Colossians 1 Footnotes

PLUS

1:15-20 Most scholars regard this passage as Paul’s citation of an early Christian hymn. This presents no threat to the integrity of the biblical text since the inspired apostle cited it with wholehearted approval. In fact, if the passage is hymnic, it provides evidence of a high Christology commonly confessed by the early church.

1:15 Some groups denying Christ’s deity (e.g., Jehovah’s Witnesses) claim “firstborn” indicates Jesus was a created being. The context here, however, indicates “firstborn” is a metaphor for sovereignty or rank. It echoes a psalm of David: “I will also make him my firstborn, greatest of the kings of the earth” (Ps 89:27). Elsewhere, Israel is called God’s “firstborn” (Ex 4:22)—clearly not “first in a series.”

1:20 This passage does not teach universalism (all will be saved) but instead points forward to Messiah’s quelling all rebellion, bringing lasting peace to the universe. The reconciliation here entails a pacification of evil powers (as 2:15 makes clear).

1:24 This verse does not imply a deficiency in Christ’s atoning sacrifice on the cross. Behind it stands a Jewish and early Christian conviction of a predetermined amount of suffering to be endured by God’s people before the consummation of the age (see Rv 6:9-11). Paul saw his suffering on behalf of Christ as contributing to the sum total.