Colossians Victory

[lightbearer]

Colossians 1 says There is a hope, an expectation been laid up in Heaven for us. Which we heard in the truth of the Gospel. This expectation is present with us to walk worthy of the Lord. Bearing fruit in every good work. Increasing in the recognition of God. Being endued~ in all power, in accord with the mightiness of His *glory, with all endurance and patience with joy. Giving thanks to the Father. The One who has made and continues to make us competent, partakers of the inheritance of the saints, in *light. Rescuing us out of the power of darkness. Transferring us into the kingdom of His Son of His love. In Whom we have deliverance, the remission, removal of the sins through His blood. And by him all things consist, are held together. Reconciled in the body of His flesh through death to present us holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If we continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope (expectation) of the gospel, which ye have heard. The expectation laid up in heaven for us. The mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope, expectation of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect, Holy, unblameable and unreprovable in and through Christ Jesus. Being rescued from the power of darkness being translated into the Kingdom, the Body of Christ, the Temple of God. Wherein we labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in us mightily.

As we continue in chapter 2 of Colossians we see That our hearts are to be comforted, knitted together in love. In the full assurance of the understanding and the acknowledgement of the Mystery of God. Which is Christ in you the hope. the joyful expectation of glory. In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge of God. Wherein we are not beguiled by enticing words. That we remain established in the faith of Christ Jesus. In that we whom have received Christ, have put on Christ, so walk ye in Him. Us in Him He in us. That the world might believe

Being Rooted and being built up in Him. Established in the faith. Rescued from the power of darkness. Translated into the Kingdom of His dear Son. Made competent, to present us Holy, unblamable and unreprovable in His sight. And excelling in it with thanksgiving. Even as ye were taught. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the God bodily. And ye are complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power: In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in cutting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with Him in baptism. Reconciled in the Body of His death wherein also ye are risen with Him, quickened together with him; circumcised, the cutting off of the sins of the flesh having risen with Him having forgiven us all trespasses Wherein we labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in us mightily. Being endued with all power in accordance with the mightiness of God's Glory in Christ Jesus through faith.

Is Christ in you working mightily?

Are you experiencing all the fullness of God in Christ Jesus being complete in Him?

If not. why not?

The text states we Have been forgiven all trespasses.

How does this forgiveness mentioned in verse 13 connect to verses 14-16 contextually?

 

[bobinfaith]

Good morning, lightbearer;

Good stuff! I have to scoot for Worship Service but will be back this afternoon.

To be continued...

Bob

 

[bobinfaith]

1. Is Christ in you working mightily?
2. Are you experiencing all the fullness of God in Christ Jesus being complete in Him? If not. why not?
3. The text states we Have been forgiven all trespasses.
4. How does this forgiveness mentioned in verse 13 connect to verses 14-16 contextually?

Good evening, lightbearer;

Colossians 1:13-16, 13 He has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation; 16 for in him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. - RSV

Colossians 2:13-16, 13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. 15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. 16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day - NIV

My wife and I love Colossians and connecting the verses says to me (and sharing with others,) "think about this." As Christ works within us mightily, we are experiencing not once, but daily, the fullness of God's only Begotten Son to full completeness. I can never fathom what our only True God accomplishes in Colossians 1 and 2 combined.

What Christ took away at the cross, He did it only one time. Therefore, as a follower of Christ I should desire the responsibility to repent. It's Biblical, and here is the result;

No matter how heinous our sin, transgression or iniquity, when we turn from darkness and seek His mercies, we are forgiven and will not die. In Ezekiel 18:23 God does not take pleasure in the wicked dying, instead delights when they turn from their sin and live.

Imagine our only God who is sovereign over the heavens, universe, earth and every one of His creation, yet He carries an unconditional love which equate to Colossians 1 and 2. This applies to each of us if only we will receive the cross.

God bless you, lightbearer, and thank you for sharing this profound topic.

