“In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:”
In whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins — 'In whom' (en hō, in Christ) grounds redemption. Apolytrōsis (redemption, liberation) is achieved through Christ. 'Forgiveness of sins' (aphesis tōn hamartōn, release from debts) specifies redemption's content. The emphasis on forgiveness anticipates the 'debt-canceling' language of 2:13-14. Redemption and forgiveness are Christ-realities, not human achievements.
Church Fathers on Colossians 1:14
“Who delivered us,” he says, “from the power of darkness.” The whole is of Him, the giving both of these things and those; for nowhere is any achievement of ours. “From the power of darkness,” he says, that is, of error, the dominion of the devil. He said not “darkness,” but “power”; for it had great power over us, and held us fast. For it is grievous indeed even to be under the devil at all, but to be so “with power,” this is far more grievous. “And translated us,” he says,…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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