Verse

Colossians 2:15

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.

What does Colossians 2:15 mean?

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.
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Context Summary
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.
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Chapter Summary
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.
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What is the Gospel?
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