Bob

 

[Big Moose]

I love verse: 15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

Often, I like to break down what a verse says by taking what the opposite would be. 13 would be that you are still alive in your sins and therefore not forgiven yet. What happens when we are not forgiven? The offense is still held against us. The accuser brings it up again, and again, and again........and again. Multiply that by all the things you have done over the course of your life. I can't type that many again's. Forgiveness therefore frees you from that bondage. And the Accuser, satan, loses the ability to condemn you. Jesus made a public spectacle of him and the other accusers who have that accusatory spirit in them.

 

[lightbearer]

Good evening, lightbearer;

Colossians 1:13-16, 13 He has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation; 16 for in him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. - RSV

Colossians 2:13-16, 13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. 15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. 16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day - NIV

My wife and I love Colossians and connecting the verses says to me (and sharing with others,) "think about this." As Christ works within us mightily, we are experiencing not once, but daily, the fullness of God's only Begotten Son to full completeness. I can never fathom what our only True God accomplishes in Colossians 1 and 2 combined.

What Christ took away at the cross, He did it only one time. Therefore, as a follower of Christ I should desire the responsibility to repent. It's Biblical, and here is the result;

No matter how heinous our sin, transgression or iniquity, when we turn from darkness and seek His mercies, we are forgiven and will not die. In Ezekiel 18:23 God does not take pleasure in the wicked dying, instead delights when they turn from their sin and live.

Imagine our only God who is sovereign over the heavens, universe, earth and every one of His creation, yet He carries an unconditional love which equate to Colossians 1 and 2. This applies to each of us if only we will receive the cross.

God bless you, lightbearer, and thank you for sharing this profound topic.

Bob

Hey there Bob! I apologize to all. If we were in person then responses would be timely. But, be it is what it is. And adding to it; the fact, when looking and writing there is always a lot seen. So please be patient. We are presently looking into your post, and so much is being revealed. It would not be fair to any of us (me)if it was rushed.

Thank you for the salutation, and Thank you Lord, God and Father for continuing to bless us in all Your Way, Jesus Christ.

 

[bobinfaith]

Hey there Bob! I apologize to all. If we were in person then responses would be timely. But, be it is what it is. And adding to it; the fact, when looking and writing there is always a lot seen. So please be patient. We are presently looking into your post, and so much is being revealed. It would not be fair to any of us (me)if it was rushed. Thank you for the salutation, and Thank you Lord, God and Father for continuing to bless us in all Your Way, Jesus Christ.

Hello lightbearer;

No worries. By the way, my family was stationed at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama as a young boy. Are you familiar with that part of the state? We were only there for 4 months but have fond memories of the places we visited.

If I don't hear from you by this Thursday I'm leaving the country for a couple of weeks. I'll check in when I get back on November 13th.

God bless you, lightbearer, and good studies.

Bob

 

[lightbearer]

My wife and I love Colossians and connecting the verses says to me (and sharing with others,) "think about this." As Christ works within us mightily, we are experiencing not once, but daily, the fullness of God's only Begotten Son to full completeness. I can never fathom what our only True God accomplishes in Colossians 1 and 2 combined.

Good Morning sir! As I am working through my devotional this morning using your response as a format I was impressed to respond to you. To me Colossians 1 and 2 are the Gospel in a nutshell. And you summed it up nicely when you said, "As Christ works within us mightily, we are experiencing not once, but daily, the fullness of God's only Begotten Son to full completeness."

God in Christ reconciling the world unto himself. Us in Christ. God in Him that the world might believe. For He have put in us the word of this reconciliation. Then we as these ordained ambassadors for Christ. through God we pray be reconciled unto God. For God had made Jesus to be Sin for us that WE be made the righteousness of God IN Him. SO let's not recieve this grace of God in vain. For in this day of salvation He is succouring us, our help presently that we give no offense in anything that the ministry be not blamed. But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God. For WE are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. For it is God that works in us both to will and do His good pleasure. And greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world.

