The Supremacy of Christ – Colossians 1:15-20 Bible Study

"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 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. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 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. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross."

Introduction: Who is Jesus?

If you could describe Jesus in one word, what would it be? Savior? Lord? King?

In this passage, Paul exalts Christ above everything—creation, rulers, spiritual powers, and even the church. He answers a fundamental question that many get wrong: Who is Jesus?

At the time, false teachers were trying to minimize Christ’s authority by claiming He was just an angelic being or a lesser divine figure. Paul dismantles this lie by making one thing abundantly clear: Jesus is supreme over all.

If we don’t have a right view of Christ, our entire faith collapses. Is Jesus truly supreme in your life?

1. Jesus is the Image of God (v.15)

"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation."

• "Image" (εἰκών, eikōn) – This means exact representation, perfect likeness. Jesus is not a copy of God—He is God made visible.

• "Invisible God" – Scripture says no one has seen God (John 1:18). But in Christ, God is revealed fully.

• "Firstborn" (πρωτότοκος, prōtotokos) – This does not mean Jesus was created! In Jewish culture, firstborn was a title of rank, authority, and inheritance. Jesus is first in priority, authority, and position over all creation.

Verse Explanation:

Paul is making it undeniably clear that Jesus is God in the flesh. If we want to know who God is, we look at Jesus. If we want to know what God is like, we look at Jesus.

Reflection:

• Do you see Jesus as just a good teacher, or do you truly believe He is God?

• Is Christ your highest priority, or have you made something else first?

2. Jesus is the Creator & Sustainer of All Things (v.16-17)

"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. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."

• "By Him" – Jesus is not part of creation—He is the Creator! Everything exists because of Him.

• "Thrones, dominions, rulers, authorities" – This refers to spiritual and earthly powers. Even the most powerful forces in existence owe their existence to Christ.

• "Through Him and for Him" – Creation was not just made by Jesus—it was made for His glory.

• "In Him all things hold together" – Jesus is not only the Creator but the sustainer. If He stopped holding creation together, everything would collapse into chaos.

Verse Explanation:

Paul is making it clear that Jesus is not just some important spiritual figure. He is the reason the universe exists.

Heart Check:

• Do you live as though your life belongs to Christ, since you were created for Him?

• Are you trusting Him to hold things together, or are you trying to control everything yourself?

3. Jesus is the Head of the Church (v.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."

• "Head" (κεφαλή, kephalē) – This means authority, leader, source of life. Jesus is not just part of the church—He rules over it.

• "Firstborn from the dead" – Again, firstborn doesn’t mean first in time but first in rank. Jesus was the first to rise with a glorified body, proving His victory over death.

• "Preeminent" (πρωτεύω, prōteuō) – This means "to have first place." Jesus is not just important—He is above everything.

Verse Explanation:

If Jesus is the head of the church, then we are not in charge… He is.

Reflection:

• Is Jesus truly first in your life, or does He take second place?

• Do you live in submission to Christ, or do you resist His leadership?

4. Jesus is the Fullness of God & Our Reconciler (v.19-20)

"For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross."

• "Fullness" (πλήρωμα, plērōma) – This means "complete, total, nothing lacking." Jesus is not partially God. He is fully God.

• "Reconcile" (ἀποκαταλλάσσω, apokatallassō) – This means to restore a broken relationship. Through Christ, God is bringing everything back into harmony with Himself.

• "By the blood of His cross" – Peace with God did not come through good deeds or human effort. It came through the cross of Christ.

Verse Explanation:

Paul ends this section by summarizing the gospel:

• Jesus is fully God.

• Jesus is the only one who can reconcile us to the Father.

• The cross is the only way to peace with God.

Heart Check:

• Are you trying to find peace outside of Christ?

• Do you fully believe that Jesus is God, or do you struggle with doubts?

Final Thoughts: Is Jesus Supreme in Your Life?

This passage is one of the most powerful descriptions of who Jesus is.

🔹 He is the image of God—the visible God in human form.
🔹 He is the Creator—everything exists through Him and for Him.
🔹 He is the Sustainer—everything holds together because of Him.
🔹 He is the Head of the Church—our lives should be fully submitted to Him.
🔹 He is the Reconciler—we have peace only through His blood.

If Jesus is truly supreme, then He must be first in everything.

Is He first in your life?

Our Colossians is just getting deeper. Stay with me as we continue uncovering the richness of Christ in this book!