Colossians 1:20

And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven.

And {G2532}, having made peace {G1517} through {G1223} the blood {G129} of his {G846} cross {G4716}, by {G1223} him {G846} to reconcile {G604} all things {G3956} unto {G1519} himself {G846}; by {G1223} him {G846}, I say, whether {G1535} they be things in {G1909} earth {G1093}, or {G1535} things in {G1722} heaven {G3772}.

and through his Son to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace through him, through having his Son shed his blood by being executed on a stake.

and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through the blood of His cross.

and through him to reconcile all things unto himself, having made peace through the blood of his cross; through him, I say, whether things upon the earth, or things in the heavens.

Commentary

Colossians 1:20 beautifully encapsulates the profound scope of Jesus Christ's redemptive work. Following a majestic passage (often called the "Christ Hymn" in Colossians 1:15-19) that extols Christ's supremacy as Creator and Head of the Church, this verse pivots to His role as Reconciler. It declares that through His sacrificial death on the cross, God brought peace and reconciliation not only for humanity but for the entire cosmos.

Context

Paul's letter to the Colossians addresses a community facing various philosophical and spiritual challenges, including elements of Gnosticism, asceticism, and angel worship, which diminished the unique and supreme role of Christ. In response, Paul presents a robust Christology, asserting Christ's preeminence over all creation and His sufficiency for salvation. Verses 15-19 establish Christ as the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation, through whom all things were created and in whom all things hold together. Verse 20 serves as the powerful culmination of this hymn, explaining the purpose and effect of Christ's cosmic headship: reconciliation and peace through His sacrifice.

Key Themes

  • The Peacemaking Sacrifice of the Cross: The phrase "made peace through the blood of his cross" highlights the central means of reconciliation. It points directly to Christ's atoning death as the divine act that resolves the estrangement between God and creation, caused by sin. This sacrifice is the foundation of our peace with God, removing the barrier of sin and hostility. The "blood" signifies the life given, the ultimate sacrifice for remission of sins.
  • Universal Reconciliation: "To reconcile all things unto himself; by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven." This is a staggering declaration of the cosmic reach of Christ's work. It does not imply universal salvation for every individual (which is contradicted elsewhere in Scripture), but rather the restoration of divine order and harmony to a universe fractured by sin. Christ's death brings all aspects of creation—spiritual powers, earthly elements, and heavenly beings—back into proper alignment and submission under His sovereign rule. It means ending the rebellion and bringing creation into its intended relationship with God through Christ, the rightful Head of all things, as elaborated in Colossians 1:16.
  • Christ's Exclusive Agency: The repeated phrase "by him" (Greek: di' autou) underscores that Christ alone is the agent of this profound reconciliation. He is the sole mediator, the means, and the ultimate goal of God's redemptive plan. No other being or ritual can achieve this cosmic peace; it is exclusively the work of the Son.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "reconcile" here is apokatallasso (ἀποκαταλλάσσω), a strong form of katallasso. It implies a thorough and complete reconciliation, a restoration to a former state of harmony after a period of estrangement or enmity. It's not just a cease-fire but a fundamental change in relationship. The term "peace" (eirene, εἰρήνη) in this context goes beyond the mere absence of conflict; it signifies wholeness, well-being, and a state of harmony and right relationship with God.

Practical Application

Colossians 1:20 offers immense comfort and assurance. For believers, it means that our peace with God is secured through Christ's finished work on the cross, not by our efforts or rituals. We are part of this grand cosmic reconciliation. This truth should inspire us to live in peace with one another, reflecting the unity Christ has established. Furthermore, understanding Christ's cosmic authority reminds us that all things, seen and unseen, are ultimately subject to Him, giving us confidence in His ultimate victory and the restoration of all creation. It encourages us to participate in the ministry of reconciliation, bringing the message of peace through Christ to a broken world.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 5:18 (37 votes)

    And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

  • 2 Corinthians 5:21 (37 votes)

    For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

  • Ephesians 1:10 (32 votes)

    That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; [even] in him:

  • 1 John 4:9 (29 votes)

    In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

  • 1 John 4:10 (29 votes)

    Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son [to be] the propitiation for our sins.

  • Colossians 1:21 (24 votes)

    And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in [your] mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

  • Colossians 1:22 (24 votes)

    In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: