LifeWay Explore the Bible Series for Nov. 16_111003

Posted: 11/07/03

LifeWay Explore the Bible Series for Nov. 16

Christ has given new meaning to 'triumph'

Colossians 2:6-23

By John Duncan

Lakeside Baptist Church, Granbury

The theme of Christ's triumph is a basic belief for Christians. The Apostle Paul penned a letter to the church at Colossae, warning them of deceit and false teaching. He exhorted them to surrender their legalism. He further reminded them of the victory Christ purchased for them. This victory brought abundant life, forgiveness and a new life. Paul condensed his words by painting a word picture of Christ's triumph (2:15).

Triumph

The Greek word Paul used to describe Christ is “triumph” (2:15). The ancients sang a hymn in a procession to Dionysus, the Roman god of wine. We might liken this to a parade where the participants sing as they march. Later, the word referred to a triumphal procession of Roman generals who won military battles. The general defeated enemies in surrounding regions. The Roman army captured prisoners. They loaded the trophies and spoils of war in a caravan. Next, they marched to Rome. A victory celebration ensued.

As the general led his troops toward Rome, crowds gathered on the outskirts of town. The general led his men through the gates and into the streets of Rome. The general rolled into Rome on a two-wheeled chariot pulled by four horses. He glowed as he rode the chariot while dressed in purple and gold. He wore a crown of victory. The crown became a symbol of triumph. The general carried a laurel branch in his right hand and an eagle scepter in the left. These visible tokens were held high as a sign of conquest and power.

Soldiers followed behind displaying the spoils of victory. They arrogantly waved jewelry, trinkets, signs and silver for the onlookers to see. Liberated Romans, former prisoners of war, came next. Captured prisoners were led along as slaves. A pompous parade of dancers, a small group of singers and a jubilant crowd completed the procession.

The historian Josephus told of how Roman citizens decorated the city with garland laurels during a time of triumph. He further related how the Roman emperors and other military leaders of Rome marched in a triumph. The emperors were preceded by soldiers carrying the tokens of victory. Many of Titus' soldiers carried objects from the temple in their conquest of Jerusalem in 66 A.D.

The soldiers held high Jewish candelabras and the golden table. As they filed in front of jubilant Romans, they displayed the Laws of the Jews, scrolls of the Old Covenant. Following closely behind was one of the prizes of the victory in Jerusalem.

Simon the tyrant

This prize was a man named Simon (not Simon Peter). Josephus referred to him as Simon the tyrant, the son of Gioras. Simon had hidden many of his friends in a cave during the attack on Jerusalem. They stayed underground with food and provisions. When their supplies ran out, Simon emerged on the streets of Jerusalem wearing a white frock and a purple robe. He ended up, along with his friends, a captive in Roman hands. Simon was placed in bonds as a cherished prize of victory.

Simon the tyrant was pulled through Rome with a rope around his head. The bystanders mocked and humiliated him. The prize captive was then displayed in front of the temple of Jupiter Capitolinus in Rome. He was killed as a sacrifice of victory. Upon his death, the crowd shouted for joy. The victory was complete. A feast and celebration then ended the so-called triumph.

How is the triumph of Christ different from that of a Roman general?

Christ's triumph

Christ's triumph differs from a Roman triumph. The Romans came in the pomp and splendor of feast and celebration. Their arrogance not only filled their heads but was on parade to be viewed.

Christ, on the other hand, came in humility. He entered the streets of victory not on a glistening chariot but on a lowly donkey. And while the Roman symbol of triumph was a crown, Christ's symbol of triumph was a cross. Paul alluded to the cross of Christ's triumph in 2:14. Paul clearly saw the cross as the garland laurel symbolic of Christ's victory over sin and the law. In a sense, the cross became the chariot of victory.

The Roman generals repeated their marches of triumph periodically. They did this as new battles arose and as enemies were defeated. Paul declared Christ's triumph as final. There would be no occasion to march again.

Christ's triumph, as indicated by Paul, ends with a hint of gratitude. The only other place in the New Testament where the theme of Christ's triumph appears is 2 Corinthians 2:14. There Paul addressed the Corinthian church with its many troubles. He warned the church of deceit that comes by the sly hand of Satan. Paul reminded the believers of Christ's sacrifice. He wrote words of gratitude and triumph. Paul simplified the Christian response to Christ's triumph as joyful thanksgiving.

At Colossae, triumph meant God's people could be thankful they were complete in Christ (see 2:9-15). Gratitude flowed freely because sins were forgiven in the victorious Christ. Songs of thanksgiving reigned, as believers were no longer chained to the old law. They served Christ as he showed them a new covenant. Words of thanks touched the lips of believers because evil was defeated.

Question for discussion

What has Christ redefined in your life?