dwight92070 wrote: ↑Mon Sep 13, 2021 9:46 pm
Dwight - The context has to do with Him creating all things (verse 16), so obviously He had to pre-exist before creation and before His incarnation. Scripture is equally clear of the Father's priority and superiority over the Son.
Well, that begs the question of what "Creation" is in view. I believe the focus for Paul is always the coming kingdom and the church etc. and not the Genesis account. The creation of principalities and the like is discussed, but not other elements of Genesis creation like sun, moon, stars, mankind, etc. It could also well be a reference not to their being created "through" Jesus, but "in" him. Or "on account of" him or "because" of him and what he would come and do etc. That seems to be more consistent with Pauls general approach to Jesus and the kingdom focus and to the Father being the creator.
This is an interesting discussion of Jesus' pre-eminence...
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Why is Jesus pre-eminent in the kingdom?
We must pause a moment and ask, Why is Jesus pre-eminent? Is it because he is God and, as such, inherently ranks above all? Not according to Scripture. Jesus occupies the highest position because God exalted him to a place of power and authority:
Ephesians 1:19-21 (NASB) and what is the surpassing greatness of His [God’s] power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His [God’s] might 20 which He brought about in Christ, when He [God] raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. (emphasis added)
Paul’s teaching in Ephesians parallels that of his teaching in Colossians and Philippians,[20] which states that Jesus’ position or rank was delegated to Him by God the Father. The apostle Peter also speaks of this:
1 Peter 3:22 (NASB) [Jesus Christ], who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him. (emphasis added)
After God raised Jesus from the dead, He made him superior to all governing authorities. In other words, before this time, they weren’t subjected to him. If Jesus is God, this makes absolutely no sense. But if he is the exalted human agent, it makes perfect sense,[21] and it is in keeping with Scripture which says that God gave Jesus authority to rule:
Matthew 11:27 (NASB) “All things have been handed over to Me by My Father...” (emphasis added)
Matthew 28:18 (NASB) And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. (emphasis added)
John 3:35 (NASB) “The Father loves the Son and has given all things into His hand. (emphasis added)