2:14 the devil. The devil has “the power of death” in the sense that through his primeval lie (continuing today in many forms of humanism and anti-theism), he tempted Adam to bring sin into the world, and therefore death into the world (Romans 5:12). Though he would seek to impose physical death on the whole human race if he could, he can only bring about a particular death when God allows it, for some greater purpose (note Job 2:4-6; I Corinthians 5:5).

2:15 deliver them. Even though Satan may have thought he had gained victory over God when God’s Son died on the cross, that very death assured his ultimate destruction (note Colossians 2:14,15; Revelation 1:18).

2:15 fear of death. The redeemed child of God no longer need fear death, for to him “to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21; see also Philippians 1:23; I Thessalonians 4:13).

2:15 to bondage. This pertains to our deliverance from spiritual bondage. See also Romans 7:23-25; 8:15.