its accusations" [BENGEL]. TITTMANN explains the Greek, "having a latent contrariety to us"; not open designed hostility, but virtual unintentional opposition through our frailty; not through any opposition in the law itself to our good (Rom 7:7-12, Rom 7:14; Co1 15:56; Gal 3:21; Heb 10:3). The "WRITING" is part of "that which was contrary to us"; for "the letter killeth" (see on Co2 3:6). and took it--Greek, and hath taken it out of the way" (so as to be no longer a hindrance to us), by "nailing it to the cross." Christ, by bearing the curse of the broken law, has redeemed us from its curse (Gal 3:13). In His person nailed to the cross, the law itself was nailed to it. One ancient mode of cancelling bonds was by striking a nail through the writing: this seems at that time to have existed in Asia [GROTIUS]. The bond cancelled in the present case was the obligation lying against the Jews as representatives of the world, and attested by their amen, to keep the whole law under penalty of the curse (Deu 27:26; Neh 10:29).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances,.... Various are the senses interpreters give of these words; some think by the handwriting is meant the covenant God made with Adam, Gen 2:17, which being broken, obliged him and all his posterity to the penalty of death, but is cancelled and abolished by Christ; others, the agreement which the Israelites made with God at Mount Sinai, when they said, "all that the Lord hath said will we do, and be obedient", Exo 24:7; which was as it were setting their hands, and laying themselves under obligation to obedience, and, in case of failure, to the penalty of the law; others, God's book of remembrance of the sins of men, out of which they are blotted when pardoned; others, the book of conscience, which bears witness to every debt, to every violation and transgression of the law, which may be said to be blotted out, when pacified with an application of the blood and righteousness of Christ; rather with others it signifies the ceremonial law, which lay in divers ordinances and commands, and is what, the apostle afterwards speaks of more clearly and particularly; and may be called so, because submission to it was an acknowledgment both of the faith and guilt of sin; every washing was saying, that a man was polluted and unclean; and every sacrifice was signing a man's own guilt and condemnation, and testifying that he deserved to die as the creature did, which was offered in sacrifice: or rather the whole law of Moses is intended, which was the handwriting of God, and obliged to obedience to it, and to punishment in case of disobedience; and this the Jews (z) call , "the writing of the debt", and is the very phrase the Syriac version uses here: now this was as a debt book, which showed and testified the debts of men; that is, their sins, how many they are guilty of, and what punishment is due unto them: and may well be said to be that that was against us, which was contrary to us; its nature being holy, just, good, and spiritual, is contrary to the unholy and carnal heart of man, and its commands disagreeable to his mind and will; nor can he perform what it requires; nor can he be subject to it without the grace of God, any more than he can like its precepts; and besides, it is contrary to him, and against him, as it charges him with debts, and proves them upon him, so that he has nothing to say in his defence; yea, it proceeds against him, and curses and condemns, and kills him: but God has "blotted" it out, Christ having engaged as a surety for his people, to pay off all their debts; and this being done by him, God has crossed the debt book of the law, has blotted it out, so that this book is of no force; it does not stand against these persons, it cannot show or prove any standing debt, it cannot demand any, or inflict any penalty: nay, he has took it out of the way; it is not to be seen or looked into as a debt book; it is abolished and done away; it is no more as administered by Moses, as a covenant of works, or as to its rigorous exaction, curse, and condemnation; this is true of the whole law of Moses, as well as of the ceremonial, which is utterly abolished and disannulled in every sense, because of the weakness and unprofitableness of it: nailing it to his cross: to the cross of Christ, showing that the abolition of it is owing to the cross of Christ; where and when he bore the curse and penalty of the law for his people, as well as answered all the types and shadows of it: it is thought to be an allusion to a custom in some countries, to cancel bonds, or antiquate edicts and decrees, by driving a nail through them, so that they could not be legible any more: or it may be to the writing of Pilate, which contained the charge and accusation against Christ; and which was placed over his head upon the cross, and fastened to it with nails (a); every nail in the cross made a scissure in this handwriting, or bond of the law, that lay against us, whereby it was so rent and torn, as to be of no force: thus the Holy Ghost makes use of various expressions, to show that there is nothing in the law standing against the saints; it is blotted out, and cannot be read; it is took away, and cannot be seen; it is nailed to the cross of Christ, and is torn to pieces thereby, that nothing can ever be produced from it to their hurt and condemnation, (z) Tzeror Hammor, fol. 87. 1, 3. (a) Nonnus in Joh. xix. 19. Vid. Niccqueti Titulus S. Crucis, l. 1. c. 18. p. 128.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:14 the record of the charges against us: The Greek phrase suggests an IOU that we have all signed. Since we are unable to pay what we owe, it stands against us. The law of God required obedience that people are unable to give, but God has forgiven our debt through the work of Christ (2:13).
