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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comVincent Word Studies - Colossians 1:15 - 1:15
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
The image (εἰκών)
See on Rev 13:14. For the Logos (Word) underlying the passage, see on Joh 1:1. Image is more than likeness which may be superficial and incidental. It implies a prototype, and embodies the essential verity of its prototype. Compare in the form of God, Phi 2:6 (note), and the effulgence of the Father's glory, Heb 1:3. Also 1Jo 1:1.
Of the invisible God (τοῦ Θεοῦ τοῦ ἀοράτου)
Lit., of the God, the invisible. Thus is brought out the idea of manifestation which lies in image. See on Rev 13:14.
The first born of every creature (πρωτότοκος πασῆς κτίσεως)
Rev., the first-born of all creation. For first-born, see on Rev 1:5; for creation, see on 2Co 5:17. As image points to revelation, so first-born points to eternal preexistence. Even the Rev. is a little ambiguous, for we must carefully avoid any suggestion that Christ was the first of created things, which is contradicted by the following words: in Him were all things created. The true sense is, born before the creation. Compare before all things, Col 1:17. This fact of priority implies sovereignty. He is exalted above all thrones, etc., and all things are unto (εἰς) Him, as they are elsewhere declared to be unto God. Compare Psa 89:27; Heb 1:2.