Colossians 2:15
Verse
Context
Sermons
Hal Lindsey
A.W. Tozer
T. Austin-Sparks
Mark Greening
Carter ConlonSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And having spoiled principalities and powers - Here is an allusion to the treatment of enemies when conquered: they are spoiled of their armor, so much the word απεκδυειν implies; and they are exhibited with contumely and reproach to the populace, especially when the victor has the honor of a triumph; to the former of which there is an allusion in the words εδειγματισεν εν παρῥησιᾳ, making a public exhibition of them; and to the latter in the words θριαμβευσας αυτους, triumphing over them. And the principalities and powers refer to the emperors, kings, and generals taken in battle, and reserved to grace the victor's triumph. It is very likely that by the αρχας και εξουσιας, principalities and powers, over whom Christ triumphed, the apostle means the נשיאות nesioth and רשות roshoth, who were the rulers and chiefs in the Sanhedrin and synagogues, and who had great authority among the people, both in making constitutions and explaining traditions. The propagation of Christianity in Judea quite destroyed their spiritual power and domination; just as the propagation of Protestantism, which was Christianity revived, destroyed, wherever it appeared, the false doctrine and domination of the pope of Rome. In it - The words εν αυτῳ refer rather to Christ, than to the cross, if indeed they be genuine; of which there is much reason to doubt, as the versions and fathers differ so greatly in quoting them. Griesbach has left them out of the text.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
ALFORD, ELLICOTT, and others translate the Greek to accord with the translation of the same Greek, Col 3:9, "Stripping off from Himself the principalities and the powers: " GOD put off from Himself the angels, that is, their ministry, not employing them to be promulgators of the Gospel in the way that He had given the law by their "disposition" or ministry (Act 7:53; Gal 3:19; Heb 2:2, Heb 2:5): God manifested Himself without a veil in Jesus. "THE principalities and THE powers" refers back to Col 2:10, Jesus, "the Head of all principality and power," and Col 1:16. In the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, God subjected all the principalities, &c., to Jesus, declaring them to be powerless as to His work and His people (Eph 1:21). Thus Paul's argument against those grafting on Christianity Jewish observances, along with angel-worship, is, whatever part angels may be supposed to have had under the law, now at an end, God having put the legal dispensation itself away. But the objection is, that the context seems to refer to a triumph over bad angels: in Co2 2:14, however, Christ's triumph over those subjected to Him, is not a triumph for destruction, but for their salvation, so that good angels may be referred to (Col 1:20). But the Greek middle is susceptible of English Version, "having spoiled," or, literally [TITTMANN], "having completely stripped," or "despoiled" for Himself (compare Rom 8:38; Co1 15:24; Eph 6:2). English Version accords with Mat 12:29; Luk 11:22; Heb 2:14. Translate as the Greek, "The rules and authorities." made a show of them--at His ascension (see on Eph 4:8; confirming English Version of this verse). openly--Joh 7:4; Joh 11:54, support English Version against ALFORD'S translation, "in openness of speech." in it--namely, His cross, or crucifixion: so the Greek fathers translate. Many of the Latins, "In Himself" or "in Him." Eph 2:16 favors English Version, "reconcile . . . by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby." If "in Him," that is, Christ, be read, still the Cross will be the place and means of God's triumph in Christ over the principalities (Eph 1:20; Eph 2:5). Demons, like other angels, were in heaven up to Christ's ascension, and influenced earth from their heavenly abodes. As heaven was not yet opened to man before Christ (Joh 3:13), so it was not yet shut against demons (Job 1:6; Job 2:1). But at the ascension Satan and his demons were "judged" and "cast out" by Christ's obedience unto death (Joh 12:31; Joh 16:11; Heb 2:14; Rev 12:5-10), and the Son of man was raised to the throne of God; thus His resurrection and ascension are a public solemn triumph over the principalities and powers of death. It is striking that the heathen oracles were silenced soon after Christ's ascension.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And having spoiled principalities and powers,.... Principalities of hell, the infernal powers of darkness, the devil that had the power of death, the accuser of the brethren, who often objected their debts, with all his works and posse: these Christ has divested of their armour, wherein they trusted to have ruined men, as sin, the law, and death; he has ransomed his people from him that was stronger than they, and taken the prey out of the hands of the mighty; he has bruised the serpent's head, demolished his works, destroyed him himself, and all his powers, and defeated all their counsels and designs against his elect: some render the word "having put off", or "unclothed": and which some of the ancient writers apply to the flesh of Christ, and understand it of his putting off the flesh by death, whereby he gave the death blow to Satan and his powers, Heb 2:14, to which sense agrees the Syriac version, which renders the words, , "and by the putting off of his body, he exposed to shame principalities and powers": but it may be better interpreted of unclothing, or