Colossians 2:14
Alive with Christ
13When you were dead in your trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our trespasses,14having canceled the debt ascribed to us in the decrees that stood against us. He took it away, nailing it to the cross!15And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Colossians) Part Four - Col 2:6-23
By Douglas Moo6.2K1:09:22ExpositionMAT 6:33ROM 2:291CO 10:2EPH 2:5COL 2:14In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of fullness in the new experience of deliverance from the power of sin. He emphasizes that through our identification with Christ, we are given the ability to live a new life and become a new people. The preacher also highlights the fundamental work of Christ in delivering us from the penalty of sin. He encourages Christians to view the Bible as something to immerse themselves in, allowing its message and values to become a part of their souls. The sermon concludes with a discussion on how God forgives us and wipes out our debts through Christ.
Seven Words From the Cross - Victory
By Warren Wiersbe4.1K37:01PSA 40:7PSA 110:1JHN 19:18JHN 19:28COL 2:14HEB 9:24HEB 10:10In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a British mother who prayed for her unconverted teenage son while on holiday. Meanwhile, the son finds a pamphlet and starts reading it, intending to skip the preaching. However, he is captivated by the phrase "the finished work of Christ." The preacher explains that this phrase was used by slaves to indicate the completion of a task assigned by their masters. Jesus, as a servant of God, declared "Tetelestai" on the cross, meaning "It is finished." This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding what Jesus finished on the cross and how it impacts every person's life.
Dying to Glorify God
By Carter Conlon3.2K50:01Glorifying GodMAT 3:16MAT 6:33LUK 9:28JHN 16:8JHN 17:1COL 2:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need to convince the world and the city of their sin, the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, and the judgment of the prince of this world. The goal is to bring glory to God in these last hours of time. The preacher highlights the importance of speaking the truth and living under the power of God's righteousness, which produces the life of Christ in believers. The prince of this world is judged and defeated, and as Christians, our lives should be a testimony of this victory. The preacher encourages Christians to live a life that glorifies Jesus Christ and rejects the ways and reasoning of the enemy.
Easter Conference 1979-01 Testimony and Message
By Aldy Fam Fanous1.9K34:24EasterPSA 34:6MAT 6:33MRK 16:20GAL 3:13COL 2:14HEB 1:1In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal journey of discovering the power and truth of God's word. Despite not having access to commentaries, he spent hours each day reading the Bible and found it to be the best commentary on itself. He also faced challenges within his family but turned to prayer for guidance. The speaker emphasizes the importance of reading and digging into the Word of God, and highlights the significance of Jesus' sacrifice for our salvation. He urges listeners to accept Christ as their Savior and consider the eternal consequences of their choices.
The Ark of the Covenant: Around Jericho Part Iii
By Roy Hession1.9K53:54Ark Of The CovenantEXO 3:5JOS 6:13JOS 6:20ISA 64:4MRK 11:24EPH 6:12COL 2:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of cooperating with God's instructions, even when they seem feeble or unlikely to bring about victory. He uses the story of Joshua and the battle of Jericho as an example. The speaker highlights the significance of shouting and praising God in faith, even before seeing the walls of opposition come down. He also shares a personal anecdote about the power of prayer and waiting on God's timing. The sermon concludes with the reminder that leaders are servants before God and that Jesus is the ultimate captain of the hosts of the Lord.
