What Does It MeanThat

Jesus Is The ‘Firstborn’ Over Creation?

The title “firstborn” is used in various contexts throughout the Bible, and when applied to Jesus, it carries deep theological significance. In Colossians 1:15, Paul refers to Jesus as the “firstborn over all creation” (NIV), and this concept has sparked significant discussion among theologians, scholars, and Christians throughout history. But what exactly does it mean that Jesus is the “firstborn over creation”?

To understand this phrase, we need to explore its biblical, historical, and theological contexts. We will break down this idea into key aspects, offering a comprehensive understanding of Jesus as the firstborn.

1. Biblical Meaning of ‘Firstborn’

The term “firstborn” in biblical times had two primary meanings:

a. Literal Firstborn in a Family

In ancient Jewish culture, the firstborn son had significant privileges and responsibilities. The firstborn was considered the heir to the family’s estate and had a special place of honor within the family. This position was associated with authority, inheritance, and leadership.

• Exodus 13:2: God instructs the Israelites to consecrate the firstborn, as they belonged to Him.
• Psalm 89:27: God declares that He will make David His “firstborn,” elevating him above all kings of the earth. This gives a sense of special favor and leadership.

Thus, the term “firstborn” denotes a position of honor and authority. This cultural understanding is important for grasping the deeper significance of Jesus being described as the “firstborn over all creation.”

b. Firstborn as Preeminence or Priority

The term “firstborn” can also indicate preeminence or priority in terms of rank or importance, rather than simply birth order. This is crucial in understanding what Paul means when he calls Jesus the “firstborn” over creation. The “firstborn” represents the one who has the highest status and supremacy in relation to others.

• Psalm 89:27 (again) speaks of God’s favor on David, not merely because of his birth order but because of his special role and elevated position.
• Romans 8:29 describes Jesus as the “firstborn among many brothers,” meaning He is the preeminent one, the leader of God’s family.

In this way, “firstborn” conveys rank and supremacy.

2. What Does It Mean That Jesus Is the ‘Firstborn’ Over Creation?

When Paul refers to Jesus as the “firstborn over all creation” (Colossians 1:15), he is not implying that Jesus is a created being, as some have wrongly interpreted. Rather, Paul is highlighting Jesus’ preeminent role and supreme authority over all things.

a. Jesus is Preeminent Over Creation, Not a Created Being

One of the primary misunderstandings of this verse comes from assuming that “firstborn” means Jesus was the first being created. However, this would contradict the broader teaching of the New Testament, which consistently affirms that Jesus is eternal and not a created being.

• John 1:1-3: Jesus, the Word, was with God from the beginning and was God. “Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.”
• Revelation 3:14: Jesus is called the “Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation,” emphasizing His authority over creation.
• Hebrews 1:10: “In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.” This verse clearly indicates that Jesus, as the Son, is involved in the creation of the universe, further affirming His eternal nature and authority.

Thus, being the “firstborn over creation” does not mean that Jesus was the first thing God created. Instead, it affirms that He is the supreme ruler over creation, having the highest rank and preeminence over everything in the universe.

b. Jesus is the Creator of All Things

The title “firstborn” also emphasizes Jesus’ active role in creation. The phrase “firstborn over all creation” underscores that Jesus is not only the preeminent one but also the one who created everything. In Colossians 1:16, Paul elaborates:

• Colossians 1:16:
  “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.”

This means that Jesus, as the “firstborn,” is the agent of creation, through whom the universe came into being. By using the term “firstborn,” Paul highlights Jesus’ priority and sovereignty over all created things, affirming His role as the Creator.

c. Theological Significance: Jesus’ Preeminence Over the Church

In Colossians 1:18, Paul continues his thought by saying that Jesus is the head of the body, the church—again affirming His preeminence. The “firstborn” title emphasizes Jesus’ supremacy not only over creation but also over the church as its head. Just as the firstborn son in a family inherits leadership and authority, Jesus holds the supreme position as the head of the church, leading and guiding His people.

• Colossians 1:18:
  “And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.”

This reinforces the idea that Jesus is the ultimate authority in all matters, both in creation and in the life of the church. His resurrection is described as His role as the firstborn from the dead, establishing His ultimate victory over death and His preeminence in the new creation.

d. The Firstborn as the One Who Inherits the Promises

In the Old Testament, the firstborn son was the one who inherited the father’s estate and promises. By calling Jesus the “firstborn,” Paul is also signifying that Jesus inherits all the promises of God and, as the firstborn, He has the right to rule over everything.

• Hebrews 1:2:
  “But 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.”

Jesus, as the “firstborn,” inherits all that belongs to the Father. He is the rightful heir of God’s creation, holding authority over all things and having the right to rule and reign.

3. The Fullness of God Dwells in Jesus

In Colossians 1:19, Paul makes it clear that the fullness of God dwells in Jesus. The “firstborn” title is tied to the reality that Jesus is the exact representation of God. This concept is important in understanding Jesus’ role in creation and His relationship with God the Father.

• Colossians 1:19:
  “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him.”

Jesus is the full expression of God’s nature, not a created being or a lesser god, but the fullness of God manifested in human form. As the “firstborn,” Jesus is the perfect representation of God in all His glory.

4. Jesus and the New Creation

Finally, Jesus as the “firstborn” also points to the new creation. The resurrection of Jesus, where He is called the “firstborn from the dead,” signifies that He is the beginning of God’s new creation.

• Romans 8:29:
  “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.”

Through His resurrection, Jesus becomes the firstborn of the new creation, the beginning of a restored world where humanity will be conformed to His image.

5. Conclusion: Jesus as the Firstborn Over Creation

To summarize, when Paul calls Jesus the “firstborn over all creation,” he is affirming that Jesus is the supreme, preeminent one, who holds the highest position in the universe. Jesus is not a created being; He is the Creator and the one who has authority over all things. The “firstborn” title emphasizes His unique relationship with the Father, His role in creation, and His role as the head of the church. It also points to Jesus’ inheritance of all things and His role as the firstborn of the new creation, where believers are invited to follow Him into the fullness of God’s redemptive plan.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does the title “firstborn” challenge our understanding of Jesus’ relationship to creation?
2. In what ways does calling Jesus the “firstborn” highlight His authority over the church and creation?
3. What does it mean that Jesus is not a created being, but rather the Creator Himself?
4. How does Jesus’ role as the “firstborn of the new creation” impact our understanding of the Christian hope?
5. What does Jesus’ inheritance of all things imply for believers today?

Meta Description:

What does it mean that Jesus is the “firstborn” over creation? Explore the theological significance of this title and how it affirms Jesus’ preeminence as the Creator and the head of the church.