2:14 flesh and blood. This is an idiomatic way of saying “human.” The same Greek phrase is seen at Matt. 16:17; 1 Cor. 15:50; Gal. 1:16; Eph. 6:12; it may emphasize the limitations of the human condition.

partook of the same things. That is, the same humanity, a phrase stressing the completeness of the Son’s incarnation. In order for Christ to triumph over death and the devil by enduring God’s judgment upon sinners, it was necessary for Him to share their “flesh and blood” nature.

the one who has the power of death. Having tempted humanity to sin, the devil then acts as an accuser (Rev. 12:10), demanding that a just punishment be exacted; and “the wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23; cf. 1 Cor. 15:56). The devil’s power to kill is destroyed only when our sin has been punished—in Christ’s death. Then his accusations have no ground (Col. 2:14, 15).