2069 Jesus Christ, pre-eminence of
Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  2000 Jesus Christ  »  2003 Jesus Christ, qualities of  »  2006 God, the Son  »  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

John 17:2 See also Matthew 25:31-32; Romans 10:12

Over his enemies

1 Corinthians 15:25-26 See also Acts 2:32-35; Psalm 110:1; Ephesians 4:8 Paul probably interpreted “captives” to refer to the spiritual enemies of Christ defeated at the cross.

Over every power and authority

Colossians 2:15 See also Ephesians 1:21

Over all traditions and institutions

Matthew 12:8 pp Mark 2:28 pp Luke 6:5

Over all things

1 Corinthians 15:28 See also Matthew 11:27 pp Luke 10:22; Matthew 28:18; John 3:35; John 13:3; John 16:33; Acts 10:36; Philippians 3:21; Hebrews 2:8

The pre-eminence of Jesus Christ in relation to others

To other prophets

Matthew 3:11; Matthew 12:41 pp Luke 11:32; John 1:26-27,30; John 3:30; Hebrews 1:1-2

To the patriarchs

John 1:17; John 8:52-58; Hebrews 3:3-6

To Aaron and other high priests

Hebrews 8:1-6 See also Hebrews 4:14; Hebrews 6:20; Hebrews 7:23,26-28; Hebrews 9:11-14,24-26

To angels

1 Peter 3:22 See also Hebrews 1:4-14

To other lords and kings

Revelation 17:14 See also 1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 19:16

Descriptions of Jesus Christ's pre-eminence

He is the head

Colossians 2:10 See also Ephesians 1:9-10,22; Ephesians 4:15; Ephesians 5:23-24; Colossians 1:18

He is the capstone

Matthew 21:42 pp Mark 12:10-11 pp Luke 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 Psalm 118:22; Acts 4:11; Ephesians 2:20; 1 Peter 2:7

He is the Chief Shepherd

John 10:11; Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 5:4

The reasons for Jesus Christ's pre-eminence

His divine origin

John 3:31 See also John 1:1-2; John 17:24

His equality with the Father

John 10:30 See also Colossians 1:19; Colossians 2:9

His authority derives from the Father

John 5:22-27

He possesses the rights of the firstborn

Colossians 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 Romans 8:29; Hebrews 1:6

He has a superior name

Philippians 2:9 See also Acts 4:12; Hebrews 1:4

He is the First and the Last

Revelation 1:17 This title implies that all things are summed up in Christ and find their purpose in him. See also Revelation 2:8; Revelation 22:13

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

His entry into Jerusalem

Matthew 21:4-9 pp Mark 11:7-10 pp Luke 19:35-38 pp John 12:12-15; Zechariah 9:9

His resurrection

Romans 1:4; 1 Corinthians 15:21-23; Revelation 1:5

His exaltation to the Father's right hand

Acts 5:31 See also Acts 2:33; Acts 7:55; Ephesians 1:20-21; Ephesians 4:8-10; Philippians 2:9-11; Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 8:1; Hebrews 10:12; 1 Peter 3:22; Revelation 3:21

See also

1060  God, greatness of
2012  Christ, authority
2018  Christ, divinity
2051  Christ, majesty of
2212  Christ, head of church
2218  Christ, Son of God
2224  Christ, the Lord
2306  Christ, high priest
2312  Christ as king
2318  Christ as prophet
2336  Christ, exaltation
2372  Christ, victory



Top of Page
Top of Page




Bible Apps.com