In the grand tapestry of Scripture, few passages so powerfully and comprehensively declare the absolute supremacy, deity, and preeminence of Jesus Christ as Colossians 1:15-17. These three verses are not merely theological statements—they are a hymn of worship, a declaration of truth, and a refutation of false teaching.
The Apostle Paul, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, unveils the glory of Christ in stunning, cosmic terms: Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the Creator of all things, and the One who sustains the entire universe. In an age where Jesus is often reduced to a moral teacher, a good example, or one path among many, Colossians 1:15-17 stands as a fortress of truth, proclaiming that Jesus Christ is Lord over all creation.
Whether you are a new believer seeking to understand who Jesus truly is, a seasoned Christian longing to deepen your worship, or someone exploring the claims of Christianity, this passage will take your breath away. Let us journey together through these magnificent verses and encounter the supremacy of Christ.
The Complete Scripture: Colossians 1:15-17 (NIV)
“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”
— Colossians 1:15-17 (NIV)
These verses form part of what many scholars call the “Christ Hymn” of Colossians (1:15-20), a passage that exalts Jesus as supreme over creation, the church, and redemption. Every phrase is loaded with theological depth and worship-worthy truth.
Historical Context: Paul’s Letter to the Colossian Church
Who Were the Colossians?
Colossae was a city in the Lycus Valley of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). The church there was likely founded during Paul’s ministry in Ephesus (Acts 19:10), possibly through Epaphras, a faithful coworker (Colossians 1:7; 4:12-13). Though Paul had never personally visited Colossae, he wrote this letter to address urgent concerns about false teaching infiltrating the congregation.
The Heresy Paul Was Addressing
The Colossian church faced a dangerous mix of heresies, often called the “Colossian Heresy,” which included:
- Jewish legalism – Insistence on circumcision and adherence to Old Testament ceremonial laws (Colossians 2:11, 16)
- Greek philosophy – Empty, worldly reasoning disconnected from Christ (Colossians 2:8)
- Angel worship – Venerating spiritual beings and devaluing Christ’s unique role (Colossians 2:18)
- Early Gnosticism – The belief that Jesus was merely one of many spiritual intermediaries, not fully God
In response, Paul writes this letter to reassert the absolute supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ. Colossians 1:15-17 is the theological foundation upon which Paul builds his entire argument: If Jesus is who this passage says He is, then He alone is worthy of worship, trust, and obedience.
Verse-by-Verse Breakdown: Unpacking the Supremacy of Christ
Verse 15a: “The image of the invisible God”
Greek: εἰκὼν τοῦ Θεοῦ τοῦ ἀοράτου (eikōn tou Theou tou aoratou)
The word “image” (eikōn) does not mean a copy or imitation; it means the exact representation, the perfect revelation. Just as a stamp leaves a perfect imprint in wax, Jesus is the perfect, visible manifestation of the invisible God (John 1:18; Hebrews 1:3).
What this means:
- God is spirit and cannot be seen with human eyes (John 4:24; 1 Timothy 6:16)
- Jesus is the full revelation of God in human form (John 14:9: “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father”)
- To know Jesus is to know God; to see Jesus is to see what God is like
This demolishes any claim that Jesus is less than fully divine. He is not a created being reflecting God’s glory—He is God Himself made visible (Colossians 2:9: “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form”).
Verse 15b: “The firstborn over all creation”
Greek: πρωτότοκος πάσης κτίσεως (prōtotokos pasēs ktiseōs)
This phrase has been tragically misunderstood and misused by groups like the Jehovah’s Witnesses, who claim it means Jesus was the first created being. This is completely false.
What “firstborn” actually means:
In Jewish culture, “firstborn” (prōtotokos) was a title of honor, rank, and preeminence, not necessarily chronological birth order. Consider:
- Israel is called God’s “firstborn” (Exodus 4:22), yet Israel was not the first nation created
- David is called God’s “firstborn, the most exalted of the kings” (Psalm 89:27), yet David was the youngest of Jesse’s sons
In Colossians 1:15, “firstborn over all creation” means Jesus has the supreme rank, authority, and sovereignty over all creation. He is not part of creation—He is the Lord and Heir of creation.
Paul immediately clarifies this in verse 16 by explaining that all things were created through Him, which would be impossible if He Himself were created.
