Colossians 1:20

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Colossians 1:20 serves as the profound culmination of Paul's Christological hymn, declaring that God, through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, has initiated a cosmic reconciliation. This verse reveals that the peace secured by Christ's shed blood is not limited to humanity but extends to "all things," encompassing both earthly and heavenly realms, thereby restoring a fractured creation to its intended harmony and relationship with its Creator.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic statement of the "Christ Hymn" (Colossians 1:15-20), a majestic theological exposition on the supremacy and centrality of Jesus Christ. Preceding this verse, Paul establishes Christ's preeminence as the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation, the agent of creation, and the head of the church, in whom all things cohere ([Colossians 1:15-19](/colossians/1-15-19 "Colossians 1:15-19 - The Christ Hymn")). Verse 20 transitions from Christ's role in creation and sustaining all things to His equally vital role in reconciling all things. It explains the purpose and effect of His cosmic headship, emphasizing that His redemptive work is as comprehensive as His creative work, bringing peace and restoration to a universe disrupted by sin.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote to the church in Colossae, a city in Phrygia (modern-day Turkey), where various syncretistic teachings threatened the purity of the gospel. These challenges included elements of Gnosticism (which denied Christ's full humanity and deity), legalism, asceticism, angel worship, and mystical experiences that diminished Christ's unique sufficiency. In this environment, Paul's robust Christology in [Colossians 1](/colossians/1 "Colossians 1 - Christ's Supremacy") directly counters these errors by asserting Christ's absolute supremacy over all creation, spiritual powers, and human traditions. The emphasis on cosmic reconciliation directly addresses any belief that other spiritual entities or human efforts are necessary for salvation or spiritual wholeness, firmly placing all authority and redemptive power in Christ alone.
* **Key Themes:** Colossians 1:20 contributes significantly to several major themes in the letter. Firstly, it underscores **Christ's absolute supremacy and sufficiency**, reinforcing that He is the sole mediator and agent of reconciliation, negating the need for any other spiritual intermediaries or human philosophies. Secondly, it highlights the **cosmic scope of redemption**, demonstrating that Christ's work on the cross impacts not only individual human beings but the entire created order, bringing all things back into alignment under His sovereign rule. This cosmic reconciliation is distinct from universal salvation, focusing instead on the restoration of divine order and the ultimate triumph of Christ over all hostile powers ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Finally, the verse emphasizes the **centrality of the cross and Christ's atoning blood** as the singular means by which this peace and reconciliation are achieved, making His sacrificial death the foundation of God's redemptive plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **made peace (Greek, _eirēnopoiéō'_):** From G1517, meaning "to be a peace-maker, i.e. (figuratively) to harmonize." This verb signifies an active work of establishing peace, not merely a passive cessation of hostilities. In the context of the cross, it points to Christ's active intervention to resolve the fundamental conflict between God and a sin-estranged creation. This peace is a state of wholeness, well-being, and right relationship, achieved through divine initiative.
* **blood (Greek, _haîma'_):** From G129, referring to "blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of Christ); by implication, bloodshed, also kindred." In biblical theology, blood often symbolizes life given in sacrifice, particularly for atonement. Here, it specifically denotes the sacrificial, atoning death of Jesus Christ, which is the necessary means for the remission of sins and the establishment of peace with God.
* **reconcile (Greek, _apokatallássō'_):** From G604, meaning "to reconcile fully." This is a strong compound verb, intensifying the meaning of simple reconciliation (katallasso). It implies a complete and thorough restoration of a relationship after a period of alienation or enmity. It suggests bringing back into a state of harmony and proper relationship, specifically between God and all creation, which had been disrupted by the Fall.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And, having made peace through the blood of his cross":** This initial clause identifies the means by which reconciliation is achieved. The "blood of his cross" is a powerful metonymy, referring to the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ on the cross. This act is presented as the definitive, singular event that established peace, resolving the cosmic conflict and hostility caused by sin. It underscores that peace with God and the restoration of creation are not earned by human effort but are the result of Christ's atoning work.
* **"by him to reconcile all things unto himself;":** This phrase states the ultimate purpose and agent of the peace-making act. The repeated "by him" (Greek: _di' autou_) emphasizes Christ's exclusive agency in this cosmic reconciliation. "All things" (Greek: _pas_) signifies the comprehensive scope of this reconciliation, extending beyond humanity to the entire created order. The reconciliation is "unto himself," meaning unto God, indicating that the goal is to restore all things to their proper relationship and submission to the Creator.
* **"by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven.":** This final clause further clarifies and expands upon the "all things," leaving no ambiguity about the universal reach of Christ's reconciling work. It specifies that this reconciliation applies to both the earthly realm ("things in earth") and the heavenly realm ("things in heaven"). This includes not only humanity and the physical creation but also spiritual powers and entities, bringing all into subjection and harmony under Christ's Lordship, thereby undoing the effects of the Fall on a cosmic scale.

