Colossians 1:20

Having made peace. Peace is necessary because the entrance of sin into the universe had brought with it alienation.

The KJV of v. 20 does not correctly reflect the order of clauses in the Greek, and consequently somewhat obscures the sense. The following literal translation reflects the order in the Greek: “And through him to reconcile all things unto him, having made peace through the blood of his cross, through him, whether the things upon the earth, or the things in the heavens.” The phrase “through him to reconcile” should therefore be connected with v. 19. If the reading of the KJV of v. 19 is accepted (see on v. 19), the thought is, “It pleased God through him to reconcile all things.” The false teachers apparently contended that peace was being brought about through the mediation of the angels.

Blood of his cross. For the significance of the blood of Christ in the plan of salvation see on Rom. 3:25. The cross of Christ is the high point in the plan of salvation. It was the subject in which Paul gloried (Gal. 6:14). It will be the science and the song of the redeemed through eternal ages (GC 651).

By him. This phrase appears twice in this verse, in the first instance in the emphatic position in the Greek. Jesus is the agent through which the reconciliation is brought about.

Reconcile. Gr. apokatalasso, an intensified form of Paul’s usual word for reconciliation, katalasso (see on Rom. 5:10).

All things. There has been much discussion as to whether this expression includes non reasoning and inanimate creation. In what sense would these require reconciliation? The apostle may be discussing the far-reaching effects of the entrance of sin into the universe, and thus include the effects of sin and redemption not only upon intelligent beings but upon unreasoning and inanimate creation as well (cf. on Rom. 8:19).

In earth. Adam’s transgression had its repercussions in every part of this earth. From man, the crowning masterpiece of the Creator, to plant, insect, and marine life, and even to the inanimate earth, degeneracy resulted. The redemptive act of Christ will ultimately restore perfection and harmony.

In heaven. Some commentators hold that although only one third of the angels rebelled against God’s government and were expelled from heaven, the rest of the angelic hosts did not fully understand the sinfulness of sin or its dire results until Christ died on the cross. After this event, celestial beings realized as never before that God’s ways are true and righteous, and that Satan’s program leads to death. Thus, all things, material as well as spiritual, heavenly as well as earthly, will be brought to a state of perfect harmony through the cross and all for which it stands. Time and the unfolding purposes of God through Christ will expose Satan and those who sympathize with him so that the justice of God will be seen in their annihilation. The plan of redemption will accomplish its broader and deeper purpose — namely, the vindication of God’s character before the universe (see PP 68).