Skyland Conference 1979-07 Testimony and Message
By Aldy Fam Fanous1.1K44:39TestimonyPSA 84:5JHN 12:1COL 1:8COL 2:141TH 4:31TH 5:18In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of patience and waiting on the Lord in a fast-paced world. He shares his experience of coming from a slower-paced culture to the USA, where everything moves quickly. He highlights the need to take time with the Word of God and to wait patiently for the Lord. The speaker also discusses the order and creation of God, referencing Genesis 1 and the importance of light in the first day of creation.
Charles Wesley
By Michael Haykin8221:32:31ISA 35:4MAT 11:4EPH 2:8COL 2:14In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the amazing and mysterious love of God. He relates it to the revival that took place in the 18th century, where people were set free from sin and followed Christ. The preacher emphasizes the importance of listening to God's voice and witnessing to others. He also highlights the significance of Jesus' incarnation, death, and resurrection, proclaiming that through faith and grace, we can be saved and justified. The sermon concludes with praise and exaltation of Jesus as the resurrection and the Lord of earth and heaven.
The Christian Life Is a Process
By Michael Catt7031:01:31Christian LifeMAT 6:33ROM 6:1ROM 6:152CO 2:11EPH 6:16COL 2:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not just having knowledge and experiences in the Christian faith, but actually using them to make a difference for God. He warns against the dangers of legalism and being consumed with feelings and emotions. The preacher uses the analogy of marines taking an island to illustrate the process of the Christian life. He explains that while God is working in us, we also need to actively go out and take ground for God, not just staying in our comfort zones. The sermon is based on Romans chapter 6 and highlights the idea that the Christian life is a continuous process of growth and transformation.
Jesus Triumph Over Satan
By Erlo Stegen5351:30:16SatanCOL 2:14In this sermon, the speaker discusses the historical context of the time of Jesus and his disciples, specifically the rule of the Romans and their response to rebellions. The speaker emphasizes that the tearing of the veil in the temple was not done by human hands, but by God's power from heaven. The sermon also highlights the importance of relying on God's power to overcome the devil, rather than our own strength. The speaker shares personal anecdotes, including a story about a German missionary lady and a man accused of theft, to illustrate the importance of obedience to God even in difficult circumstances.
Triumphing Over Trials in Christian Life
By Zac Poonen50356:30MAT 5:81CO 10:13COL 2:14This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the power and promises of the new covenant through the indwelling Holy Spirit. It highlights how God's faithfulness ensures that believers will never face trials or temptations beyond their ability to bear, using examples from Paul's life to illustrate endurance and humility in the face of challenges. The message encourages believers to trust in God's provision, seek humility, and resist the devil with the assurance of victory.
Redemption Through His Blood
By Tim Conway4801:02:27EXO 12:13LEV 17:11EPH 1:7COL 2:141PE 1:18REV 5:9This sermon emphasizes the importance of redemption through Christ's blood for the forgiveness of our sins. It delves into the seriousness of personal sin, the need for acknowledging our guilt, and the necessity of applying the blood of Christ through faith as our only hope for salvation. The message highlights the offense of the cross, the significance of Christ's sacrificial death, and the riches of God's grace in providing redemption and forgiveness according to His mercy.
Satan Has Been Defeated
By Zac Poonen47225:42JHN 19:30ROM 16:20COL 2:14HEB 2:14JAS 4:7REV 12:11This sermon delves into the profound work accomplished by Christ on the cross, highlighting the completion of salvation, the payment for sins, and the defeat of Satan's power. It emphasizes how Jesus bore the punishment for our sins, leading to the restoration of our relationship with God. The sermon also explores the victory over Satan through Christ's sacrifice, empowering believers to resist the devil and live in freedom from fear and bondage.
