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

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

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

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