At the beginning of January we began studying through the Book of Colossians in our Saturday Morning Bible Study at The Blue Point Bible Church. I had written a part 1 on the study which you can read and review at the following link, http://www.bluepointbiblechurch.org/peace/?p=1887
We noted the beginning of Colossians to be about establishing the preeminence of Jesus Christ in all things and His preexistence at the beginning of all things (namely, speaking about both covenants – Old and New). “…the firstborn from among the dead; that in all things He might have the preeminence” (cf. Colossians 1:18). The Apostle Paul goes on to speak about the “the mystery which had been hid from ages and from generations” which was being manifest in and through the Church (cf. Colossians 1:26; Ephesians 3:10), Christ’s presence being in the Church. I had written about this before in a blog entitled, “The Church as the Deposit of His Life”. You can read that blog at the following link, https://mianogonewild.wordpress.com/2019/04/23/the-church-as-the-deposit-of-his-life/
In talking through the mystery revealed in our Bible study, we reviewed Larry Siegle’s (teacher through Fulfilled Dynamics) article, “The Mystery of God Revealed”, wherein he concluded that the goal was to reveal “…how grace was bringing them together for God’s glory”, which beautifully corresponds to details we talked about in Part 1 regarding correlation to John chapter 1 (I am thinking specifically of Jesus being the source of grace and Truth, cf. John 1:14). You can read Mr. Siegle’s article at the following link, https://donkpreston.com/the-mystery-of-god-revealed-guest-article-by-larry-siegle/
We summed up Colossians chapter 1 as asserting salvation from “the dominion of darkness” to the “Kingdom of Light” (highlighting life under the Old Covenant (Jews) and stuck in idolatry (Gentiles)) as noted in Col. 1:13, then the focus on Christology in v. 15, and the Apostle Paul explains his mission, involving Gentile inclusion, to establish the message of Christ’s presence in the Church, “Christ in you” (vs. 24-29).
We move into chapter 2 reading about the Apostle Paul’s desire that those at Colossae and Laodicea would have “comforted hearts”, that they are “knit together in love”, that they possess the “riches of the full assurance of understanding”, “acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (cf. Colossians 2:2-3). He goes on to warn that they should not be deceived by “enticing words”, but rather be “built up in Him, established in the faith, and abound with thanksgiving” (v. 4-7). Don’t be deceived by “hollow and vain philosophies, traditions of men, and principles of the world”, but rather to know that in Christ dwells the fullness of God, we are complete in Him, and circumcised in heart to Him, and identifying with Him in baptism – v.8-15. (our immersion in Him through possession and include, cf. 2 Peter 1:3-8). Highlighting the disruption the Judizers would bring by asserting holy days, sabbath, etc., the Apostle goes on to say “let no one judge you in these things” because they were a shadow of the things to come, but the substance if identity with Christ (v. 16-17). Don’t be deceived by those who are “puffed up in their minds”, prideful, in their worship of angels and self-abasement, these things indeed have a show of wisdom, but you must hold to the Head, Christ Jesus (v.18-23).
“If you are risen with Christ, set your mind on those things which are above, where Christ sits in the power of God” (cf. Colossians 3:1; Philippians 4:8-9).
I had also mentioned the following social media posts as sort of commentary for our study through Colossians chapters 1-2.
Exegetical Commentary on Colossians 2:15
Written by Onayinka Olesugun
Jesus defeated Satan in hell and paraded the hosts of darkness in an open show .
Where did this parade happen and where did you see Satan in hell ?
Well it must have happened in the spirit realm !
Okay ,for a preacher of the gospel ,you can’t afford to make unsubstantiated claims
Let me provide an excerpt from the book, UNDERSTANDETH THOU WHAT THOU READEST Volume 2
Text: Colossians 2:15
Colossians 2:15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
Exegetical Analysis
Clarity of the text will be ascertained looking at key words in the text,
Spoiled
The word “spoiled” was translated from the Greek word “apekduomai”. It means to strip off, or to disarm. In this context, it means to plunder. It implies that upon obtaining victory in a conflict or battle or war, the victor takes away spoils of war that the opponent used to own. The term “spoil” means that what the victor takes from the opponent now becomes his. In disarming the opponent, the opponent is stripped of what he used to have.
