Colossians 2:14-15
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The striking image of "nailing it to the cross" isn't just about canceling a debt; it implies that Christ's death didn't just erase our sins, but publicly nullified the very system of legalistic demands that condemned us. This act rendered those old religious rules obsolete, like a canceled contract displayed for all to see, thereby dismantling the basis for any accusation against us.
by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is explaining how Christ's death liberates believers from the demands and accusations of the law. Before, this "record of debt"—representing our sins and inability to meet God's standards—stood against us, condemning us. Now, through Christ's sacrifice on the cross, this entire debt has been completely canceled, taken away, and rendered powerless.
Imagine a bill, a legal contract of everything you owe and all the penalties for not paying. That's what Paul is describing here.
The 'handwriting of ordinances' represents the inescapable record of our debt to God. It wasn't just a list of sins, but the legal demands and accusations that arose from them.
How does God deal with this impossible debt? He doesn't just tear it up; He nails it to His Son's cross.
Jesus' death on the cross is not just a sacrifice for our sins, but a definitive act of canceling the legal debt that stood against us.
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Understand the original words
cheirographon · Greek Noun
A legal certificate or document recording a debt or evidence of guilt that must be satisfied.
stauros · Greek Noun
The instrument of Christ's execution, which became the site of atonement where the curse of the Law was satisfied and divine victory was won.
archē kai exousia · Greek Noun
Spiritual forces, likely demonic or angelic powers, that oppose God’s purposes; Christ claims sovereignty over all such entities.
thriambeuō · Greek Verb
The act of leading defeated enemies in a procession to display total conquest and authority.
This verse uses the metaphor of a debt document being canceled and nailed to a cross to illustrate how Christ's sacrifice, in a specific historical moment of Roman crucifixion, completely nullified the binding power of the Mosaic Law's ordinances against believers.
c. 1446 BC
Mosaic Law Given at Sinai
God gives the Ten Commandments and the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai, establishing a covenant with Israel and outlining ordinances for worship and daily life.
c. 950 BC
Temple in Jerusalem Established
Solomon's Temple is completed in Jerusalem, becoming the central place for Israelite worship and sacrifice according to the Mosaic Law.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Babylonians conquer Jerusalem, destroying the Temple and exiling many Jews. This event marked a profound crisis, highlighting the consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness to the Law.
c. 516 BC
Temple Rebuilt
After the Babylonian exile, the Second Temple is completed in Jerusalem. This rebuilding allowed for the continuation of Temple worship and sacrifices under the Mosaic Law.
c. AD 30— this verse
Crucifixion of Jesus Christ
Jesus is crucified in Jerusalem. His death is understood as the ultimate sacrifice, fulfilling the purpose of the Old Testament sacrificial system and the Law's requirements.
c. AD 62
Paul Writes Colossians
The Apostle Paul, imprisoned in Rome, writes his letter to the church in Colossae, addressing issues of false teachings that sought to impose elements of the Mosaic Law on believers.
This passage emphasizes that no one will be declared righteous in God's sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.
Galatians 3:10This verse highlights that all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the book of the law.'
Ephesians 2:15Here, Paul explains that Christ abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances, in order to create one new humanity in himself, reconciling both Jews and Gentiles to God.
Hebrews 10:3This passage speaks of how the sacrifices offered year after year serve as a reminder of sins, because the blood of bulls and goats cannot take away sins.
Romans 7:6Paul contrasts our previous state, enslaved by the 'written code,' with our new life in the Spirit, showing how the law's power over us has been broken through Christ's death.
barnesColossians 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;"
Blotting out the handwriting - The word rendered handwriting means something written by the hand, a manuscript; and here, probably, the writings of the Mosaic law, or the law appointing many ordinances or observances in religion. The allusion is probably to a written contract, in which we bind ourselves to do any work, or to make a pay…
bengelColossians 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;"
Colossians 2:14 . Ἐξαλείψας , having blotted out ) A word appropriate in regard to writing: join it with ἦρκεν , took away .— καθʼ ἡμῶν , against us ) This verse brings in the Jews speaking. [ Not only was the law against us, καθʼ ἡμῶν , by its demands, but also an adversary to us, ὑπενάντιον ἡμῖν (Engl. Vers. contrary to us ), by its…
The striking image of "nailing it to the cross" isn't just about canceling a debt; it implies that Christ's death didn't just erase our sins, but publicly nullified the very system of legalistic demands that condemned us. This act rendered those old religious rules obsolete, like a canceled contract displayed for all to see, thereby dismantling the basis for any accusation against us.
Paul is explaining how Christ's death liberates believers from the demands and accusations of the law. Before, this "record of debt"—representing our sins and inability to meet God's standards—stood against us, condemning us. Now, through Christ's sacrifice on the cross, this entire debt has been completely canceled, taken away, and rendered powerless.
Paul is explaining how Christ's death liberates believers from the demands and accusations of the law. Before, this "record of debt"—representing our sins and inability to meet God's standards—stood against us, condemning us. Now, through Christ's sacrifice on the cross, this entire debt has been completely canceled, taken away, and rendered powerless.
"by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him." — The striking image of "nailing it to the cross" isn't just about canceling a debt; it implies that Christ's death didn't just erase our sins, but publicly nullified the very system of legalistic dema…
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Last reviewed October 2026
