PRINCIPALITIES
(gr. «archai»: «principles»). It is used of the position of those who have the first place as rulers among men (Tit. 3:1, “rulers”). However, this term is used in a special way to denote the spiritual powers of the invisible world, whether good or evil (see ANGEL).
They were created by the Lord, and He is the head of them all (Col. 1:16; 2:10). Some fell from the position of trust assigned to them: they did not keep their first state or principality (Jude 6). Others fight against the heavenly position of the saints (Eph. 6:12).
The Lord “disarmed” the principalities on the cross (Col. 2:16), and in the resurrection he was exalted by God infinitely above all these created powers (Eph. 1:21; 3:10).