Verse 16: “For in him all things were created”
Greek: ἐν αὐτῷ ἐκτίσθη τὰ πάντα (en autō ektisthē ta panta)
This verse is one of the most comprehensive declarations of Christ’s role as Creator in all of Scripture. Notice the details:
“All things were created” – Not some things, but everything that exists
“Things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible” – This includes:
- Material creation (planets, stars, mountains, oceans, animals, humans)
- Spiritual creation (angels, heavenly realms)
- Invisible powers (whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities)
“Whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities” – Paul specifically names spiritual hierarchies to refute the Colossian heresy. The false teachers were elevating angels and spiritual intermediaries, but Paul declares: Jesus created them all! They are His servants, not His equals.
“Through him and for him” – This reveals two critical truths:
- Through him (διὰ αὐτοῦ) – Jesus is the Agent of creation. God the Father created all things by the Word (John 1:1-3; Hebrews 1:2)
- For him (εἰς αὐτόν) – Jesus is the Purpose and Goal of creation. All things exist to bring Him glory (Romans 11:36; Revelation 4:11)
This aligns perfectly with Genesis 1:1 and John 1:1-3, establishing the full deity and eternal nature of Christ.
Verse 17: “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together”
Greek: καὶ αὐτός ἐστιν πρὸ πάντων καὶ τὰ πάντα ἐν αὐτῷ συνέστηκεν (kai autos estin pro pantōn kai ta panta en autō synestēken)
“He is before all things” – This declares Christ’s eternality and preexistence. Before time, matter, angels, or humans—Jesus existed. He is the eternal Son of God (John 8:58; Micah 5:2).
“In him all things hold together” – The Greek word συνέστηκεν (synestēken) means to cohere, to be held together, to be sustained. This is present tense, indicating continuous action.
What this means:
- Christ is the sustaining power of the universe (Hebrews 1:3: “sustaining all things by his powerful word”)
- Every atom, every molecule, every galaxy is held in its proper place by the word of Christ’s power
- If Jesus withdrew His sustaining hand for even a moment, all creation would collapse into chaos
This is not deism (God created and walked away). Jesus is actively, constantly upholding everything that exists.
Theological Implications: What This Passage Teaches Us About Jesus
Christ’s Full Deity
Colossians 1:15-17 leaves no room for doubt: Jesus is fully God. He is:
- The exact image of the invisible God
- The Creator of all things
- Before all things (eternal)
- The Sustainer of all things
Only God can create. Only God is eternal. Only God sustains the universe. Therefore, Jesus is God.
Christ as Creator, Not Created
This passage demolishes the heresies of Arianism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and any teaching that diminishes Christ. Jesus is not a created being, an angel, or a lesser god. He is the uncreated Creator, the eternal Word made flesh (John 1:14).
Christ’s Sustaining Power Over the Universe
Modern science tells us that the universe is held together by forces we barely understand (gravity, electromagnetism, strong and weak nuclear forces). But Scripture reveals the ultimate truth: Jesus Christ is the force holding all things together. This should fill us with awe, trust, and worship.
How Colossians 1:15-17 Confronts Modern Heresies
Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Misinterpretation of “Firstborn”
The Jehovah’s Witness organization teaches that Jesus is a created being, the first thing God made. They mistranslate John 1:1 and misinterpret “firstborn” in Colossians 1:15.
Biblical Response:
- “Firstborn” is a title of rank and preeminence, not chronological order
- Verse 16 explicitly states all things were created through Him, which means He cannot be part of creation
- Verse 17 says He is before all things, indicating His eternality
New Age Teachings That Diminish Christ
Many New Age philosophies reduce Jesus to “a great teacher,” “an enlightened master,” or “one of many paths to God.”
Biblical Response:
- Colossians 1:15-17 declares Jesus as the Creator of all things, including any spiritual beings or “masters”
- Jesus Himself claimed exclusivity: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6)
Cultural Relativism and the Exclusive Claims of Jesus
Modern culture often rejects the idea of absolute truth, claiming all religions are equally valid.
Biblical Response:
- If Jesus is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, He has the authority to define truth
- Worship, obedience, and salvation belong to Him alone (Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9-11)
The Supremacy of Christ in Our Daily Lives
Worship: He Alone is Worthy
When we grasp the truth of Colossians 1:15-17, worship becomes our natural response. How can we not bow before the One who created galaxies, holds atoms together, and became flesh to save us?