Authority and Unbelief Part 2
By Phil Beach Jr.1040:09UnbeliefAuthority in ChristOvercoming UnbeliefMAT 6:10MAT 12:28MAT 28:18MRK 16:15LUK 10:19JHN 12:31EPH 1:20COL 1:16COL 2:14HEB 2:14Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the power of faith and the authority believers have through Christ, asserting that Satan has already been defeated at Calvary. He encourages the congregation to embrace their identity in Christ, which grants them authority over darkness and empowers them to bring God's will to earth. The sermon highlights the importance of believing God's Word and living in the reality of Christ as our life, which enables believers to overcome the enemy and fulfill their purpose. Beach Jr. calls for a revolution in faith that will impact not just individuals but entire cities, urging the church to rise in its authority and proclaim the truth of the Gospel.
The Precise Problem Today
By P.T. Forsyth0ISA 43:18ROM 5:8ROM 6:42CO 2:14EPH 2:8PHP 3:10COL 2:14HEB 9:141PE 2:24P.T. Forsyth delves into the history and development of philosophy and theology, emphasizing the importance of building upon the insights of predecessors rather than demolishing their work. He highlights the spiritual evolution recorded in both disciplines, stressing the need to interpret and carry forward the teachings of great thinkers. Forsyth underscores the disadvantage of self-taught individuals who neglect the scientific history and method of theology, advocating for a comprehensive approach that incorporates past insights. He explores the complexities of Christ's work, discussing the moral and redemptive aspects, the significance of His suffering, and the transformative power of His actions on humanity.
The Cross and the Crucifixion of the World
By G.W. North0Spiritual CrucifixionThe Power of the CrossJHN 12:31ROM 6:61CO 1:182CO 5:17GAL 2:20GAL 6:14EPH 2:1PHP 3:8COL 2:141JN 2:15G.W. North emphasizes that the troubles of humanity stem from a failure to obey God's original truth, as exemplified by the Galatians who lost their blessings by not embracing the full power of the cross. He explains that true understanding of the cross requires personal crucifixion, which many fail to grasp, leading to a disconnect from the spiritual life that Christ offers. North highlights Paul's complete detachment from the world, illustrating that true salvation necessitates both the crucifixion of the flesh and the world. He asserts that the cross serves as God's ultimate instrument for the destruction of sin and the flesh, allowing believers to live in the new creation. Ultimately, North calls for a life that fully embraces the cross, as it is the foundation for true peace and spiritual reality.
The Cross of Christ
By George Kulp0EXO 12:13ISA 53:5JHN 3:16ROM 5:81CO 1:18GAL 6:14COL 2:141PE 2:24George Kulp delivers a powerful sermon on the significance of the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, emphasizing that Christianity without the cross is meaningless. He explores various crosses in history, highlighting the unique and redemptive nature of the cross of Christ. Kulp urges listeners to focus on the sacrificial love and salvation symbolized by the cross, encouraging them to find safety and deliverance in its shadow, as it represents the ultimate act of God's love and forgiveness towards humanity.
A Great High-Priest - His All-Prevailing Intercession
By J.C. Philpot0PSA 110:4COL 2:14HEB 7:11JN 2:1REV 5:6REV 19:13J.C. Philpot delves into the sacred humanity of Jesus as a royal Priest after the order of Melchizedek, emphasizing His eternal priesthood, typified by Melchizedek's dual role as King of Salem and Priest of the most high God. Philpot explores the significance of Jesus' intercession in heaven, likening it to the high priest's role on the day of atonement, highlighting the connection between Christ's sacrifice on earth and His intercession in heaven. He underscores the power and prevalence of Jesus' intercession for believers, pointing to the efficacy of His atoning sacrifice and the sympathy of His loving heart as sources of encouragement and consolation.
My Foul-Mouthed Dentist
By Ray Comfort0JHN 3:16ROM 3:23ROM 5:81CO 1:18GAL 6:14EPH 2:8COL 2:14HEB 9:221PE 2:241JN 4:10Ray Comfort emphasizes the importance of understanding the true message of the Gospel, highlighting the difference between motivational speakers who focus on self-improvement and preachers who present the full truth of God's love and sacrifice through Jesus Christ. He points out the necessity of acknowledging sin and the cross, rather than solely focusing on God's approval and acceptance, to truly grasp the depth of God's love and sacrifice for humanity.
