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

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

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

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