Colossians 2:15 - Printer Friendly

ESV: He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.

NIV: And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

NASB: When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him.

CSB: He disarmed the rulers and authorities and disgraced them publicly; he triumphed over them in him.

NLT: In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.

KJV: And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

NKJV: Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.

In verse 14, Paul referred to the forgiveness offered by God using two important themes. The first was the legal aspect, where the debt and punishment are cancelled. The second is the restoration of the relationship we have with God. Paul also referred to God metaphorically crucifying sin; this implies a total rejection as well as death. In other words, God not only forgives our sins and gives us a restored relationship, He completely destroys and rejects that sin.

Here, in verse 15, Paul adds that through the cross, Jesus "disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame." These authorities Paul references are likely spiritual authorities, similar to his words in Ephesians 6:12. The context of the passage is entirely spiritual, not political, so Paul's meaning has nothing to do with shame toward earthly kings or leaders. Rather, he is speaking about the power of Jesus over the forces of spiritual darkness. Rulers and authorities are terms used for spiritual entities in Ephesians 3:10 and 1 Peter 3:22.

How did Jesus disarm and openly shame spiritual authorities? According to Paul, "by triumphing over them in [Christ]." Some translators suggest that the phrase "in him" might be better translated as "in it," meaning the cross (Colossians 2:14). That's a minor point, however, since in either sense it is Christ and His power that brings victory over spiritual evil.

Colossians 2:6–15 describes Christ's superiority in defeating sin. This is shown in stark contrast to the failure of the unbelieving world. Paul encourages the Colossians not to be tricked by deceptive arguments. This passage also explains the drastic nature of salvation. Those who put their faith in Christ are ''spiritually'' circumcised and are identified with God through their faith. This act of forgiveness by God frees us from the eternal penalty of sin, restores our relationship, and defeats the evil forces fighting against us.

In this passage, Paul warns Christians not to be taken in by deceptive arguments. These claims are attractive, but are merely tricks: they sound true, but they are not. Arguing for self-denial, legalism, visions, and other practices only looks good to observers. None of these are the real source of spiritual growth. Paul emphasizes the way Christ accomplished everything we need to be justified before God. As a result, there is no reason for believers to pursue these false, shallow ''shadows.'' We have the real substance: Jesus, so we should follow Him.

Chapter 1 introduced Christ as supreme over all of creation. Chapter 2 refines this argument by showing how the salvation offered through Jesus is superior to false, alternative systems. Paul specifically refutes several ideas, such as legalism, asceticism (self-denial), and mysticism. These are not how God intends us to grow, spiritually. Later chapters will contrast these false, external attempts with the true, inner spiritual growth which comes only by faith in Christ.

The book of Colossians describes Christ as superior to all other teachers, faiths, and philosophies. In this letter, written from prison, Paul once again tackles false teachings. Among these errors are claims that Christians need to give up all physical enjoyments, that they should worship angels, and that they need to rely on the wisdom of an elite few. These problems are consistent with an ancient heresy known as Gnosticism. In response, Paul explains that Christ is supreme, and sufficient for our salvation.