What is an overview of how different denominations interpret Colossians 1:15 - that Jesus is "the firstborn of all creation"?
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Jesus is called *the firstborn* multiple times.
In Colossians 1:15-20 (ESV):
> 15 He is the image of the invisible God, **the firstborn of all creation**. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, **the firstborn from the dead**, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
In Hebrews 1:6 (ESV):
> 6 And again, **when he brings the firstborn into the world**, he says, “Let all God's angels worship him.”
And in Romans 8:29 (ESV):
> 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of **his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn** among many brothers.
As we can see, the concept of firstborn is used to describe Jesus multiple times and in different contexts, so it wouldn't surprise me if the word has a wide semantic range. However, for the purposes of this question, I want to focus on the specific meaning in the context of Colossians 1:15: *"He is the image of the invisible God, **the firstborn of all creation**"*.
What is an overview of how different Christian denominations interpret Colossians 1:15? What is meant by Jesus being *the firstborn of all creation*, according to different branches of Christianity? Is this a controversial passage? Do most Christians agree on the meaning?
Asked by user50422
Jun 1, 2021, 08:01 AM
Last activity: Jun 5, 2021, 01:50 PM
Last activity: Jun 5, 2021, 01:50 PM