The Hymn of Christ in Colossians

Theologians debate among themselves whether Colossians 1:15–20, and by comparison 1:21–23, are Pauline or early church tradition. Regardless, the terminology and writing style are Pauline in the Colossian’s text. We remember that the Apostle Paul had not visited Colossae at the time he wrote the epistle to the Colossians. We also understand the local context of the letter demands the presentation of sound doctrine in contradistinction to the false teachers and false doctrine.

The exalted view to Christ in this passage, which I prefer to expand here to include Colossians 1:13–23, is second to none in high Christology. We are granted a spectacular and succinct look at the Person and work of Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God and second Person of the Trinity. He Himself is the Gospel of God. We proclaim Him (Col 1:28).

The Gospel of salvation is the centerpiece of the text; but Paul prefaces that glorious doctrine with the somewhat surprising revelation that Christ is first the creator and sustainer of all things. He is before all things because He is the Maker and Owner of it all (Ps 24:1; Col 1:16). From Him, through Him, to Him are all things (Rom 11:36).

Paul emphasizes the deity of Christ Jesus by referring to Jesus as the image or icon of the invisible God (Col 1:15), in whom all the fullness of deity dwells in bodily form (Col 1:19; 2:9). Jesus is God incarnate (Jn 1:1, 14). This places Him far above all other powers and dominions (Eph 1:21), which are hostile toward God and His Anointed (Ps 2). Demonic and human rebellion in the domain of darkness is the reason redemption of the elect is necessary. Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost (Lk 19:10).

The salvation of elect sinners is the exclusive work of our Triune God (Ps 3:8; Jon 2:9; Rev 19:1). God the Father elected those He gave to God the Son before the foundation of the world (Rom 11:5–6; Eph 1:4–5; Rev 13:8; 17:8; 21:27). God the Son redeemed those God the Father had given Him in eternity past…at the cross (1 Cor 1:30; Col 1:14). God the Spirit applies the blood of the cross to each individual, chosen and qualified by God (Rom 11:5–6; Col 1:12). Our God and Savior actually saved us according to His will (Jn 1:12–13; Titus 3:5). No person has the will or ability to save himself from the wrath of God against sinners (Rom 1:18–32; 1 Thess 1:10).

In the transfer from darkness to light (Col 1:13), the elect sinner is delivered by an act of God’s mercy and grace. Our redeemer, Jesus Christ, paid the price of redemption (1 Cor 6:20; 7:23). He bought us out of slavery to sin (Rom 6:6), by paying the acceptable ransom that set His captive people free (Mt 20:28; Mk 10:45; 1 Tim 2:6). The currency of His precious blood of the cross has reconciled us to God (Rom 5:9–10). Jesus paid it all; and He cancelled out the debt of sin owed by His people (Col 2:14).

The enmity sinners harbor against the holy God is similar to the hatred a criminal has against the Law, the prosecutor, and the judge. Jesus, the Prince of Peace, secured peace between God and the redeemed of the Lord. He Himself is our peace (Eph 2:14–15; Col 1:20). The enmity, hostility, alienation, and future damnation have been removed.

The task of redemption and reconciliation required an acceptable sacrifice for sins. As the Lamb of God (Jn 1:29), Jesus presented Himself once to God (Heb 7:27; 9:28), on behalf of all those the Father had given to the Son before creation (Lk 17:2, 6, 24; 2 Tim 1:9). It was in Jesus’ fleshly body, being fully human, that He died for us (1 Cor 15:3; Col 1:22). Christ was crucified in our place of punishment (1 Pet 2:24). He laid down His life for His sheep, the people of His pasture (Ps 100:3; Jn 10:11, 15).

Death and the tomb have no victory over the One who defeated them. As the first-born of the new creation (Col 1:15), Jesus is first and representative head of those who will be resurrected from the dead at His second coming (Jn 5:28–29; 1 Cor 15; 1 Thess 4:13–5:11).

Jesus is coming again to judge the living and the dead (Acts 10:42; 2 Tim 4:1; 1 Pet 4:5). The kingdom of God’s beloved Son will have no end (Dan 4:34; 6:26). It is already here, having been inaugurated by the first advent of the King of kings (1 Tim 6:15). Today, righteousness, peace, and joy are for all those found in Christ (Rom 14:17). The fullness of the reign of King Jesus is yet to come. And He shall reign forever and ever (Ex 15:18; Ps 146:10; Mic 4:7; Lk 1:33; Rev 11:15).

The kingdom of God is wherever the King’s rule and reign extends. Heaven and earth are very much in view in the hymn of Christ in Colossians (Col 1:15, 20, 23). Heaven is in subjection to Christ, who is seated at the right hand of God the Father in majestic splendor (Acts 2:33; Heb 1:3; 8:1). Earth remains in rebellion, in this present evil age (Gal 1:4), under the leadership of the ruler of this world, who is Satan our adversary (Lk 12:31; 14:30; 16:11; 1 Jn 5:19).

Christ’s church is the current location of the kingdom of God on the earth, today (Rom 14:17). Christ is our King; and Christians bow down to no other. As the head of His church (Col 1:18), Jesus Christ is gathering, nurturing, and protecting His beloved Israel, that is, God’s elect from every nation, who belong to the body of Christ (Rev 5:9; 7:9). He is their God; and they are His people (Jer 24:7; 31:33; 2 Cor 6:16; Heb 8:10).

For the Christian, there is the hope of Christ’s return to earth in glory. Those “in Christ” have the hope of being presented to God the Father, as holy and blameless, glorified saints (Eph 1:4; 5:27; Col 1:22). He who began this good work in us will bring it to completion (Phil 1:6).

The noteworthy reflection on the hymn of Christ includes the qualifier of the Christian continuing in the faith (Col 1:23). The gift of faith in Christ is granted to whomever God wills to be a recipient of Christ (Jn 1:12–13; Eph 2:8–9; Phil 1:29; 2 Pet 1:1).

We preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ because we know and believe that it is the power of God unto salvation for those who believe the Word of God (Rom 1:16–17). Ministers like the Apostle Paul, are made to be stewards of the Gospel ministry (1 Cor 4:1; 9:17). They are appointed and called to preach Christ and Him crucified (1 Cor 1:23; 2:2). “Woe to me, if I do not preach the Gospel” is the sentiment of every true Gospel preacher (1 Cor 9:16).

Jesus Christ is highly exalted for who He is and for what He has done (Acts 5:31; Phil 1:20; 2:9). We have so great a salvation because it was God’s good pleasure, in His eternal purpose, to make much of His eternal Son. All glory be to Christ for the great things He has done in creation, sustaining the creation, redemption, reconciliation, and in the new creation, that is here…but that is yet to come in all its fullness. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

David Norczyk

Spokane Valley, Washington

January 12, 2024

Colossians 1:13–23