Colossians 1:15-23

Scripture Colossians 1:15-23

¹⁵ He [Jesus] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. ¹⁶ For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. ¹⁷ And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. ¹⁸ And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. ¹⁹ For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, ²⁰ and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

²¹ And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, ²² he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, ²³ if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister. ^[1]

Devotion

            The next section of Colossians is a poem/hymn to God. It divides into two parts. “This section divides into two parts, each with its own theme: Christ is mediator of creation, victor over the powers, and Lord over all of God’s created order (1:15–17); and Christ is also Lord over God’s new order, the church, where one finds reconciliation (1:18–20).”[2] These praises to God are very much in keeping with the overall theme of the letter. Showing that every part of the universe is touched by Christ’s redeeming work.

            “The image of the invisible God. The poem begins by affirming that Christ is “the image of the invisible God” (see 2 Cor. 4:4; Phil. 2:6; Heb. 1:3).”³ Christ shows us what our invisible creator God is like in the flesh. Although we can see the creator God’s handiwork in all creation. Jesus gave us a flesh and blood representation of God. “In Christ we see who God is—Creator and Redeemer; what God is like—a God of mercy and love; and what God does—one who sends his Son to rescue people from the dominion of darkness and brings about the reconciliation of all creation through his death on a cross.”

In Christ we see who God is—Creator and Redeemer; what God is like—a God of mercy and love; and what God does—one who sends his Son to rescue people from the dominion of darkness and brings about the reconciliation of all creation through his death on a cross.”⁴

                Although all humans are made in the image of God. Christ gives us the exact unfallen image of the creator God. From his virgin birth to his death and resurrection and ascension to be with the Father. Jesus is the perfect representation of God in every way possible,[3]

                “Christ is also acclaimed as “the firstborn over all creation.”⁵ Although typically meaning the first born in a family, Paul uses it in a different sense. Paul is using it in an Old Testament sense of sovereignty or divine election. “In Christ we see who God is—Creator and Redeemer; what God is like—a God of mercy and love; and what God does—one who sends his Son to rescue people from the dominion of darkness and brings about the reconciliation of all creation through his death on a cross.”⁶

                Paul states that Christ reigns over all powers and dominion in heavenly places and on earth. Reconciling them to God by the blood of the cross.

            This ends the poem/hymn. Paul goes on to demonstrate although humanity was separated from God by hostile and sinful acts. Through Christ God has reconciled sinful humanity to himself. So that he might present us to the Father as a pure and holy people by the blood of the cross and the power of the resurrection.

            Finally, Paul urges the Colossians to be steadfast in the gospel which he has proclaimed and not to fall for any of the false gospels that were beginning to float around. That they may be holy and pure before God on that day of judgement.

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^[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Col 1:15–23.

[2] Garland, David E.. Colossians, Philemon (The NIV Application Commentary Book 12) (p. 81). Zondervan Academic. Kindle Edition.
³Garland David E Colossians, Philemon (The NIV Application Commentary Book 12) (p. 82) Zondervan Academic. Kindle Edition.

⁴ Garland, David E.. Colossians, Philemon (The NIV Application Commentary Book 12) (p. 87). Zondervan Academic. Kindle Edition.

[3]^{Garland, David E.. Colossians, Philemon (The NIV Application Commentary Book 12) (p. 87). Zondervan Academic. Kindle E 5}Garland, David E.. Colossians, Philemon (The NIV Application Commentary Book 12) (p. 87). Zondervan Academic. Kindle Edition.