Colossians 1:15-20 | Christ’s Preeminence

November 17, 2024



The verses we consider today are among the loftiest words of Christ ever penned. I consider them "trans-dispensational," being true for all times and ages.

Verse 15 -

Paul describes the Messiah as "the image of the invisible God," establishing key aspects of Christology. This phrase affirms that God has a Son who is distinct from the Father, yet fully represents Him. As Jesus said in John 14:9, "He that hath seen me hath seen the Father." This concept is further supported by Hebrews 1:3, which describes Christ as "the express image of his person."

While Jesus is described as the "image of God," this passage affirms His divine nature and worthiness of worship. The comparison with Adam, also created in God's image, raises questions about Jesus' nature. However, Jesus' unique status as both fully God and fully man (incarnation) is central to Christian theology. While Jesus is indeed human, concluding He is not God would contradict this passage and other biblical texts that affirm His divinity.

Verse 15 describes Jesus as the "firstborn of every creature," which has been subject to debate. While some interpret "firstborn" chronologically, suggesting Jesus was created first, it's important to understand its broader meaning. In Scripture, "firstborn" often denotes preeminence or special status rather than chronological order. This interpretation aligns with other biblical passages affirming Christ's eternal nature and role in creation, such as John 1:1-3 and Revelation 1:8. Understanding "firstborn" as signifying Christ's supremacy over creation resolves apparent contradictions and reinforces His divine nature.

Verse 16 -

Paul continues to answer the question of why Jesus holds the status of preeminence as the "firstborn" in verse 16. The preeminence of Jesus is solidified by the fact that He is the Creator of all things in all realms. Paul states that not only did He create everything, but everything was created "for Him." This signifies that the ultimate purpose of all creation is to glorify and serve Jesus. Regardless of one's understanding or interpretation of the Trinity, the point remains: if you are a created being, you have been created by Jesus and for Jesus. Therefore, it is befitting and necessary to worship Jesus.

Verse 17 -

Paul clarifies Christ's "firstborn" status by stating He is "before" all things. The Greek word πρὸ [pro] used here can indicate both chronological order and rank. For example, in Matthew 5:12, it's used chronologically to refer to prophets who came earlier in time. In James 5:12, it denotes rank, emphasizing the importance of honest communication. Thus, when Paul says Christ is "before" all things, he's affirming both Christ's pre-existence and His supreme authority over creation. Thus, when Paul states that Christ is "before" all things, he is not only acknowledging the pre-existence of Christ before all creation, but also affirming the supreme authority and rank of Christ over all creation.

Paul concludes verse 17 by stating, "And by Him all things consist." The Greek word συνίστημι [sunhistami] implies "standing together," indicating that Jesus is both creator and sustainer of the universe. This concept suggests that Christ's role extends beyond initial creation to actively maintaining the universe's existence and order. While not empirically provable, this interpretation aligns with the idea of a finely-tuned universe and emphasizes Christ's ongoing, intimate involvement in creation rather than depicting Him as a distant, detached Creator.

Verse 18 -

Paul explains that Jesus is "the head" of "the body," which symbolizes the church. This emphasizes Christ's leadership over all believers. Paul then refers to Jesus as "the beginning," further highlighting His preeminence. While some might interpret this chronologically, it's more consistent with other scriptures to understand it as a statement of Christ's supreme authority. Regardless of one's interpretation of Jesus' nature, the key point remains: all creation exists in and for Christ, warranting our worship.

Verse 18 refers to Jesus as "the firstborn from the dead," further emphasizing His preeminence rather than chronology. Despite not being the first to die or be resurrected, Jesus holds supreme authority over both life and death. This interpretation aligns with Romans 14:9, which describes Jesus as "Lord both of the dead and living," highlighting His authority over all realms.

Paul concludes, as we have been arguing, that Jesus has preeminence in all things.

Verse 19 -

Verse 19 in many Bible versions, including KJV, uses "it pleased [the Father]," suggesting the Father's decision for "all fullness" to dwell in Jesus. However, the original Greek indicates "all fullness" as the subject and "was pleased" as the verb. This means the verse describes a state of "all fullness" rather than the Father's action. A more accurate interpretation might be: "All fullness was pleased to dwell in Jesus," reflecting that God's entire nature dwells in Christ. This eternal arrangement aligns with the biblical affirmation of Jesus' full divinity, rather than suggesting a point in time when the Father decided to place His fullness in Jesus.

Implications of the Colossian Christology

Discussions on Trinitarian doctrine can become entangled in complex theological interpretations. While the nuances of this doctrine may be challenging to definitively prove from scripture alone, the key focus of this passage and other Christological texts is Jesus' preeminence, which is consistently affirmed throughout the Bible.

Rather than getting bogged down in defending intricate Trinitarian concepts, we should emphasize Christ's supreme authority and position. This approach aligns with scripture and keeps the focus on the Bible's central message: the person and work of Christ.

By highlighting Christ's preeminence, we can steer conversations toward this essential truth, avoiding theological minutiae and maintaining our focus on Christ's paramount importance.