The first chapter of Colossians refers to Christ as the firstborn over all creations. However, Paul did not necessarily mean that Jesus is the first creation of God. Firstborn can mean a lot of things depending on the context. In Greek, firstborn could be either a person or something that is first in order of time. Such could be a firstborn child or a preeminent person in rank. 1 It also could mean a person that is both the firstborn child and preeminent in rank. Therefore, according to Greek. Firstborn depends on the context. Biblically, David is referred to as the firstborn despite him being the youngest Son. In Psalm 89: 27, David is described as the firstborn, "I will also appoint him my firstborn, the most exalted of the kings of the earth." From this context, firstborn meant preeminence in rank. David was preeminent among the rulers of Israel. David was the youngest Son of his household, and therefore the idea of firstborn among the kings of Israel was about preeminence.
Colossians' book refers to Christ as a firstborn not because he was the first to be created but since He is preeminent over all creation. Colossians 1:16, 17 refers to Christ as the creator of the things found in heaven and on earth. 2 He created the thrones, powers, and rulers. Therefore, Jesus' ability and power to make things mean that He was the preeminence of all creation. 3 Revelation 1:5 refers to Jesus Christ as the firstborn from the death and the ruler of the earth's kings. In this context, Jesus was called the firstborn because He was the first to arise from the dead and never to die again, and now he is preeminent over dead. Being the first to come back from dead and never to dye again and His power over death makes him called the firstborn of all creation.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Bibliography
KJV. " KIngs james Version: Colossians1: 16, 17 ; Revelation 1: 5 ." n.d.
White, James. "PROTOTOKOS (“Firstborn”): Its Meaning and Usage In the New Testament." Author Archive for: DrOakley , 2016.
Wilson, Alistair I. "What Does It Mean That Christ Is the Firstborn of All Creation? (Colossians 1)." 2020.
Response to Michael Knox II
Great post, Michael! It was interesting reading your post as trace the meaning of firstborn back to the Old Testament. As you have highlighted, firstborn has been a common phrase in Old Testament and did not necessarily mean the first of creation. It used to mean some of rank and power. For example, David and Reuben both are firstborns because they were preeminent. This can relate directly to why Paul referred to Christ as Firstborn. That is because He is the most exalted in rank in the universe. It was also thoughtful for you to link firstborn with God's love. Israel obtained favour from God because he loved them and called them His firstborn Son. Jesus was also God's beloved Son, and therefore he was referred to as the firstborn. That was a great post!
Response to Fredrick Dearman Post
Great post, Frederick! You have shown why Jesus is called the firstborn of all creation. You have highlighted that firstborn does not mean being created first since from the context, Jesus was not the first to be created, and in fact, he was never created. It is through Him that thing was created that means Jesus has power over all creation. This brings about the concept of the firstborn being preeminent over everyone else. Therefore, although Jesus was not created, He ranks top of all the creation and therefore, he becomes the firstborn of the creation. Great post!
