a compelling irony

A literal translation of Colossians 2:14,15 reads like this:
Wiping out the (against us)handwriting in ordinances which was contrary to us,and has taken it out of the way, nailing it to the cross putting off the rulers and authorities he exposed them with openness triumphing over them in it.

The institutionalized religion of Jerusalem and institutionalized government of Rome, at their most illustrious conspired together to undress this Jesus of Nazareth and hang him out in open shame...but actually it was the "rulers" and the "authorities" who were being exposed as inept. The judgment of God has been manifest against "the church" and "the state". They shall not go forward into the Kingdom of God.

Keep reading Colossians without being defrauded the prize of Jesus.