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. 18 And he is the head(H) of the body, the church;(I) he is the beginning and the firstborn(J) from among the dead,(K) so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased(L) to have all his fullness(M) dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile(N) to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven,(O) by making peace(P) through his blood,(Q) shed on the cross.

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

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Footnotes

  1. Colossians 1:21 Or minds, as shown by

Who, being in very nature[a] God,(A)
    did not consider equality with God(B) something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing(C)
    by taking the very nature[b] of a servant,(D)
    being made in human likeness.(E)
And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death(F)
        even death on a cross!(G)

Therefore God exalted him(H) to the highest place
    and gave him the name that is above every name,(I)
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,(J)
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,(K)
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,(L)
    to the glory of God the Father.

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Footnotes

  1. Philippians 2:6 Or in the form of
  2. Philippians 2:7 Or the form

10 your kingdom(A) come,
your will be done,(B)
    on earth as it is in heaven.

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