Colossians 2:15

"wiping out the handwriting in ordinances which was against us. He has taken it out of the way, nailing it to the cross."

Key Reflection

Colossians 2:15 speaks of the cancellation of the legal requirements and ceremonial laws that were burdensome and binding under the old covenant. The Apostle Paul uses a vivid image, drawing on first-century practices where contracts or ordinances could be canceled by "blotting out" or "nailing to the cross." This act symbolically represents Christ's work on the cross, where he nullified the legalistic demands that separated us from God, thereby freeing believers in Him.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 15. And having spoiled. Plundered; as a victorious army does a conquered country. See Barnes "Col 2:8". The terms used in this verse are all military; and the idea is, that Christ has completely subdued our enemies by his death. A complete victory was achieved by his death, so that everything is now in subjection to him, and we have nothing to fear. Principalities and powers. See Barnes "Eph 1:21"; See Barnes "Eph 6:12". The "principalities and powers" here referred to, are the formidable enemies that had held man in subjection, and prevented his serving God.

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