stripping principalities and powers of their armour, with which they were clothed; as is usually done to enemies, when they fall into the hands of their conquerors: unless rather this is to be understood of Christ's taking away the power and authority of the Jewish ecclesiastical rulers and governors, by abolishing the ceremonial law, and the ordinances of it; declaring himself to be the alone King and Lawgiver in his house, and requiring subjection to his institutions and appointments, which sense agrees with the context: he made a show of them openly; when being raised from the dead, he ascended on high, and led captivity captive; he led Satan and his principalities and powers captive, who had led others, as he passed through the air, the territories of the devil, in the sight of God and the holy angels: triumphing over them in it; which some understand of the cross, as if where and by what he got the victory, there he triumphed; the cross, where his enemies thought to make a show of him, expose him to public scorn and contempt, and to triumph over him, was as it were the triumphant chariot, in which he triumphed over all the powers of hell, when he had conquered them by it: but the words may be rendered "in himself", as they are by the Vulgate Latin and Syriac versions; and the sense be, that as he by himself got the victory, his own arm brought salvation to him, so he alone shared the glory and honour of the triumph: or it may be rendered "in him", and the whole in this and the preceding verse be applied to God the Father, who, as in Col 2:12; is said to raise Christ from the dead, to quicken sinners dead in sins, and to forgive all their trespasses; so he may be said to blot out the handwriting of ordinances, and to spoil principalities and powers, expose them to public view and shame, and triumph over them, "in him", in and by his Son Jesus Christ: the whole is an allusion to the victories, spoils, and triumphs, of the Roman emperors, who when they had obtained a victory, a triumph was decreed for them by the senate; in which the emperor was drawn in an open chariot, and the captives being stripped of their armour, and their hands tied behind them, were led before him and exposed to public view and disgrace; while he was shouted and huzzaed through the city of Rome, and had all the marks of honour and respect given him (b): now all that is said in the preceding verses show how complete the saints are in and by Christ; and stand in no need of the philosophy of the Gentiles, or the ceremonies of the Jews; nor have anything to fear from their enemies, sin, Satan, and the law, for sin is pardoned, the law is abolished, and Satan conquered, (b) Vid. Lydium de re Militari, l. 6. c. 3.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:15 He shamed them publicly by his victory (literally he led [them] in triumphal procession): The Roman army would celebrate a great victory with a triumphal procession. The victorious Roman general would lead the humiliated captives from his campaign into the conquered city. The image vividly captures the glorious victory that God, through the cross of Christ, has won over all hostile spiritual powers (see also Eph 4:7-11).
Colossians 2:15
Alive with Christ
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
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a.w. Tozer Reading Poetry
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Gods Order in Christ - Part 3
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Submit Yourselves
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You're Free - Part 1
By Carter Conlon1.8K07:02PSA 149:6PSA 149:8JHN 8:362CO 5:17COL 2:15HEB 4:12
This sermon emphasizes that the devil has no right to control our lives or minds as believers in Christ. Through Christ's triumph, we are set free from the power of sin and darkness, born again to live a new life empowered by the Holy Spirit. Jesus pronounced a judicial sentence on the devil, declaring his defeat and our victory. We are called to praise God, wield the Word of God as a powerful weapon, and stand firm in the promises of God for deliverance, victory, and freedom from distress.
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The Resurrection
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This sermon delves into the spiritual battle between the kingdom of Satan and the kingdom of God, emphasizing the need to be strong in the Lord's power and to put on the whole armor of God to stand against the devil's schemes. It explores the fall of Lucifer, who became Satan, and the victory of Jesus over the devil, highlighting the importance of choosing to follow Christ over clinging to the defeated enemy.
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1 John 2 - Knowing God
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Audio Sermon: Recognizing and Dealing With Occult Involvement
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This sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God and experiencing His love. It highlights the need to grow in the knowledge of God's love, encouraging a deep revelation of His love for each individual. The speaker reflects on the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, the power of His love to transform lives, and the significance of maintaining fellowship with the Father. The sermon also addresses the defeat of Satan through Christ's victory on the cross and the necessity of living a life filled with the Holy Spirit to overcome spiritual battles and walk in authority over the enemy.