2Cor 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath put in US the word of reconciliation.
2Cor 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you through us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
2Cor 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
2Cor 6:1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
2Cor 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
2Cor 6:3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:
2Cor 6:4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
2Cor 6:5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;
2Cor 6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

 

[lightbearer]

Good evening, lightbearer;

Good morning sir. Thank you for taking the time to respond.

Colossians 1:13-16, 13 He has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

The prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Jesus in us God in Him that we made be made perfect in One. Filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and Spiritual understanding.



John 17:22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
John 17:23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

Col 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
Col 1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
Col 1:11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

Col 1:12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
Col 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

Col 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
Col 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
Col 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation; 16 for in him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. - RSV

Colossians 2:13-16, 13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. 15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. 16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day - NIV

My wife and I love Colossians and connecting the verses says to me (and sharing with others,) "think about this." As Christ works within us mightily, we are experiencing not once, but daily, the fullness of God's only Begotten Son to full completeness. I can never fathom what our only True God accomplishes in Colossians 1 and 2 combined.

What Christ took away at the cross, He did it only one time. Therefore, as a follower of Christ I should desire the responsibility to repent. It's Biblical, and here is the result;

No matter how heinous our sin, transgression or iniquity, when we turn from darkness and seek His mercies, we are forgiven and will not die. In Ezekiel 18:23 God does not take pleasure in the wicked dying, instead delights when they turn from their sin and live.

Imagine our only God who is sovereign over the heavens, universe, earth and every one of His creation, yet He carries an unconditional love which equate to Colossians 1 and 2. This applies to each of us if only we will receive the cross.

God bless you, lightbearer, and thank you for sharing this profound topic.

Bob

 

[Marilyn C]

The text states we Have been forgiven all trespasses.

How does this forgiveness mentioned in verse 13 connect to verses 14-16 contextually?

Hi lightbear,

great topic. The enemy thought he had gotten rid of Jesus but through Christ`s sacrifice we are forgiven and now there are many becoming like Jesus. And, because His life is within these believers are also `triumphing over them.` (Col. 2: 15)

 

[lightbearer]

Hi lightbear,

great topic. The enemy thought he had gotten rid of Jesus but through Christ`s sacrifice we are forgiven and now there are many becoming like Jesus. And, because His life is within these believers are also `triumphing over them.` (Col. 2: 15)

Nice, thank you for posting that.

So what are the principalities (Beginnings) and the authorities?

Col 2:15 having divested the sovereignties and the authorities, he made an example in an open manner triumphing over them by it.

 

[lightbearer]

I love verse: 15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

Often, I like to break down what a verse says by taking what the opposite would be. 13 would be that you are still alive in your sins and therefore not forgiven yet. What happens when we are not forgiven? The offense is still held against us. The accuser brings it up again, and again, and again........and again. Multiply that by all the things you have done over the course of your life. I can't type that many again's. Forgiveness therefore frees you from that bondage. And the Accuser, satan, loses the ability to condemn you. Jesus made a public spectacle of him and the other accusers who have that accusatory spirit in them.

Hey there my friend.
What about the victory that we have through and in Jesus that Colossians brings out.

What is that all about?

 

[Marilyn C]

Nice, thank you for posting that.

So what are the principalities (Beginnings) and the authorities?

Col 2:15 having divested the sovereignties and the authorities, he made an example in an open manner triumphing over them by it.

Hi lightbearer,

Very interesting direction there. So, let`s start with God......

`For by Him (Christ) all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.` (Col. 1: 16)

All those rulership positions were created by the Lord and are for Him. We now need to know that the word `heaven,` is actually plural, (say like sheep). So...

Third heaven - Thrones and dominions. (seat of power and authority over all other thrones.)

Universe - Principalities and powers. When Lucifer was cast from his throne in the third heaven he usurped the rulership position in the Universal realm.

Earth - From the rulership of Principalities and powers Satan holds sway over the people and the world system.

As believers we wrestle `against principalities and powers, against rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.` (Eph. 6: 12)

God could have dealt with Satan however God is exposing Satan`s unrighteous rulership and evil character. The believer is able to `stand` against those powers for our `standing` is higher, from the third heaven in Christ. The Lord`s higher authority (because of His great sacrifice) enables us to `withstand` in the evil day.

