How does Ephesians 1:23 connect with Colossians 1:18 about Christ's supremacy? Ephesians 1:23 — Christ Fills His Body “which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” Colossians 1:18 — Christ Leads His Body “He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and firstborn from among the dead, so that in all things He may have the supremacy.” Head and Body Imagery • Christ = Head (Colossians 1:18) • Church = Body (Ephesians 1:23; Colossians 1:18) • Head supplies life, direction, authority; body expresses the head’s will (Ephesians 4:15-16; 1 Corinthians 12:27) Christ’s Fullness in Ephesians 1:23 • “Fullness” (Gk. plērōma) highlights completeness—everything God is and does is embodied in Christ (Colossians 2:9) • “Fills all in all” shows unlimited reach: He permeates every realm (Ephesians 4:10; Hebrews 1:3) • The church shares that fullness by union with Him (John 1:16; 2 Peter 1:4) Christ’s Supremacy in Colossians 1:18 • “Firstborn from the dead” marks His victory and priority (Revelation 1:5) • Purpose clause: “so that in all things He may have the supremacy” — absolute preeminence over creation, redemption, and the church (Colossians 1:15-17) • Headship underscores authority: the body exists to carry out the Head’s will (Matthew 28:18-20) Bringing the Two Passages Together 1. Same relationship, different angles – Ephesians: focuses on Christ filling the body with His life and power – Colossians: focuses on Christ ruling the body with His royal authority 2. Supremacy expressed through fullness – Because He “fills all,” He is supreme in all – Because He is “supreme in all,” He alone can fill all 3. Practical unity – The Head supplies everything the body needs (Ephesians 4:15-16) – The Body displays the Head’s supremacy to the world (1 Peter 2:9) Living Out Christ’s Supremacy as His Body • Depend on His fullness—seek strength, wisdom, and love directly from Him (John 15:5) • Submit to His headship—align beliefs and actions with His Word (Colossians 3:17) • Display His glory—let His character and power be visible in relationships, service, and witness (2 Corinthians 4:7; Ephesians 3:10) The two verses together paint one portrait: Christ, the exalted Head, fills His church with Himself so that His unrivaled supremacy is seen and experienced everywhere. |
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