I Have Blotted Out, as a Thick Cloud, Thy Transgressions
By C.H. Spurgeon0Divine MercyForgivenessPSA 103:12ISA 44:22MIC 7:19ROM 8:12CO 5:17EPH 1:7COL 2:14HEB 4:16JAS 4:81JN 1:9C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the nature of sin as a cloud that obscures the light of God's presence, illustrating how our transgressions can darken our lives and threaten us with destruction. He highlights the divine mercy of God in 'blotting out' our sins, which removes them entirely through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, ensuring that no sin remains for the justified. Spurgeon encourages believers to return to God, reminding them that they should not live distanced from Him after receiving forgiveness, but rather strive for a closer communion with the Lord.
The Burial
By J.C. Philpot0PSA 16:10PSA 87:7LUK 23:46JHN 19:30ROM 6:23ROM 7:4ROM 8:171CO 1:18COL 2:14J.C. Philpot delves into the profound mysteries surrounding the death and burial of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the necessity for Him to die as the Sin-bearer and Surety to endure the penalty for sin. Philpot explores the separation of Jesus' body and soul at death, highlighting the preservation of His sacred body from corruption and the immediate entrance of His soul into paradise. He reflects on the disciples' struggle with faith after Jesus' death and the triumph of truth over evil through the cross, encouraging believers to embrace suffering with Christ before partaking in His glory.
The Cross as a Sword
By Robert Wurtz II01CO 1:18GAL 3:13PHP 3:18COL 2:14Robert Wurtz II preaches about the significance of the Cross in Christianity, tracing back to Emperor Constantine's vision and the Edict of Milan declaring Christianity as the official religion of the Roman Empire. The sermon emphasizes how Jesus triumphed over evil through the Cross, encouraging believers to embrace their own struggles and pains as pathways to God's eternal kingdom. The use of the Cross as a symbol of Christ's finished work is contrasted with its historical association as a curse, highlighting the redemption and freedom found in Christ's sacrifice.
The Breaker!
By C.H. Spurgeon0Overcoming FearVictory in ChristMIC 2:13COL 2:14HEB 2:14C.H. Spurgeon proclaims that Jesus, referred to as 'The Breaker,' has gone before us, conquering every obstacle that stands in our way, including sin, death, and hell. He encourages believers to be courageous, as Christ has already defeated our enemies, making our journey safe and joyful. Spurgeon emphasizes that while we may face battles, they are with a vanquished foe, and our victory is assured. The message is one of hope and triumph, urging Christians to march forward and claim the spoils of victory that Christ has secured for them.
The Offence and Superiority of the Cross
By G.W. North0SalvationThe CrossISA 53:5MAT 27:35JHN 3:16ROM 5:81CO 1:18GAL 5:11EPH 2:8COL 2:14HEB 12:21PE 2:24G.W. North explores the profound implications of the cross, emphasizing its offensive nature and the superiority of its message in the context of salvation. He explains that the crucifixion, a method deemed barbaric by modern standards, was deliberately chosen by God to reveal the seriousness of sin and the necessity of redemption. North argues that the cross serves as a public exhibition of justice, demonstrating God's wrath against sin while simultaneously offering salvation to humanity. He highlights the tension between the cross and traditional religious practices, particularly circumcision, illustrating how the cross challenges and transcends ceremonial law. Ultimately, the sermon underscores that the cross, while offensive to many, is the cornerstone of Christian faith and the means by which believers are transformed into new creations.