#### Literary Devices
Colossians 1:20 employs several significant literary devices that amplify its theological impact. **Metonymy** is prominent in "the blood of his cross," where "blood" stands for Christ's sacrificial death and "cross" for the instrument of that death and its redemptive power. This concise phrase powerfully encapsulates the means of atonement. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism** through the repeated phrase "by him," which emphatically underscores Christ's singular and exclusive agency in the work of reconciliation. This repetition serves to reinforce the central message that Christ alone is the mediator. Furthermore, the phrase "all things... whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven" employs **Merism**, a rhetorical device where two contrasting parts represent a whole. "Earth" and "heaven" together signify the entirety of creation, emphasizing the **Cosmic Scope** of Christ's reconciling work, a profound theological statement that elevates the cross beyond a merely human event to one with universal implications.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Colossians 1:20 articulates a profound truth about the cosmic implications of Christ's atoning work, revealing that the peace established through His cross is not merely for individual human salvation but for the entire created order. This reconciliation restores the broken relationship between God and His creation, which was fractured by sin, bringing all things back into harmony and submission under Christ's sovereign headship. It signifies the ultimate triumph of God's redemptive plan to undo the effects of the Fall and re-establish His perfect order throughout the universe, ensuring that all things ultimately acknowledge and are subject to Christ.

* [Romans 5:10](/romans/5-10 "Romans 5:10 - Reconciled by Christ's Death")
* [2 Corinthians 5:18-19](/2_corinthians/5-18-19 "2 Corinthians 5:18-19 - The Ministry of Reconciliation")
* [Ephesians 1:9-10](/ephesians/1-9-10 "Ephesians 1:9-10 - God's Plan for the Fullness of Time")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Colossians 1:20 offers immense comfort and a powerful perspective on the breadth of God's redemptive work. For believers, it assures us that our peace with God is not based on our merits or efforts, but is a finished work accomplished by Christ on the cross. We are not just individually saved; we are part of a grand, cosmic restoration project. This truth should inspire profound gratitude and humility, knowing that we are beneficiaries of such an expansive and costly reconciliation. Practically, this understanding calls us to live as agents of peace in a broken world, reflecting the reconciling love of Christ in our relationships and communities. It also provides an unshakable hope for the future, reminding us that despite present chaos and suffering, Christ's ultimate victory and the full restoration of all things are guaranteed. Our engagement in the world, therefore, should be marked by confidence in His sovereignty and a commitment to seeing His peace extended.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the cosmic scope of Christ's reconciliation impact your personal sense of peace with God?**
* **In what ways can you, as a reconciled individual, participate in God's ongoing work of reconciliation in your relationships and community?**
* **How does the truth that "all things in earth, or things in heaven" are reconciled by Christ influence your perspective on suffering, injustice, or the brokenness of the world?**

### FAQ
**Does "reconcile all things" mean that everyone, including evil spirits, will ultimately be saved?**

Answer: No, the phrase "reconcile all things" in [Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Cosmic Reconciliation") does not imply universal salvation for every individual or the redemption of evil spirits. The biblical context, particularly other passages in Colossians and the broader New Testament, clearly teaches about judgment and eternal separation for those who reject Christ ([Colossians 3:6](/colossians/3-6 "Colossians 3:6 - God's Wrath on Disobedience"); [Matthew 25:46](/matthew/25-46 "Matthew 25:46 - Eternal Punishment and Life")). Instead, "reconcile all things" refers to the restoration of divine order and harmony to the entire created cosmos, which was fractured by sin. It means that all things—whether earthly or heavenly, visible or invisible powers—will ultimately be brought into subjection to Christ's sovereign rule, acknowledging His Lordship and ceasing their rebellion. This is a reconciliation of relationship and order, not necessarily of individual salvation for every being.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Colossians 1:20 stands as a powerful declaration of Christ's ultimate work, fulfilling the Old Testament promises of a restored creation and a new covenant of peace. The "blood of his cross" points directly to the Lamb of God, whose sacrificial death on Calvary is the singular means by which God's righteous wrath against sin is propitiated and peace is established ([Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Propitiation by Christ's Blood")). This cosmic reconciliation, encompassing "things in earth, or things in heaven," foreshadows the ultimate new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells and God's perfect order is fully realized ([Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - The New Heaven and New Earth")). Christ, as the second Adam, reverses the curse of the first Adam, not only redeeming humanity but also initiating the restoration of the entire creation that groans under the weight of sin ([Romans 8:19-22](/romans/8-19-22 "Romans 8:19-22 - Creation Groans for Redemption")). His triumph on the cross disarmed the spiritual powers and authorities that held creation captive, making a public spectacle of them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")), thereby ensuring that all things, seen and unseen, will ultimately bow to His Lordship, whether in willing submission or compelled acknowledgment ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation and Universal Lordship")). Thus, Colossians 1:20 encapsulates the comprehensive scope of Christ's redemptive mission, demonstrating that He is not merely a savior of souls but the cosmic Lord who is bringing all things to their divinely intended consummation.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 5:18

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

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

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

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

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

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

Colossians 1:22

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