2069 Jesus Christ, pre-eminence of

Jesus Christ excels over all of creation and reigns supreme over everthing in the created order.

The scope of Jesus Christ’s pre-eminence

Over all people Jn 17:2 See also Mt 25:31-32; Ro 10:12

Over his enemies 1Co 15:25-26 See also Ac 2:32-35; Ps 110:1; Eph 4:8 Paul probably interpreted “captives” to refer to the spiritual enemies of Christ defeated at the cross.

Over every power and authority Col 2:15 See also Eph 1:21

Over all traditions and institutions Mt 12:8 pp Mk 2:28 pp Lk 6:5

Over all things 1Co 15:28 See also Mt 11:27 pp Lk 10:22; Mt 28:18; Jn 3:35; Jn 13:3; Jn 16:33; Ac 10:36; Php 3:21; Heb 2:8

The pre-eminence of Jesus Christ in relation to others

To other prophets Mt 3:11; Mt 12:41 pp Lk 11:32; Jn 1:26-27,30; Jn 3:30; Heb 1:1-2

To the patriarchs Jn 1:17; Jn 8:52-58; Heb 3:3-6

To Aaron and other high priests Heb 8:1-6 See also Heb 4:14; Heb 6:20; Heb 7:23,26-28; Heb 9:11-14,24-26

To angels 1Pe 3:22 See also Heb 1:4-14

To other lords and kings Rev 17:14 See also 1Ti 6:15; Rev 19:16

Descriptions of Jesus Christ’s pre-eminence

He is the head Col 2:10 See also Eph 1:9-10,22; Eph 4:15; Eph 5:23-24; Col 1:18

He is the capstone Mt 21:42 pp Mk 12:10-11 pp Lk 20:17 By so saying Jesus Christ applied this verse to himself. The capstone/cornerstone was the most significant stone of a building’s structure. See also Ps 118:22; Ac 4:11; Eph 2:20; 1Pe 2:7

He is the Chief Shepherd Jn 10:11; Heb 13:20; 1Pe 5:4

The reasons for Jesus Christ’s pre-eminence

His divine origin Jn 3:31 See also Jn 1:1-2; Jn 17:24

His equality with the Father Jn 10:30 See also Col 1:19; Col 2:9

His authority derives from the Father Jn 5:22-27

He possesses the rights of the firstborn Col 1:15-17 As the firstborn son has the rights and privileges of an heir, so Jesus Christ is heir of all things by virtue of his pre-existence and sonship. See also Ro 8:29; Heb 1:6

He has a superior name Php 2:9 See also Ac 4:12; Heb 1:4

He is the First and the Last Rev 1:17 This title implies that all things are summed up in Christ and find their purpose in him. See also Rev 2:8; Rev 22:13

Examples of events whereby Jesus Christ’s pre-eminence is recognised

His entry into Jerusalem Mt 21:4-9 pp Mk 11:7-10 pp Lk 19:35-38 pp Jn 12:12-15; Zec 9:9

His resurrection Ro 1:4; 1Co 15:21-23; Rev 1:5

His exaltation to the Father’s right hand Ac 5:31 See also Ac 2:33; Ac 7:55; Eph 1:20-21; Eph 4:8-10; Php 2:9-11; Col 3:1; Heb 8:1; Heb 10:12; 1Pe 3:22; Rev 3:21

See also