Colossians 1:15 – If Christ is “the firstborn of all creation,” doesn’t that imply he had a beginning, contradicting the claim of his eternal nature?

Colossians 1:15—Exploring the Expression “Firstborn of All Creation”

1. The Phrase in Question

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.” (Colossians 1:15). The phrase “firstborn of all creation” sometimes raises the question: Does it mean the Son had a literal beginning, suggesting He is not eternal? The following sections address this question by examining the original language, scriptural usage, and wider biblical context.

2. Common Misunderstandings of “Firstborn”

In everyday language, “firstborn” can suggest being the oldest child in a family. However, in biblical contexts, “firstborn” often carries nuances of rank, inheritance, and sovereignty rather than indicating the earliest point in time. For example, in Psalm 89:27, God refers to King David this way: “I will indeed appoint him as My firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth.” David was not the first king in history, nor was he the eldest child in his family; rather, “firstborn” here underscores a position of preeminence or supremacy.

3. Examining the Greek Term “Prototokos”

The underlying Greek term in Colossians 1:15 is “prototokos.” While this can literally mean “firstborn” in some contexts (e.g., Luke 2:7 describing Mary’s firstborn son), in broad usage it can convey supremacy, priority in rank, and an exalted position. When describing Christ, “prototokos” signifies His overarching sovereignty and primacy, not a created origin in time.

4. Scriptural Evidence for His Eternal Nature

Scripture provides numerous passages affirming the Son’s eternal existence:

• John 1:1–2: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.” The Word (the Son) is fully divine, existing with God before creation.

• John 8:58: “Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I tell you, before Abraham was born, I am!’” This statement aligns the Son’s identity with the eternal “I AM,” referencing Exodus 3:14 and emphasizing His existence prior to Abraham.

• Revelation 1:8 also points to the timeless, eternal nature of the Lord: “‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, who is and was and is to come—the Almighty.”

These passages speak of the Son as eternal, uncreated, and on equal footing with the Father, dispelling ideas of a created beginning.

5. The Emphasis on Preeminence

Continuing in Colossians, Paul highlights the Son’s unsurpassed authority:

• Colossians 1:16–17: “For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible… All things were created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” Creating all things places Christ outside and above creation itself. If He existed before all things and is responsible for their existence, He could not be part of the created order.

• Hebrews 1:2 likewise states the Son is “appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe,” again emphasizing His eternal status and creative power.

6. Clarifying “Firstborn” in Jewish and Early Christian Thought

From historical and theological perspectives:

• In Jewish culture, the firstborn son received a unique inheritance and leadership role (Deuteronomy 21:17). That status was not always tied to birth order but indicated position of honor. Jacob received firstborn benefits over Esau, though Esau was born first (Genesis 25:29–34), illustrating that “firstborn” is not strictly chronological.

• Early church writings consistently viewed Christ as uncreated and co-eternal with the Father. Writings from early Christian thinkers such as Ignatius of Antioch and Athanasius emphasize that the Son is fully God. The early ecumenical councils (e.g., Council of Nicaea, AD 325) officially recognized that Christ is “begotten, not made,” affirming His eternal nature.

7. Harmony with the Broader Teachings of Scripture

The New Testament consistently affirms both the full deity of Christ and the triune nature of God (Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14). Colossians 1:15 must be understood in the light of these broader teachings, revealing Christ’s exalted position as Lord over creation. The immediate context in Colossians 1:16–18 underscores His authority, not a limitation implying that He is a created being.

8. Conclusion—“Firstborn” as Preeminent and Eternal

Colossians 1:15’s phrase “the firstborn of all creation” underscores the singular supremacy and authority of the Son rather than indicating a temporal beginning. His eternal nature is consistently supported by numerous scriptural passages. When read in the broader context, this title powerfully proclaims the Son’s exalted rank over all creation. He is the uncreated Creator who holds all things together and shares in the eternal Being of God.

This conclusion remains consistent with the testimony of Scripture, church history, and the usage of the Greek term “prototokos,” revealing that Christ has neither a created origin nor a point of commencement. Instead, He reigns forever as the eternal, sovereign Lord, “the image of the invisible God,” upholding the universe and fulfilling the role as the preeminent One over all creation.