⁵ For even if there are so-called gods,^(A) whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”), ⁶ yet for us there is but one God,^(B) the Father,^(C) from whom all things came^(D) and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord,^(E) Jesus Christ, through whom all things came^(F) and through whom we live.

¹⁷ I will surely bless you^(A) and make your descendants^(B) as numerous as the stars in the sky^(C) and as the sand on the seashore.^(D) Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies,^{(E) 18} and through your offspring^[a] all nations on earth will be blessed,^[b](F) because you have obeyed me.”^(G)

The Word Became Flesh

1 In the beginning was the Word,^(A) and the Word was with God,^(B) and the Word was God.^{(C) 2} He was with God in the beginning.^{(D) 3} Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.^(E)

¹⁰ He was in the world, and though the world was made through him,^(A) the world did not recognize him.

¹⁷ In his defense Jesus said to them, “My Father^(A) is always at his work^(B) to this very day, and I too am working.”

¹⁸ I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened^(A) in order that you may know the hope to which he has called^(B) you, the riches^(C) of his glorious inheritance^(D) in his holy people,^{(E) 19} and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power^(F) is the same as the mighty strength^{(G) 20} he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead^(H) and seated him at his right hand^(I) in the heavenly realms,^{(J) 21} far above all rule and authority, power and dominion,^(K) and every name^(L) that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.^{(M) 22} And God placed all things under his feet^(N) and appointed him to be head^(O) over everything for the church, ²³ which is his body,^(P) the fullness of him^(Q) who fills everything in every way.^(R)

The Supremacy of the Son of God

¹⁵ The Son is the image^(A) of the invisible God,^(B) the firstborn^(C) over all creation. ¹⁶ For in him all things were created:^(D) things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities;^(E) all things have been created through him and for him.^{(F) 17} He is before all things,^(G) and in him all things hold together.

³ The Son is the radiance of God’s glory^(A) and the exact representation of his being,^(B) sustaining all things^(C) by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins,^(D) he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.^(E)