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By Zac Poonen54125:25EPH 6:12COL 2:15JAS 4:7REV 12:4
This sermon delves into the origins of Satan's rebellion, his fall from God's presence, and the impact it had on the earth. It explores the concept of God allowing Satan to exist to fulfill His purposes, using examples from Scripture like Job, Paul, Joseph, and Esther to demonstrate how God turns the tables on Satan for His glory. The sermon emphasizes the victory believers have over Satan through Jesus' triumph on the cross, highlighting the authority and power Christians possess to resist the devil and live in victory.
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By Erlo Stegen48109:41COL 2:15HEB 2:14
This sermon delves into the concept of exposing to open shame, drawing parallels from Roman military conquests where rebels were publicly humiliated after defeat. It explores how Jesus, through His death and resurrection, conquered the devil, stripping him of his weapons and exposing him to shame, bringing victory and joy to believers.
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By Zac Poonen4611:08:56MAT 16:18ROM 6:6EPH 2:14COL 2:15HEB 2:14
This sermon emphasizes the significance of surrendering to God and the mystery of the church, as revealed in Ephesians and Matthew. It delves into the challenges of uniting diverse individuals into one body, highlighting the difficulty of building unity amidst cultural differences and personal preferences. The sermon underscores the need to understand the profound impact of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, including the cancellation of our debt of sin, the crucifixion of our old self, and the defeat of Satan's power. It calls for a deep commitment to the way of the cross, leading to a transformed life and a heavenly perspective in all aspects of living.
Ebenezer - Part 2
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The Authority of the Believer: Exercising Our Dominion in Christ, Part 3
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Authority of the Believer: Five Glorious Events
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Overcoming by the Word of Our Testimony (Rev. 12:11)
By Mike Bickle2154:34The Power of TestimonyOvercoming Spiritual WarfareHOS 4:6MAT 6:19JHN 8:32ROM 10:10EPH 1:19COL 2:15HEB 10:23JAS 4:71PE 5:8REV 12:11Mike Bickle emphasizes the power of our testimony in overcoming the accuser, Satan, as outlined in Revelation 12:11. He explains that believers can defeat the enemy through the blood of the Lamb, their commitment to obedience, and the declaration of their faith. Bickle highlights the importance of actively resisting the devil's accusations and taking a stand by speaking the truth of God's word over their lives. He encourages believers to understand their authority in Christ and to consistently declare their testimony to experience the fullness of salvation and victory. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a proactive approach to spiritual warfare, urging believers to hold fast to their confession without wavering.
He Died for Everyone
By Andrew Murray0SalvationVictory Over SinJHN 3:16ROM 6:6ROM 8:12CO 5:21GAL 2:20EPH 2:8COL 2:15HEB 2:91PE 2:24REV 1:18Andrew Murray emphasizes the significance of Christ's death for everyone, illustrating how it serves as both a substitution for our sins and a call to die to sin ourselves. He explains that Jesus bore the curse of sin and suffered death as God's judgment, opening the way for us to receive salvation that we can only accept. Murray highlights that Christ's death not only provides a finished work of salvation but also empowers believers to live a new life free from sin through fellowship with Him. The sermon encourages deep faith in the completed work of Christ, assuring that His death has conquered sin, death, and the devil, offering complete deliverance to all who trust in Him. Ultimately, the message is one of hope and transformation, urging believers to let the power of Christ's death work within their hearts.
Day 168, Colossians 2
By David Servant0JHN 8:36COL 2:8COL 2:15COL 2:23David Servant emphasizes Paul's concern for the believers in Colossae and Laodicea, warning against the dangers of false teaching that had infiltrated the churches. Paul addresses the Jewish legalists promoting circumcision and the mystic pagan philosophy of asceticism, redirecting focus to the supremacy of Christ. He highlights that in Christ, believers find completeness, forgiveness of sins, and victory over evil spirits, making worldly philosophies and rituals insignificant. Paul clarifies that only through Christ can true holiness be attained, debunking the self-made religion propagated in Colossae. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross disarmed rulers and authorities, freeing believers from sin and Satan's power.
Halloween
By Stephen Boreland0DEU 18:10EPH 6:10COL 2:15HEB 2:14REV 20:10Stephen Boreland delves into the origins, occult associations, and ordinances of Halloween, shedding light on its pagan roots with the ancient Druids, the dangers of occult practices, and the need for discernment in participating in this holiday. He emphasizes the serious observance of Halloween for witches, neo-pagans, and occultists, warning against the increase in witchcraft, Satanism, and supernatural manifestations during this time. Boreland also highlights the victory of Jesus over the powers of darkness, encouraging believers to stand firm in their faith and authority against the enemy's schemes.
