Colossians 2:14

Blotting out. Gr. exaleipho, “to wipe off,” “to wipe out.” The word is used in classical Greek for wiping out a writing. The form of the word appearing in the present verse should be translated “having blotted out.”

Handwriting. Gr. cheirographon, “a document written by hand.” The word occurs only here in the NT. Elsewhere the word is frequently used of handwritten documents often of a legal character, such as a bond signed by a debtor. Compare Philemon 19. The “blotting out” of such a certificate of indebtedness was carried out only after the debt had been paid and the conditions of the note had been completely met. It was often done by placing an “X” over it, as shown by papyri examples. Also, the water-soluble ink on papyrus could be washed off or rubbed away, and new writing placed upon the material. Some commentators hold that the apostle is telling the Colossian church that their regeneration through the resurrection power of God, the restoration within them of His image, was carried out by God’s blotting out, or canceling, the indebtedness of the bond they were due to fulfill. Others see a more general reference to the Mosaic law, especially as interpreted by the Jews. The latter view seems to be more in harmony with the succeeding context. The similarity with the language of Ephesians 2:15 and the parallel nature of these two epistles suggest strongly that the “handwriting of ordinances” is the same as the “law of commandments contained in ordinances” (see on Ephesians 2:15).

Ordinances. Gr. dogmata, “decrees,” “statutes.” This refers to the various laws and decrees of the Jewish legal system such as terminated at the cross (see on Ephesians 2:15).

Against us. As shown grammatically by the Greek, what is “against us” and “contrary to us” is the “handwriting.” Some have understood this as referring to the note of indebtedness that is against all, both Jew and Gentile; others, as referring to the Jewish legal system. For the manner in which the latter was contrary to both Jew and Gentile see on Acts 15:10; Ephesians 2:15.

Took it out of the way. That is, the “handwriting.” “Christ is the end of the law for righteousness” (see on Romans 10:4). Now that Christ has come, men are no longer under a schoolmaster (see on Galatians 3:25; Ephesians 2:15).

Nailing it to his cross. The cross marks the transition from one economy (the Jewish) to the other (the Christian). This same idea is expressed in Ephesians 2:16, where reconciliation is represented as taking place on the cross.