What is the meaning of Colossians 1:15? The Son Colossians 1:15 opens with the simple title, “The Son.” Scripture consistently identifies Jesus as the unique, divine Son of God. • Matthew 3:17 records the Father’s voice: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!” • John 3:16 underscores the Father’s gift of His “one and only Son,” showing both relationship and mission. • Acts 13:33 links Psalm 2 to Jesus, confirming that “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.” Calling Jesus “The Son” anchors the verse in His eternal relationship within the Godhead and prepares us to see how He perfectly reveals the Father. Is the image To say “The Son is the image” declares that He makes the unseen God visible. • Hebrews 1:3: “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature.” • John 14:9: “Whoever has seen Me has seen the Father.” • 2 Corinthians 4:4 refers to “the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” Jesus does not merely reflect God as a mirror might; He embodies God’s very nature. Looking to Christ, people saw—literally in His earthly life, and now through Scripture—the true character, power, and compassion of God. Of the invisible God God is “invisible” (1 Timothy 1:17), dwelling in unapproachable light (1 Timothy 6:16). Humanity cannot access Him by natural sight or human effort. • Exodus 33:20 reminds, “No one can see My face and live.” • Yet Colossians 2:9 affirms, “In Christ all the fullness of Deity dwells bodily.” In Jesus, the invisible becomes knowable. He bridges the gap, revealing the Father’s heart while remaining fully God Himself. The firstborn “Firstborn” speaks of rank and privilege rather than origin. In biblical usage, the firstborn holds preeminence. • Psalm 89:27 concerning David’s greater Son: “I will appoint him My firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth.” • Hebrews 1:6 refers to God bringing “His firstborn into the world,” commanding angels to worship Him, underscoring supremacy, not created status. • Romans 8:29 calls Jesus “the firstborn among many brothers,” highlighting His leading position in God’s family. Thus, Paul proclaims Christ’s authority, not suggesting He originated as part of creation. Over all creation Adding “over all creation” clarifies that Jesus stands sovereign above everything that exists. • The very next verse, Colossians 1:16, explains: “For in Him all things were created… all things have been created through Him and for Him.” • John 1:3 echoes: “Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made.” • Revelation 3:14 calls Him “the Originator of God’s creation,” affirming He is the source, not a product, of created order. Because He is first in rank and the agent of creation, all authorities—visible and invisible—owe allegiance to Him. summary Colossians 1:15 presents a sweeping portrait of Jesus: the eternal Son who perfectly reveals the invisible God, exalted as the rightful heir and ruler of everything He Himself created. In Him we not only see God’s face but also find the Lord of all things, worthy of worship, trust, and obedience. |
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