The Conquering Lamb
By G.W. North0Understanding the CrossVictory in ChristISA 53:7JHN 10:17ROM 8:371CO 15:55PHP 2:8COL 2:15HEB 2:9HEB 12:21JN 3:8REV 5:5G.W. North emphasizes the dual nature of Jesus as both the sacrificial lamb and the conquering king, illustrating how His death on the cross was not merely an act of sacrifice but a profound victory over death and the devil. He explains that Jesus, caught in the thicket of human sin and suffering, willingly faced death to deliver humanity from bondage and fear. North highlights that while the cross is often viewed through the lens of shame and suffering, it is also a demonstration of God's love and glory, as Jesus was crowned with honor through His sacrifice. The sermon calls for a deeper understanding of the cross, urging believers to recognize the eternal significance of Jesus' death and the victory it represents. Ultimately, North encourages the congregation to engage with the life-giving aspect of Christ's sacrifice rather than merely focusing on the pain of the cross.
The Works of the Devil
By Watchman Nee0Spiritual WarfareResponsibility of BelieversMAT 28:18ROM 16:201CO 15:57EPH 6:12COL 2:152TI 4:2JAS 4:71PE 5:81JN 3:8REV 12:11Watchman Nee emphasizes that the Son of God was manifested to destroy the works of the devil, urging Christians to take responsibility in combating sin rather than resigning to fate. He warns against complacency in the face of biblical prophecies about apostasies, encouraging believers to actively rebuke and warn others. Nee asserts that Christians are obstacles to Satan's plans and must utilize the power of Christ to eradicate evil in their lives and communities. He reminds the congregation that any opposing force against God's will can be overcome, as it has already been defeated by the Lord.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And having spoiled principalities and powers - Here is an allusion to the treatment of enemies when conquered: they are spoiled of their armor, so much the word απεκδυειν implies; and they are exhibited with contumely and reproach to the populace, especially when the victor has the honor of a triumph; to the former of which there is an allusion in the words εδειγματισεν εν παρῥησιᾳ, making a public exhibition of them; and to the latter in the words θριαμβευσας αυτους, triumphing over them. And the principalities and powers refer to the emperors, kings, and generals taken in battle, and reserved to grace the victor's triumph. It is very likely that by the αρχας και εξουσιας, principalities and powers, over whom Christ triumphed, the apostle means the נשיאות nesioth and רשות roshoth, who were the rulers and chiefs in the Sanhedrin and synagogues, and who had great authority among the people, both in making constitutions and explaining traditions. The propagation of Christianity in Judea quite destroyed their spiritual power and domination; just as the propagation of Protestantism, which was Christianity revived, destroyed, wherever it appeared, the false doctrine and domination of the pope of Rome. In it - The words εν αυτῳ refer rather to Christ, than to the cross, if indeed they be genuine; of which there is much reason to doubt, as the versions and fathers differ so greatly in quoting them. Griesbach has left them out of the text.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
ALFORD, ELLICOTT, and others translate the Greek to accord with the translation of the same Greek, Col 3:9, "Stripping off from Himself the principalities and the powers: " GOD put off from Himself the angels, that is, their ministry, not employing them to be promulgators of the Gospel in the way that He had given the law by their "disposition" or ministry (Act 7:53; Gal 3:19; Heb 2:2, Heb 2:5): God manifested Himself without a veil in Jesus. "THE principalities and THE powers" refers back to Col 2:10, Jesus, "the Head of all principality and power," and Col 1:16. In the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, God subjected all the principalities, &c., to Jesus, declaring them to be powerless as to His work and His people (Eph 1:21). Thus Paul's argument against those grafting on Christianity Jewish observances, along with angel-worship, is, whatever part angels may be supposed to have had under the law, now at an end, God having put the legal dispensation itself away. But the objection is, that the context seems to refer to a triumph over bad angels: in Co2 2:14, however, Christ's triumph over those subjected to Him, is not a triumph for destruction, but for their salvation, so that good angels may be referred to (Col 1:20). But the Greek middle is susceptible of English Version, "having spoiled," or, literally [TITTMANN], "having completely stripped," or "despoiled" for Himself (compare Rom 8:38; Co1 15:24; Eph 6:2). English Version accords with Mat 12:29; Luk 11:22; Heb 2:14. Translate as the Greek, "The rules and authorities." made a show of them--at His ascension (see on Eph 4:8; confirming English Version of this verse). openly--Joh 7:4; Joh 11:54, support English Version against ALFORD'S translation, "in openness of speech." in it--namely, His cross, or crucifixion: so the Greek fathers translate. Many of the Latins, "In Himself" or "in Him." Eph 2:16 favors English Version, "reconcile . . . by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby." If "in Him," that is, Christ, be read, still the Cross will be the place and means of God's triumph in Christ over the principalities (Eph 1:20; Eph 2:5). Demons, like other angels, were in heaven up to Christ's ascension, and influenced earth from their heavenly abodes. As heaven was not yet opened to man before Christ (Joh 3:13), so it was not yet shut against demons (Job 1:6; Job 2:1). But at the ascension Satan and his demons were "judged" and "cast out" by Christ's obedience unto death (Joh 12:31; Joh 16:11; Heb 2:14; Rev 12:5-10), and the Son of man was raised to the throne of God; thus His resurrection and ascension are a public solemn triumph over the principalities and powers of death. It is striking that the heathen oracles were silenced soon after Christ's ascension.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And having spoiled principalities and powers,.... Principalities of hell, the infernal powers of darkness, the devil that had the power of death, the accuser of the brethren, who often objected their debts, with all his works and posse: these Christ has divested of their armour, wherein they trusted to have ruined men, as sin, the law, and death; he has ransomed his people from him that was stronger than they, and taken the prey out of the hands of the mighty; he has bruised the serpent's head, demolished his works, destroyed him himself, and all his powers, and defeated all their counsels and designs against his elect: some render the word "having put off", or "unclothed": and which some of the ancient writers apply to the flesh of Christ, and understand it of his putting off the flesh by death, whereby he gave the death blow to Satan and his powers, Heb 2:14, to which sense agrees the Syriac version, which renders the words, , "and by the putting off of his body, he exposed to shame principalities and powers": but it may be better interpreted of unclothing, or stripping principalities and powers of their armour, with which they were clothed; as is usually done to enemies, when they fall into the hands of their conquerors: unless rather this is to be understood of Christ's taking away the power and authority of the Jewish ecclesiastical rulers and governors, by abolishing the ceremonial law, and the ordinances of it; declaring himself to be the alone King and Lawgiver in his house, and requiring subjection to his institutions and appointments, which sense agrees with the context: he made a show of them openly; when being raised from the dead, he ascended on high, and led captivity captive; he led Satan and his principalities and powers captive, who had led others, as he passed through the air, the territories of the devil, in the sight of God and the holy angels: triumphing over them in it; which some understand of the cross, as if where and by what he got the victory, there he triumphed; the cross, where his enemies thought to make a show of him, expose him to public scorn and contempt, and to triumph over him, was as it were the triumphant chariot, in which he triumphed over all the powers of hell, when he had conquered them by it: but the words may be rendered "in himself", as they are by the Vulgate Latin and Syriac versions; and the sense be, that as he by himself got the victory, his own arm brought salvation to him, so he alone shared the glory and honour of the triumph: or it may be rendered "in him", and the whole in this and the preceding verse be applied to God the Father, who, as in Col 2:12; is said to raise Christ from the dead, to quicken sinners dead in sins, and to forgive all their trespasses; so he may be said to blot out the handwriting of ordinances, and to spoil principalities and powers, expose them to public view and shame, and triumph over them, "in him", in and by his Son Jesus Christ: the whole is an allusion to the victories, spoils, and triumphs, of the Roman emperors, who when they had obtained a victory, a triumph was decreed for them by the senate; in which the emperor was drawn in an open chariot, and the captives being stripped of their armour, and their hands tied behind them, were led before him and exposed to public view and disgrace; while he was shouted and huzzaed through the city of Rome, and had all the marks of honour and respect given him (b): now all that is said in the preceding verses show how complete the saints are in and by Christ; and stand in no need of the philosophy of the Gentiles, or the ceremonies of the Jews; nor have anything to fear from their enemies, sin, Satan, and the law, for sin is pardoned, the law is abolished, and Satan conquered, (b) Vid. Lydium de re Militari, l. 6. c. 3.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:15 He shamed them publicly by his victory (literally he led [them] in triumphal procession): The Roman army would celebrate a great victory with a triumphal procession. The victorious Roman general would lead the humiliated captives from his campaign into the conquered city. The image vividly captures the glorious victory that God, through the cross of Christ, has won over all hostile spiritual powers (see also Eph 4:7-11).