Colossians 1:20 - Printer Friendly

ESV: and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

NIV: and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

NASB: and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.

CSB: and through him to reconcile everything to himself, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

NLT: and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.

KJV: And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

NKJV: and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.

This last verse of Paul's praise of Christ (Colossians 1:15–20) again emphasizes all that has taken place through Jesus. Jesus' work in restoring man's relationship to God also restores the rest of creation. Jesus provided reconciliation through the cross (Romans 5:10; 2 Corinthians 5:18; Ephesians 2:16). Paul will make mention of this again in verse 22, noting the importance of Christ's death to our reconciliation.

This reconciliation includes all things, in all places. Paul sometimes uses the phrase "heaven and earth" to show the amazing extent to which God has provided for us. In other passages, he lists various aspects of creation to show the extent of God's provision (Romans 8:37–39). This peace, however, came at a high price: the blood of Christ. Just as a sacrifice was used in the Old Testament to make peace and reconciliation with God, Jesus served as a once-for-all sacrifice on behalf of the sins of all people. Those who accept His sacrifice and believe have eternal life (John 3:16; Acts 4:12; Ephesians 2:8–9).

Colossians 1:15–23 is an extensive praise of Jesus Christ. In this passage, Paul explains that Jesus is eternal, just as God is eternal, and all created things were created by Him, and through Him, and for Him. After describing Jesus as absolutely supreme, Paul then explains that it was His sacrifice which allowed the Colossians—and all saved believers—to be reconciled to God.

In chapter 1, Paul introduces himself, along with his co-author Timothy. As he often does, Paul gives thanks for what he hears about the faith of the believers in Colossae. Paul includes a prayer for their growth and spiritual strength. The letter then transitions to praise of Jesus, describing Him as absolutely supreme. All created things were made through, by, and for Him. And, since it was His sacrifice which saved us from sin, we can have confidence in our eternal destiny.

Colossians chapter 1 is mostly focused on describing Christ as supreme. Jesus is not only the God of creation, He is the ultimate authority over all created things. The penalty for sin has been completely removed because of His perfect sacrifice. These are foundational ideas which Paul will use to set up his later points. In chapters 2, 3, and 4, Paul will explain why contrary claims are untrue, and show the right way for Christians to live out what we believe about Jesus.

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.

Accessed 4/30/2024 10:55:02 AM