Colossians 2:15

Having spoiled. Gr. apekduomai, literally, “to strip off one’s clothes.” Here, perhaps, “to strip off armor,” “to despoil.” There has been much discussion as to the subject of the action. Some hold that it is the Father, inasmuch as He is the subject of “quickened” (v. 13). Others believe that the passage is more suitably applied to Christ. Grammatically there is no way of determining, and the matter must be settled on the basis of the meaning of the passage (see below).

Principalities and powers. These terms may refer to earthly rulers (Luke 12:11; Titus 3:1) or to supernatural beings (see on Ephesians 6:12). In the light of false teaching at Colossae, there may be a reference here to the supposed angelic powers and elemental deities (see p. 184; see on Colossians 2:8). In reality Christ did triumph in a special sense over Satan and his angels. His death on the cross resulted in a further casting out of Satan from the sympathies of the heavenly world (see on Revelation 12:9). Throughout the ministry of Jesus, Satan was at hand to tempt and annoy Him. The life of Christ was a continual series of conflicts, but in every encounter Jesus proved victorious. Every effort on the part of Satan to destroy Him only further exposed the workings of the deceiver. Christ’s life of victory, culminating in Calvary, spelled the doom of the devil. Satan’s disguise was torn away. His methods of operation were laid open before the angels and the entire heavenly universe. He had exposed his true colors. See DA 123, 761. By His cross Jesus Christ stripped from the principalities and powers of darkness both their robe of office and authority as princes of this world, and their armor of strength in their warfare against right. Thus it seems preferable to regard Jesus as the subject of the action expressed by “having spoiled” (see above).

Made a shew ... openly. Or, “made a public example” (RSV). Christ’s cruel death on Calvary caused Satan and his legions to be exposed to the view of the universe for what they are, murderers and fiends.

Triumphing. Gr. thriambeud (see on 2 Corinthians 2:14).

In it. Or, “in him.” The Greek may be understood either way. The “it” could refer to the “handwriting” or to the “cross” (v. 14). The “him” could refer to Christ if the Father is regarded as the subject of the action expressed in the verse (see above on “having spoiled”).