We will be breaking up this section of Colossians into 3 parts and then further breakdown and study the different sections and seek to do an exposition of the passage and then try to make application for the Colossian Christians and for us today.
The three sections will be as follows:
- Jesus Is the Lord of Creation (Col. 1:15-17)
- Jesus Is the Head of the Church (Col. 1:18)
- Jesus Is the Savior of the Cross (Col. 1:19-23)
Introduction to the Passage. Some of the commentators of this passage have concluded that we have an ancient hymn here in the passage. Concerning an introduction to the verses 15-20, David Jeremiah, in the notes of the “Jeremiah Study Bible,” writes:
“Whether this magnificent hymn is original to Paul, or he adapted it from the liturgy of the early church, it presents Jesus as Lord more clearly than any passage in the New Testament. Paul regards Jesus as the central figure in history—the Agent by whom all things were created and the preeminent Sustainer in whom all things consist or hold together (John 1:3; Heb. 1:2-3).”
As Paul expounds on the person and work of Christ, he confronts the heretical doctrines that were infecting the Colossian Church, as well as other places and locations. He attempts. To direct the thoughts of Christians toward the Savior who is worthy of their utmost devotion. Paul exalts Jesus as the One who desires and deserves their praise and deepest devotion. With Jesus as the centerpiece, this passage identifies three Christological truths, each with a corresponding application that will help us to position our lives under His Lordship.