Yet, in Eph 6 these powers are κοσμοκράτωρ which specifically means “the rulers of this sinful world”. The context there makes this clear. That is not so in Colossians – not to imply that these “rulers and authorities” in Colossians are not referring to spiritual forces.
Yet, we cannot discount the immense authority that Law has over the conscience. Not only is this the context of Colossians and also the passage in question, but also, it strikes at the heart of a human quality: The conscience is ruled by authorities of some kind (Laws) which are powerful human motivators – even “dictator-like”. We know that it is near impossible to move people to go against their conscience – even if they know that what you require is good.
This is the very problem which Paul was constantly fighting against: consciences still under the power and authority of the Law. Colossians is about this issue, is it not?
We do know that the law kills. But how? How can a list of rules have any power– other than by what one submits themselves to?
In other words, Jesus demolishes the power of the law through becoming a new authority through redemption – that is, being their “head” through the law of the Spirit – achieved through his death and resurrection. Is this correct?
Then the Law can only find its death within the conscience through the redeemed.
If the rulers referred to in Col. 2:15 are indeed angelic beings, it may be that the condemnation that the law produces gives them power. And thus, by liberating the conscience, these beings are stripped of their power to condemn as well as rule.
All that to say: I don’t believe we should extricate this verse out of context, and then form a theology from it. We find ourselves wandering too far from the implications of “Law”, and too focused on demonology – as if demons themselves are our biggest problem.
Just some rambling thoughts for now…..
Diane