Christ's Victory Our Victory
By F.J. Huegel0Victory in ChristAuthority of the BelieverEPH 6:12COL 2:14F.J. Huegel emphasizes that Christians face constant peril and temptation throughout their spiritual journey, especially as they strive for higher spiritual attainment. He explains that true victory over the forces of darkness comes through identifying with Christ's death and resurrection, which empowers believers to overcome the adversary. Huegel highlights that Jesus' ultimate purpose was to defeat Satan and liberate humanity from his dominion, and that believers share in this victory through their union with Christ. The sermon calls for a complete surrender of the 'self-life' to fully experience the authority and power given to Christians over evil. Ultimately, Huegel encourages believers to embrace their identity in Christ to exercise the authority they have been granted over the forces of darkness.
"The Key to Life"
By Selwyn Hughes0JHN 14:6ROM 5:81CO 1:18GAL 6:14COL 2:14Selwyn Hughes emphasizes the uniqueness of the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, highlighting how it stands out in absolute uniqueness compared to other religions. He reflects on the redemptive mystery of the cross that magnetized his heart since his conversion, expressing gratitude for the key to life that the cross represents. Hughes acknowledges the cross as the only true key that unlocks life's greatest mysteries, including the profound nature of God's eternal love.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Blotting out the hand-writing of ordinances - By the hand-writing of ordinances the apostle most evidently means the ceremonial law: this was against them, for they were bound to fulfill it; and it was contrary to them, as condemning them for their neglect and transgression of it. This law God himself has blotted out. Blotting out the hand-writing is probably an allusion to Num 5:23, where the curses written in the book, in the case of the woman suspected of adultery, are directed to be blotted out with the bitter waters. And there can be little doubt of a farther allusion, viz., to the custom of discharging the writing from parchment by the application of such a fluid as the muriatic acid, which immediately dissolves those ferruginous calces which constitute the blackening principle of most inks. But the East India inks, being formed only of simple black, such as burnt ivory, or cork, and gum water, may be wiped clean off from the surface of the paper or parchment by the application of a wet sponge, so as to leave not one legible vestige remaining: this I have often proved. Nailing it to his cross - When Christ was nailed to the cross, our obligation to fulfill these ordinances was done away. There may be another reference here to some ancient mode of annulling legal obligations, by nailing them to a post; but I do not recollect at present an instance or example. Antiquated laws are said to have been thus abrogated.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Blotting out--Greek, "Having wiped out"; coincident in time with "having forgiven you" (Col 2:13); hereby having cancelled the law's indictment against you. The law (including especially the moral law, wherein lay the chief difficulty in obeying) is abrogated to the believer, as far as it was a compulsory, accusing code, and as far as "righteousness" (justification) and "life" were sought for by it. It can only produce outward works, not inward obedience of the will, which in the believer flows from the Holy Spirit in Him (Rom 3:21; Rom 7:2, Rom 7:4; Gal 2:19). the handwriting of ordinances--rather, "IN ordinances" (see on Eph 2:15); "the law of commandments contained in ordinances." "The handwriting" (alluding to the Decalogue, the representative of the law, written by the hand of God) is the whole law, the obligatory bond, under which all lay; the Jews primarily were under the bond, but they in this respect were the representative people of the world (Rom 3:19); and in their inability to keep the law was involved the inability of the Gentiles also, in whose hearts "the work of the law was written" (Rom 2:15); and as they did not keep this, they were condemned by it. that was against us . . . contrary to us--Greek "adversary to us"; so it is translated, Heb 10:27. "Not only was the law against us by its demands, but also an adversary to us by its accusations" [BENGEL]. TITTMANN explains the Greek, "having a latent contrariety to us"; not open designed hostility, but virtual unintentional opposition through our frailty; not through any opposition in the law itself to our good (Rom 7:7-12, Rom 7:14; Co1 15:56; Gal 3:21; Heb 10:3). The "WRITING" is part of "that which was contrary to us"; for "the letter killeth" (see on Co2 3:6). and took it--Greek, and hath taken it out of the way" (so as to be no longer a hindrance to us), by "nailing it to the cross." Christ, by bearing the curse of the broken law, has redeemed us from its curse (Gal 3:13). In His person nailed to the cross, the law itself was nailed to it. One ancient mode of cancelling bonds was by striking a nail through the writing: this seems at that time to have existed in Asia [GROTIUS]. The bond cancelled in the present case was the obligation lying against the Jews as representatives of the world, and attested by their amen, to keep the whole law under penalty of the curse (Deu 27:26; Neh 10:29).