"And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from
the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence." — Colossians 1:18The phrase "the firstborn from the dead" does not mean Jesus was the first person ever raised from the dead. Others were raised before Him, including:
The widow's son through Elijah (1 Kings 17:17–24)
The Shunammite woman's son through Elisha (2 Kings 4:32–37)
The man revived after touching Elisha's bones (2 Kings 13:20–21)
Jairus' daughter (Mark 5:35–43)
The widow of Nain's son (Luke 7:11–15)
Lazarus (John 11)
Each of these people eventually died again.
Jesus' resurrection was different.
1. The Meaning of "Firstborn"
The Greek word is prōtotokos (πρωτότοκος).
It means:
First in rank
Supreme heir
One holding the highest position
One possessing preeminence
In the Bible, "firstborn" often speaks of rank and inheritance, not simply birth order.
For example:
Psalm 89:27 says of David:
"Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth."
David was not Jesse's firstborn son, but God gave him the highest rank.
Likewise, Jesus is the Firstborn because He holds supreme authority over the new creation.
2. "From the Dead"
The Greek phrase means "out from among the dead."
Jesus rose never to die again.
Romans 6:9 says:
"Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him."
Everyone else who had been raised before Jesus eventually died again.
Jesus alone conquered death permanently.
3. The Firstfruits of the Resurrection
Paul explains further in 1 Corinthians 15:20:
"But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept."
The firstfruits in Israel's harvest were the first portion offered to God, guaranteeing that the full harvest would follow.
Christ's resurrection guarantees that all who belong to Him will also be raised in glory.
4. The Beginning of the New Creation
Paul also calls Christ "the beginning" (archē).
His resurrection marks the beginning of the new creation.
Through Adam came:
Sin
Death
Corruption
Through Christ came:
Life
Resurrection
Victory over death
A new humanity
5. "That in All Things He Might Have the Preeminence"
The Greek word for preeminence is prōteuō, meaning:
To hold first place
To be supreme
To excel above all others
Paul's purpose is to show that Christ is supreme:
First in creation (Colossians 1:16)
First over the Church (Colossians 1:18)
First in the resurrection
First in authority
First in honor
Everything centers on Christ.
Ethiopian and Ge'ez Christian Perspective
The Ethiopian Orthodox tradition understands Christ's resurrection as the decisive victory over death. By rising immortal and incorruptible, He became the source of resurrection life for all believers. As the eternal Son of God, He is called the "Firstborn from the dead" because He inaugurated the resurrection age and opened the way for His people to share in eternal life. His resurrection is celebrated as the triumph of life over death and the foundation of the believer's hope.
Matthew Henry's Commentary
Matthew Henry explains that Christ is called the "Firstborn from the dead" because He rose by His own power to an immortal life and became the Head of all who will be raised to everlasting glory. His resurrection is both the pattern and the guarantee of the resurrection of His people. Therefore, He rightly has the preeminence in all things.
Practical Application
Because Christ conquered death, believers can face death with hope rather than fear.
Christ's resurrection guarantees the future resurrection of all who belong to Him.
Since Christ has first place in God's plan of redemption, He should have first place in our lives.
Our hope rests not only in Christ's death for our sins but also in His victorious resurrection, which assures us of eternal life.
Reflection Questions
Why is Jesus called the "Firstborn from the dead" if others were raised before Him?
How does Christ's resurrection differ from the resurrections recorded in the Old and New Testaments?
What does the title "Firstborn" teach about Christ's rank and authority?
How does Christ's resurrection guarantee the future resurrection of believers?
In what practical ways can Christ's preeminence shape your daily walk with Him?
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