¹³ For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness^(A) and brought us into the kingdom^(B) of the Son he loves,^{(C) 14} in whom we have redemption,^(D) the forgiveness of sins.^(E)

The Supremacy of the Son of God

¹⁵ The Son is the image^(F) of the invisible God,^(G) the firstborn^(H) over all creation. ¹⁶ For in him all things were created:^(I) things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities;^(J) all things have been created through him and for him.^{(K) 17} He is before all things,^(L) and in him all things hold together. ¹⁸ And he is the head^(M) of the body, the church;^(N) he is the beginning and the firstborn^(O) from among the dead,^(P) so that in everything he might have the supremacy. ¹⁹ For God was pleased^(Q) to have all his fullness^(R) dwell in him, ²⁰ and through him to reconcile^(S) to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven,^(T) by making peace^(U) through his blood,^(V) shed on the cross.

²¹ Once you were alienated from God and were enemies^(W) in your minds^(X) because of^[a] your evil behavior. ²² But now he has reconciled^(Y) you by Christ’s physical body^(Z) through death to present you^(AA) holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation^(AB)— ²³ if you continue^(AC) in your faith, established^(AD) and firm, and do not move from the hope^(AE) held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven,^(AF) and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.^(AG)