Colossians 1:13-14
13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.
The word “delivered” as used in vs. 13 translates the Greek word “rhuomai” which means to deliver by drawing to oneself. It refers to a rescue in which the rescued is taken away from bondage TO his deliverer. Hence, Paul says “… FROM the power of darkness and CONVEYED US INTO the kingdom of the Son of His love.” He explains salvation as a deliverance from the authority of darkness and it ends with us being in the Kingdom of Christ (“the Son of His love”).
Observe the next verse
14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.
The word “redemption” translates the Greek word “apolutrosis.” It means to buy back from, to repurchase what was previously lost. The prefix “apo” implies a “safety margin” from what previously held bound. The word “redemption” implies that a price was made to effect a release. Paul tells us that price — “in whom we have redemption THROUGH HIS BLOOD” (note that the NU-Text and M-Text omit “through His blood”). The blood is the price paid. Paul further calls this “the forgiveness of sins.”
The word “forgiveness” as used here translates the Greek word “aphesis.” It means “a release, to let a prisoner go.” The same word is used in Luke 4:18 — “to set at liberty.” So forgiveness is a release.
“Of” is an open word in the Greek, so it may be replaced with the word “from.” This fits better within the context from vs. 13 which speaks of a deliverance. Hence, forgiveness is a release FROM sin and its consequence — death. This is what we have in Christ! (see Rom. 6:18, 22, 8:2).
© Josh Banks Ministries. 2020.