`Therefore take up the whole armor of God (Christ`s character and sacrifice and authority) that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. ` (Eph. 6: 13)

 

[lightbearer]

Hi lightbearer,

Very interesting direction there. So, let`s start with God......

`For by Him (Christ) all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.` (Col. 1: 16)

All those rulership positions were created by the Lord and are for Him. We now need to know that the word `heaven,` is actually plural, (say like sheep). So...

Third heaven - Thrones and dominions. (seat of power and authority over all other thrones.)

Universe - Principalities and powers. When Lucifer was cast from his throne in the third heaven he usurped the rulership position in the Universal realm.

Earth - From the rulership of Principalities and powers Satan holds sway over the people and the world system.

As believers we wrestle `against principalities and powers, against rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.` (Eph. 6: 12)

God could have dealt with Satan however God is exposing Satan`s unrighteous rulership and evil character. The believer is able to `stand` against those powers for our `standing` is higher, from the third heaven in Christ. The Lord`s higher authority (because of His great sacrifice) enables us to `withstand` in the evil day.

`Therefore take up the whole armor of God (Christ`s character and sacrifice and authority) that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. ` (Eph. 6: 13)

Thank you for responding Marilyn C.

We see in verse 13 that we been quickened together with Him and forgiven all trespasses.


Col 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

The handwritings of ordinances or certificate of indebtedness in verse 14 is being said in context to this forgiveness.

What is the certificate of indebtedness, hand writing of ordinances?

What did we owe because of our sin that was nailed to the cross?

Where is it stated?

Col 2:14 He has destroyed what was against us, a certificate of indebtedness expressed in decrees opposed to us. He has taken it away by nailing it to the cross.
Col 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

If we are sticking with the flow of the context; what are these principalities? These beginnings?

principalities- BDAG ἀρχή, ῆς, ἡ (Hom.+)
the commencement of someth. as an action, process, or state of being, beginning, i.e. a point of time at the beginning of a duration.

Col 2:15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

 

[Marilyn C]

My version says -

`Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.` (Col. 2: 15)


So, what are these principalities...?` is the question.

Theses principalities are Satan and his hierarchy of demonic spirits that usurped the Principalities rulership position. Jesus, by His death on the cross, resurrection and ascension to the Father`s throne, now has them under His feet. The glorified Son of Man, Son of God, is now seated at the Father`s right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power....` (Eph. 1: 20 & 21)

The Lord has disarmed Satan and his hosts, taken away their authority, and every person that comes into Christ is standing in His authority which is `far above` these principalities.


`These beginnings?` The word Principality in Greek, ``arche` meaning a commencement or chief - beginning, corner, first, magistrate, power, principality, principle, rule.


With such a variety of meanings we thus need to look at what God says concerning them.

`For by Him (Christ) all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.` (Col. 1: 16)

All those rulership positions were created by the Lord and are for Him. We now need to know that the word `heaven,` is actually plural, (say like sheep). So...

Third heaven - Thrones and dominions. (seat of power and authority over all other thrones.)

Universe - Principalities and powers. When Lucifer was cast from his throne in the third heaven he usurped the rulership position in the Universal realm.

 

[lightbearer]

Theses principalities are Satan and his hierarchy of demonic spirits that usurped the Principalities rulership position.

That is true but That does not line up with the context. It is not what Colossians is about. Please read this post again and the text itself with all the questions in mind. I would rather you see it for yourself then tell you directly..

We see in verse 13 that we been quickened together with Him and forgiven all trespasses.


Col 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

The handwritings of ordinances or certificate of indebtedness in verse 14 is being said in context to this forgiveness.

What is the certificate of indebtedness, hand writing of ordinances?

What did we owe because of our sin that was nailed to the cross?

Where is it stated?

