For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things were created through him and for him. Colossians 1:15 NABRE
Paul and Timothy are writing to the community who meet at Philemon’s house in Colossae. Paul does not know most of the followers in this community as it was founded by his disciple Epaphras. They are writing because the community, which is robust, is being threatened by a philosophy that is a mix of Jewish, pagan folk and Christian religion. While there is some interest for this new brand of religion it seems to be a mostly external distraction and possible threat. The quoted verse is rich in meaning, the section begins comparing Jesus to God, Christ is the image of God and so when we see Jesus we see God. He is the firstborn and so inherits the entire universe as well as being the first to rise from the dead and so is the capstone of the new creation. We read everything is created through Christ, things in heaven and earth, the totality of existence. All things visible and invisible. Paul is distinguishing between visible entities, everything we can see touch, etc. and spiritual entities, things we cannot see but exists in the universe. Thrones, dominions, principalities or powers refers to the invisible things, for instance, angels whether good or bad, Christ is seated as ruler of them all. The opening statement is reiterated, Christ is the one through whom all things were created and they were created for Him. All creation is the Father’s gift to the Son.
Some call this the Cosmic Christ, He is universal. Christ is the means to everything, we should know and follow Him.
Do you have an image of Christ in your heart? Do you seek to know Him?
Christ is the one through whom all things were created and they were created for Him. All creation is the Father's gift to the Son.We should know and follow Him. Click To Tweet#bible’#godisgreat #jesus #christianity #dailybibleverse @youversion #BeAnEncourager #Christ #new #Paul #everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood #dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse #verseoftheday #pray #prayer #goodnews #loveeachother #godisgreat #thisVineyard #youversion #everythingalways