Question Colossians 1:16 - The Contextual Proof by Brother Kel

[Romj]

In response to Video - Colossians 1:16 - The Contextual Proof by Brother Kel | Simply Christian

Hi Lori, what are then the thrones etc. at Col 1:16? Is Jesus the King over the states authorities? Or are there heavenly authorities created after Jesus was risen?
I was a JW 30 years ago, then this year I felt so spiritually hungry, I wanted to return and have read NT and found it different from JW teachings. And this is wonderfull, what can man really dig in the Scriptures. So many hours spent by studying 'the Bible' with JW and getting to know just always the same bullshit. They don´t understand the Bible, the christianity, etc.

Romana

 

[Lori Jane]

Hi Romana!

Yes many wasted hours spitting out words from within paragraphs with no deep thinking or studying. I am so happy to be able to do it today - I am enjoying becoming a bible nerd <g>.

I found this explanation in my notes on Colossians. Does this help answer your question @Romj ?

Here in Colossians 1:16, Paul is stating that Christ is the “sphere” within which God has performed the work of creation (see F. F. Bruce, Colossians, Philemon, and Ephesians [NICNT], p. 61). This “creation” is not referring to Genesis 1 but rather the work of creation that is described in the following clause of the verse (i.e., thrones, dominions, rulers, and authorities). The sphere within which these things have been created “in Christ” is that they have been created “in connection with” who Christ is, the plan of redemption that culminated in Christ’s death and resurrection, the realities of new creation, the Body of Christ, of which he is the head, and in relation to Christ himself as the firstborn from the dead. All of God’s secret will, counsels, and activities in creating thrones and dominions and positions of rule and authority are all centered on and have their basis in Jesus, the Christ. His lordship as the risen Anointed One is the framework within which all these realities have been created. Nothing in the world that God is restoring has been created apart from who Christ is as the king and head over all things.

Here in Colossians 1:16, as in many other places in Paul, the Greek phrase en autō (ἐν αὐτῷ) means “in him,” “in connection with him,” and is not using the en as an instrumental dative to mean “by him.” The things were created “through him and for him,” so he cannot both be the creator and have the creation made “through him.” Besides that, the Greek verb translated by the phrase “were created” early in the verse is a passive verb, whereas if Christ was the creator and the creation made “by him,” the verb would be active. God is the creator, and he created “in connection with” His Son, Jesus Christ (cp. Peter O’Brien, Word Biblical Commentary).

Source: Colossians 1, REV Bible and Commentary (revisedenglishversion.com)

There are other threads discussing Colossians 1:15-20 which you can find via this tag search
colossians 1:15-20 | Simply Christian

 

[Romj]

Thank you Lori Jane, it was very helpfull.