Firstborn – Colossians 1:15
“Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature” (Colossians 1:15).
Firstborn is “prōtotokos” in Greek. In Matthew 1:25 and Luke 2:7, prōtotokos is used of Christ as the firstborn of Mary. In Hebrews 11:28, the word is used of the firstborn of Egypt who perished in the plagues. In Hebrews 12:23, the word describes the members of the “church of the firstborn.” In the remaining references (Romans 8:29; Colossians 1:15, 18; Hebrews 1:6; Revelation 1:5) the word firstborn prōtotokos is applied to Christ.
There has been much debate as to the meaning of prōtotokos in Colossians 1:15. The early Church Fathers applied the phrase to Christ as the eternal Son of God. The Arians used this verse to show that Christ Himself was a created being. But such an interpretation contradicts all what was revealed in the Scriptures (John 1). Therefore, this passage should be understood in a way that brings it perfectly in line with the general teaching of Scripture. For this complies with sound principles of scriptural exegesis.
In Hebrews 1:6, prōtotokos clearly points to the incarnation, and some have tried to make the same application in Colossians 1:15. Others believe that, in Colossians, Paul is pointing to the resurrection (Acts 13:33). However, neither interpretation fits the context, for Christ is here presented as the Creator (Colossians 1:16), and as preceding creation (John 1:1–3, 14).
So, the best explanation, therefore, is to regard prōtotokos as a figurative expression describing Jesus Christ as first in rank, the figure understood as originating from the dignity and office held by the firstborn in a human family, or the firstborn in a royal family. Thus, the intended meaning is that Christ’s position is unique, authoritative, and absolute.
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