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances,.... Various are the senses interpreters give of these words; some think by the handwriting is meant the covenant God made with Adam, Gen 2:17, which being broken, obliged him and all his posterity to the penalty of death, but is cancelled and abolished by Christ; others, the agreement which the Israelites made with God at Mount Sinai, when they said, "all that the Lord hath said will we do, and be obedient", Exo 24:7; which was as it were setting their hands, and laying themselves under obligation to obedience, and, in case of failure, to the penalty of the law; others, God's book of remembrance of the sins of men, out of which they are blotted when pardoned; others, the book of conscience, which bears witness to every debt, to every violation and transgression of the law, which may be said to be blotted out, when pacified with an application of the blood and righteousness of Christ; rather with others it signifies the ceremonial law, which lay in divers ordinances and commands, and is what, the apostle afterwards speaks of more clearly and particularly; and may be called so, because submission to it was an acknowledgment both of the faith and guilt of sin; every washing was saying, that a man was polluted and unclean; and every sacrifice was signing a man's own guilt and condemnation, and testifying that he deserved to die as the creature did, which was offered in sacrifice: or rather the whole law of Moses is intended, which was the handwriting of God, and obliged to obedience to it, and to punishment in case of disobedience; and this the Jews (z) call , "the writing of the debt", and is the very phrase the Syriac version uses here: now this was as a debt book, which showed and testified the debts of men; that is, their sins, how many they are guilty of, and what punishment is due unto them: and may well be said to be that that was against us, which was contrary to us; its nature being holy, just, good, and spiritual, is contrary to the unholy and carnal heart of man, and its commands disagreeable to his mind and will; nor can he perform what it requires; nor can he be subject to it without the grace of God, any more than he can like its precepts; and besides, it is contrary to him, and against him, as it charges him with debts, and proves them upon him, so that he has nothing to say in his defence; yea, it proceeds against him, and curses and condemns, and kills him: but God has "blotted" it out, Christ having engaged as a surety for his people, to pay off all their debts; and this being done by him, God has crossed the debt book of the law, has blotted it out, so that this book is of no force; it does not stand against these persons, it cannot show or prove any standing debt, it cannot demand any, or inflict any penalty: nay, he has took it out of the way; it is not to be seen or looked into as a debt book; it is abolished and done away; it is no more as administered by Moses, as a covenant of works, or as to its rigorous exaction, curse, and condemnation; this is true of the whole law of Moses, as well as of the ceremonial, which is utterly abolished and disannulled in every sense, because of the weakness and unprofitableness of it: nailing it to his cross: to the cross of Christ, showing that the abolition of it is owing to the cross of Christ; where and when he bore the curse and penalty of the law for his people, as well as answered all the types and shadows of it: it is thought to be an allusion to a custom in some countries, to cancel bonds, or antiquate edicts and decrees, by driving a nail through them, so that they could not be legible any more: or it may be to the writing of Pilate, which contained the charge and accusation against Christ; and which was placed over his head upon the cross, and fastened to it with nails (a); every nail in the cross made a scissure in this handwriting, or bond of the law, that lay against us, whereby it was so rent and torn, as to be of no force: thus the Holy Ghost makes use of various expressions, to show that there is nothing in the law standing against the saints; it is blotted out, and cannot be read; it is took away, and cannot be seen; it is nailed to the cross of Christ, and is torn to pieces thereby, that nothing can ever be produced from it to their hurt and condemnation, (z) Tzeror Hammor, fol. 87. 1, 3. (a) Nonnus in Joh. xix. 19. Vid. Niccqueti Titulus S. Crucis, l. 1. c. 18. p. 128.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:14 the record of the charges against us: The Greek phrase suggests an IOU that we have all signed. Since we are unable to pay what we owe, it stands against us. The law of God required obedience that people are unable to give, but God has forgiven our debt through the work of Christ (2:13).