The Beginning

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)

³⁵ The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you,^(A) and the power of the Most High^(B) will overshadow you. So the holy one^(C) to be born will be called^[a] the Son of God.^(D)

¹⁶ As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened,^(A) and he saw the Spirit of God^(B) descending like a dove and alighting on him. ¹⁷ And a voice from heaven^(C) said, “This is my Son,^(D) whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”^(E)

³² God has raised this Jesus to life,^(A) and we are all witnesses^(B) of it.

¹⁸ No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.^(A) I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”^(B)