The Bible for Regular People: ColossiansSample

Colossians 1

At one point or another in our lives, we are forced to confront our definition of Jesus as a person. We are not the first to have done this and won’t be the last. Although this is debated, Paul had clarity on who He understood Christ to be. We find evidence of this throughout our New Testament, but there are a few unique moments where Christ is clearly defined. One of the most significant descriptions is found right here in Colossians 1, where Paul gives us one of those power-packed, poetic definitions.

Many scholars suggest that Colossians 1:15-20 was a type of hymn sung by churches. In this poem, Paul describes Jesus as the firstborn of creation, the head of the body, the beginning, andeverything created through Him and for Him. He existed before all things, and in him, “all things hold together.”

Finding the best way to summarize this poem is hard, but one translation says Christ is “supreme.” Yet, this word still falls short. His supremacy cannot be likened to a brand or a ridiculously popular crunch wrap at Taco Bell. Yet here, it is Paul’s word of choice when describing Christ. The original word in Greek is πρωτεύω (próteuó), meaning “to have the first place.” Paul is making a lofty case that Jesus has the first place and is the only one worthy of it.

It is because of who Jesus is and His sacrifice on the cross that we can be reconciled to God. Because of Christ, we can be assured that we will spend eternity with Him. You can be sure that He is holding all things together in each situation, relationship, and suffering and hardship.

In light of who He is, it only makes sense that He should have the first place in your life today, in this moment, and each moment after. Ultimately, only Christ is able and worthy to fill that role, so live at peace and from a place of confidence, knowing that Christ is supreme in all things!

Reflection/Prayer

Use the guided prayer video below to reflect on today’s reading.