Practical Application:
- Begin each day with adoration and thanksgiving to Christ
- Sing hymns and songs that exalt His supremacy (e.g., “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name”)
- Declare His lordship over every area of your life
Trust: He Holds Everything Together
Are you facing chaos, uncertainty, or fear? Remember: the One who holds the universe together is holding you.
Practical Application:
- When anxious, meditate on Colossians 1:17: “In him all things hold together”
- Trust that the same power sustaining the cosmos is working in your life (Romans 8:28)
- Rest in His sovereignty, knowing nothing is out of His control
Mission: Proclaiming His Name Above All Names
If Jesus is supreme over all creation, He must be proclaimed to all creation (Mark 16:15).
Practical Application:
- Share the Gospel boldly, knowing there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12)
- Live a life that reflects His lordship in your work, relationships, and choices
- Support missions and evangelism efforts that declare the supremacy of Christ to the nations
Related Scriptures on Christ’s Supremacy
- John 1:1-3 – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.”
- Hebrews 1:2-3 – “In these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.”
- Philippians 2:9-11 – “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord.”
- Revelation 1:8 – “‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.'”
- 1 Corinthians 8:6 – “Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.”
Prayer of Adoration for Christ the King
Lord Jesus Christ, image of the invisible God,
I bow before You in awe and reverence. You are the Creator of all things—the galaxies declare Your glory, the mountains proclaim Your majesty, and every living creature sings of Your power.
You are before all things, eternal and unchanging. In You, all things hold together—the universe itself is sustained by Your mighty hand. Forgive me for the times I have forgotten Your supremacy, when I have lived as though You were optional, when I have sought fulfillment in created things rather than in You, the Creator.
You are the firstborn over all creation, the supreme Heir and Lord. Every throne, every power, every authority exists because You spoke them into being. Help me to live each day under Your lordship, surrendering every area of my life to Your perfect will.
Thank You for becoming flesh, for entering into Your creation to redeem me. Though You are exalted above all, You humbled Yourself to die for my sins. I worship You, Jesus. You alone are worthy.
In Your supreme and holy name I pray, Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does “firstborn” mean Jesus was created?
No. The Greek word prōtotokos (“firstborn”) is a title of rank, honor, and preeminence, not chronological birth order. In Jewish culture, “firstborn” signified the heir, the one with supreme authority. Colossians 1:16 makes it clear that all things were created through Jesus, meaning He cannot be part of creation. He is the sovereign Ruler over all creation, not a created being.
How does Colossians 1:15-17 prove Jesus is God?
This passage attributes to Jesus what only God can do:
- Only God is the Creator (Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 44:24), yet Colossians 1:16 says all things were created through Jesus
- Only God is eternal (Psalm 90:2), yet Colossians 1:17 says Jesus is before all things
- Only God sustains the universe (Nehemiah 9:6), yet Colossians 1:17 says in Jesus all things hold together
These truths, combined with Colossians 2:9 (“in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form”), definitively establish the full deity of Jesus Christ.
What does it mean that all things were created “through him and for him”?
“Through him” (Greek: dia autou) means Jesus is the Agent of creation. God the Father created the universe by the Word (Jesus), as John 1:3 confirms: “Through him all things were made.”
“For him” (Greek: eis auton) means Jesus is the Purpose and Goal of creation. Everything exists to bring Him glory. The universe was not made primarily for humanity’s benefit, but for Christ’s glory and pleasure (Revelation 4:11).
This is why worship is our highest calling—we were created to glorify Christ.
Conclusion: Bowing Before the Supreme Lord
Colossians 1:15-17 is not merely a theological statement—it is a summons to worship, a call to surrender, and an invitation to trust. Jesus Christ is not one option among many; He is the supreme Lord of the universe, the Creator and Sustainer of all things, the image of the invisible God.
In a world filled with competing voices, false teachings, and empty philosophies, this passage stands as an anchor of truth. Jesus is fully God, fully supreme, and fully worthy of our lives.
How will you respond?
- Will you worship Him as the King of kings?
- Will you trust Him as the One who holds all things together?
- Will you proclaim Him as the only name by which humanity can be saved?
May the supremacy of Christ captivate your heart, transform your mind, and compel you to live every moment for His glory.
All glory, honor, and praise to Jesus Christ, the Lord of all creation. Amen.