Col 2:14 He has destroyed what was against us, a certificate of indebtedness expressed in decrees opposed to us. He has taken it away by nailing it to the cross.
Col 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

If we are sticking with the flow of the context; what are these principalities? These beginnings?

principalities- BDAG ἀρχή, ῆς, ἡ (Hom.+)
the commencement of someth. as an action, process, or state of being, beginning, i.e. a point of time at the beginning of a duration.

Col 2:15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

 

[Marilyn C]

That is true but That does not line up with the context. It is not what Colossians is about.

So, let`s look at what Colossians is about first.

The Theme: Christ pre-eminent in all things.

Heresies were creeping into the church at Colosse. These were misleading the believers and calling for worship of angels and a strict observance of Jewish ceremonies. These heresies were a mixture of Jewish, Greek and Oriental religions. Paul warns -

`Beware lest anyone should cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world,...

Let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or Sabbaths....Let no one defraud you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels.....` (Col. 2: 8, 16 & 18)

The failure of the Colossians was at this very point, “not holding fast to the Head.” (Col. 2: 19) Some thought that Jesus was but a man, and Christ the divine Spirit which came at baptism and left Him at the cross. This meant that Christ did not die but simply Jesus died.

These false teachings had sought to dethrone Christ in people`s minds. They denied His headship of the Church. To help answer them, Paul sends this letter back by Epaphras. He specifically writes on the pre-eminence and the deity of Christ.

`He is the image of the invisible God, the first born over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether throne or dominions or principalities or powers,

All things were created through Him and for Him, and He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the Head of the Body, the Church, who is the beginning, the first born from the dead, that in all things He may have the pre-eminence.` (Col. 1: 15 - 18)

 

[Marilyn C]

If we are sticking with the flow of the context; what are these principalities? These beginnings?

principalities- BDAG ἀρχή, ῆς, ἡ (Hom.+)
the commencement of someth. as an action, process, or state of being, beginning, i.e. a point of time at the beginning of a duration.

The `flow` is the whole epistle of Colossians.

Christ pre-eminent in all things. (Col. 1: 18)

Christ created ….principalities and powers, (rulership positions) for Himself. (Col. 1: 16)

Christ delivered us from the power of darkness. (Col. 1: 13)

Christ the Head of all principality and power. (Col. 2: 10)

Christ disarmed principalities and powers. (Col. 2: 15)



Principalities: Greek `arche` meaning – a commencement or chief, (in various applications of order, time, place or rank) beginning, corner, first (estate) magistrate, power, principality, rule.

 

[Marilyn C]

Summing up -

`Having disarmed principalities and powers He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.` (Col. 2: 15)
Principalities: Greek `arche` meaning – a commencement or chief.

1. Principalities - beginnings. `Having disarmed `beginnings...` I find that rather strange.

2. Principalities - chief. `Having disarmed `chief...` I find that more plausible.

 

[lightbearer]

Summing up -

`Having disarmed principalities and powers He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.` (Col. 2: 15)
Principalities: Greek `arche` meaning – a commencement or chief.

1. Principalities - beginnings. `Having disarmed `beginnings...` I find that rather strange.

2. Principalities - chief. `Having disarmed `chief...` I find that more plausible.

We have been forgiven all offenses. Hence the blotting out of the handwriting to the ordinances, those writings in the Book of the Law that were mandated when we sinned. They were adverse to us. These He took out of the way and nailed to the cross. These that were mandated first in the beginning and were cheif. These that ruled over us, He triumph over and He stripped away nailing to the cross. For they are not needed anymore because we are forgiven in Him.

 

[Marilyn C]

We have been forgiven all offenses. Hence the blotting out of the handwriting to the ordinances, those writings in the Book of the Law that were mandated when we sinned. They were adverse to us. These He took out of the way and nailed to the cross. These that were mandated first in the beginning and were cheif. These that ruled over us, He triumph over and He stripped away nailing to the cross. For they are not needed anymore because we are forgiven in Him.

I agree with you as to the handwriting of ordinances that the Lord took away and nailed to the cross as it were. However, I do not believe that is what `Principalities and Powers` are as God`s word describes.