Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of being "disarmed" in the biblical context often refers to the spiritual realm, where Christ's victory over evil forces is emphasized. This theme is particularly evident in the New Testament, where the triumph of Jesus over sin, death, and demonic powers is highlighted.
Colossians 2:15 · "And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross." This verse is central to understanding the biblical notion of disarmament. Here, the Apostle Paul describes how Jesus, through His crucifixion and resurrection, stripped the spiritual rulers and authorities of their power. The imagery of making a "public spectacle" suggests a complete and humiliating defeat of these forces, akin to a victorious Roman general parading captives through the streets.
Ephesians 6:12 · While not using the term "disarmed," this passage provides context for the spiritual battle: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." The disarming of these forces by Christ is crucial for believers, as it assures them of victory in spiritual warfare.
Hebrews 2:14-15 · "Therefore, since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity, so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death." This passage underscores the disarmament of the devil, who wielded the power of death. Through His own death, Jesus rendered the devil powerless, liberating humanity from the bondage of fear.
Genesis 3:15 · The protoevangelium, or the first gospel, hints at the ultimate disarmament of Satan: "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; He will crush your head, and you will strike His heel." This prophecy foreshadows the defeat of the serpent, symbolizing Satan, by the Messiah. The crushing of the serpent's head signifies a decisive victory, rendering the enemy powerless.
Revelation 20:10 · The final disarmament and defeat of Satan is depicted in the eschatological vision: "And the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet are, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever." This ultimate judgment ensures that the disarmed forces of evil will never again threaten God's creation.
In the broader biblical narrative, the theme of disarmament is not limited to spiritual entities. The prophets often spoke of a future time of peace when weapons of war would be rendered obsolete. For instance,
Isaiah 2:4 envisions a time when nations "will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks." This prophetic vision aligns with the ultimate peace and restoration brought about by Christ's victory.
The disarmament of spiritual powers is a cornerstone of Christian theology, providing believers with the assurance of Christ's supremacy and the hope of eternal peace. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus has disarmed the forces of evil, ensuring that they no longer have dominion over those who are in Him.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
a.) Deprived of arms.
2. (a.) Deprived of claws, and teeth or beaks.
Greek
554. apekduomai -- to strip off from oneself... documented .]. Word Origin from apo and ekduo Definition to strip off from
oneself NASB Word Usage
disarmed (1), laid aside (1). disarm.
...Library
Intrigue Triumphant
... Nay,' said Eutyches, with the frank smile whichdisarmed opposition.... That boy knows
how to flatter,' said Phocas,disarmed. 'Well, you shall see my report.'....
October 18. "All Things are Naked and Open unto the Eyes of Him...
... figure is that of an athlete in the Coliseum who has fought his best in the arena,
and has at length fallen at the feet of his adversary,disarmed and broken...
Christ Triumphant
... And now, what means this expression of Christ dividing the spoil? I take it
that it means, first of all, that hedisarmed all his enemies....
Modesty, the Flower of Manners
... now not allowed either to be born, so corrupted are the seminal principles; or to
be trained, so deserted are studies; nor to be enforced, sodisarmed are the...
Choice Op Companions.
... How many women find themselvesdisarmed and powerless in important circumstances
of life, for having neglected in youth the training of the heart's affections!...
Excess in Dress, as Well as in Personal Culture, to be Shunned...
... grace of personal comeliness: so plain is it that if (the pomps) be wanting, they
render (that grace) bootless and thankless, as if it weredisarmed and wrecked...
The Sleeper.
... Death left his envenomed sting in the body of the great victim of Calvary.
It was thenceforwarddisarmed of its fearfulness! So...
Triumph Over Death and the Grave
... (Romans 8:37) . The whole power of the opposition against them is summed up in the
words sin' and death.' But these enemies are already weakened anddisarmed....
It was a Clear Morning and the Tenth Day Before the Kalends of...
... down. While Antipater struggled in his great robe the tribune haddisarmed
him. Every man of the cohort was now cheering. Antipater...
Vanished Hopes
... him, wrapping his tall figure in live cerements. He wasdisarmed and bleeding.
She saw next Amaryllis, with compassionate uplifted...
Thesaurus
Disarmed (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Deprived of arms. 2. (a.) Deprived of claws, and
teeth or beaks. Multi-Version Concordance
Disarmed (1 Occurrence).
...Disapproved (11 Occurrences)
Disarms (1 Occurrence)
Barak (14 Occurrences)
... caravan roads were in danger, traffic almost ceased; the cultivated country was
plundered (Judges 5:6, 7). The fighting men in Israel weredisarmed, a shield...
Resources
What are principalities and powers? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I achieve victory in Jesus? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is more important, the death of Christ or His resurrection? | GotQuestions.orgDisarmed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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