Them
Colossians 2:15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. It should be observed that in Colossians 2:15, the use of the words “them” inferred two different persons. The word “them” (the first instance) translated from a Greek word which can also be translated as “us”. It therefore follows that the text can be better understood as: “… he made a shew of us openly, triumphing over them in it” It should be recalled that the disarming is to strip the captor of what he used to own. Therefore, we have: “having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of us openly, triumphing over them in it”. What he disarmed him of, that means the triumph is in that display.
How Does This Come in?
Hebrews 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death, he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; Vs 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. The word “destroy” implies to annul; to make something not viable again. For instance, when something has expired, it will still be in existence but has lost its power and virility.
Back to Colossians 2:15
How Did He Spoil Principality and Power? The pretext explains.
Colossians 2:11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ. Vs 12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
In verse 12, Paul focused on the offering of Jesus; his death, burial and then his resurrection (raised from the dead). That means that it is upon his resurrection that the believer was displayed as the proof of that disarming. That term “made a shew” is a compound word that was translated from the Greek word “deigmatizo”. It means to make an example; a pattern, that is, when you have an example of deigmatizo, other things will follow it. Another reference of the word “deigmatizo”. Matthew 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. A public example means a public show; something that people are going to see.
Openly
The word “openly” was translated from the Greek word “parrhesia”. It is the same word used for freedom of expression (speech) or boldness. It was also used in: Hebrews 10:19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus. 1st John 5:14 And this is the confidence we have with him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us: In this text, it was translated as “confidence”. Bringing this home into Colossians 2:15; it would imply that “…he made a shew of us in confidence”.
Triumphing Over
This term was translated from the Greek word “thriambeuo” which implies where victory is displayed. The phrase “triumphing over” was used for receiving trophies (laurels), that is, the proof of victory. Triumphing over them has to do with a trophy, a display of trophy.
Corroborative Evidence
2nd Corinthians 2:14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. That means what he displayed is a proof of what he did.
Back to Colossians 2:15
That means that the display is that of the believer who has been freed from the enemy. It should be noted that the one who was under the enemy was the unsaved man. That would follow that the person who was delivered was man; in the same breath, the person who was displayed at the resurrection was man. It means at the resurrection; the proof of Jesus’ resurrection is the believer. Jesus is the pattern of everyone who has been disarmed via the forgiveness of sin, that is, those who have been taken from the hold of the enemy. As a result of this, the believer becomes a trophy of Christ’s victory; a proof of what Jesus did. The believer is the proof of his resurrection.
How Did Jesus Display Victory Over Satan?
Through those that believe. He displays his triumph over the enemy through the believer. Since the church is the trophy of Christ’s resurrection, it implies that the display was done openly on earth.
Hebrews 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; Vs 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
The word “destroy” was translated from the Greek word “katargeo” which implies to render powerless/ useless. The word “deliver” was translated from the Greek word “apallasso” which implies to release. This shows that the proof of Christ’s victory are the released / delivered. The actual proof of Christ’s authority is the believer. Jesus, by his sacrifice, nullified the authority of the devil by dying, and setting the men free. Everyone who is a believer will follow that pattern. By his death, he delivered them who through their life time were subject to bondage, he sets a pattern. Therefore, deliverance is the work of Christ. Settled ? You are blessed
Applicational Summary of Colossians 1-2
Written by Lynn Czae
The Colossians were apparently adopting proto-gnostic and syncretistic views and practices that were incompatible with “the knowledge of God’s mystery, of Christ, in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (2:2–3). Though there are references to such things as philosophy and empty deceit (2:8), Jewish-like practices (2:16), visions (2:18), and “rigour of devotion and self-abasement and severity to the body” (2:23), the source of these teachings is not quite clear. The author strives to curb such tendencies by recalling the preeminence of Christ in everything (1:18), because Christ is “the image of the invisible God” (1:15), who reconciled man to God “by the blood of his cross” (1:20). Paul then exhorts the Christian community to put away anger, malice, and foul talk and to show kindness, meekness, patience, forgiveness, and love in imitation of Christ. Every Christian, according to his state in life, should fulfill his duties.