Tim Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

My understanding is that these names refer to ranks or orders of a hierarchy of spiritual beings of varying power opposed to God. Although I don't believe that they are further enumerated or described in the Bible, they were a component of Jewish rabbinical thought at the time that Paul wrote.

Paul was emphasizing that, no matter how much strength these beings might possess, they were still subordinate to God, and did not have the power to annul or obstruct the love that God had for Christians because of their faith in Christ, and the salvation that Christ had gained for them by His atoning death and resurrection, through which God had disarmed those beings and triumphed over them.

March 05 2019 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter Arizona Bible College graduate and Dallas Seminary graduate

"Thrones" are heavenly kingdoms or rulers (angels: Col 1:16).

William Baur in bible.org

"Authorities" in the New Testament:
is used most often for exousia; exousiazo; and katexousiazo: (a) of God's authority (Acts 1:7): as the potter's over clay (Rom 9:21, right"; Jude 1:25, "power"; Rev 9, "power"); 

and among other things (b) of subordinate heavenly authorities or powers (1 Cor 15:24; 1 Pet 3:22; and the same Greek word in Eph 1:21; 3:10; 6:12; Col 1:16; 2:10,15; Rev 11:6; 14:18; 18:1). --T. Rees in bible.org

In [Colossians] Chapter 2 Paul emphasizes that Christ "is the Head over all rule and authority" referring to the spirit world. Jesus Christ is the Creator and Ruler of the universe and all its spiritual beings (Col 1:16), not a lesser being emanating from God. --Lightfoot in preceptaustin.org

And here is the wonderful news for you today. Because Jesus created all those thrones, powers, rulers, and authorities, AND because He disarmed them and triumphed over them at the cross (Colossians 2:15), you don't have to live in fear of any spiritual power. Not angels, not demons, not fate, not the 'powers of this dark world.' Jesus is supreme over all.

But here is the question that matters most for you personally. Is Jesus your Head? Have you submitted your life to the One before whom every knee in heaven and on earth will bow (Philippians 2:10)?

You see, these powers may be real, but they are disarmed. Christ didn't just defeat them; He died for you so that you could be transferred from the dominion of darkness into His kingdom (Colossians 1:13). If you have never trusted Him as your Savior and Lord, you are still spiritually outside that safe kingdom.

Would you like to change that right now? You can pray something like this from your heart:

'Lord Jesus, I admit I have lived without You as my Head. I have been afraid of powers I don't understand, or I have ignored You entirely. Thank You that You created all things, including every spiritual authority, and that You defeated them on the cross. I turn from my sins and trust in You alone for my salvation. Be my Head. Be my Lord. Lead me into Your kingdom of light. Amen.'

If you prayed that sincerely, the Bible promises you are now hidden in Christ, far above every power or authority (Ephesians 2:6). Find a Bible-believing church, get baptized, and start following the One who rules over all."

February 10 2022 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report