Der gekreuzigte Schuldschein: Ein Aspekt der Deutung des Todes Jesu im Kolosserbrief

Abstract

In Col 2.14, the metaphor of the remission of debts appears to be somewhat unmotivated. Because of the reference to the cross in 2.14b, it is hard to understand. The article shows that the verse applies a common profane motif to Christology. In light of the ancient practice of debt register and discharge of debts, the unusual metaphor becomes more plausible. Given the background of the ancient practice of debt discharging, Col 2.14 interprets the death of Jesus as a deputy death, by which God grants universal discharge of sins, which is being applied to every human through baptism.