The word eminent means to become distinguished in something, to be preeminent means to surpass all others. That would certainly fit Christ. He is above all others in every way. It doesn’t matter if you see Him that way, or if others see Him as lower than God, it doesn’t change the fact that HE IS PREEMINENT.
In Colossians, Paul addresses the church and He devotes several verses to who Jesus truly is. Paul is making it very clear that Jesus is God in the flesh. Some religions have used verse 15 to assume Jesus was created, but that is not what Paul is saying, Jesus, is the image of God in the flesh because He is God. He was the creator of everything. The meaning is, that he represents to mankind the perfections of God, as a visible image. God the Father is a spirit and he is invisible to us, but when Jesus took on flesh that He might be the sacrifice for mankind, He became the visible image of God.
Colossians 1:15 “Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:”
Verses 15-17 show that Christ is preeminent over His natural creation, the universe.
Colossians 1:16-17 “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him, all things consist.
John makes it clear in John chapter 1, that Jesus was from the beginning and was made flesh. Again, we see a great disciple of Christ, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, declaring Jesus as the creator.
John 1:1-3 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.”
Not only was everything made by Him but it was made for Him. He is to be glorified by His creation. In Jesus all the dignity, authority, power, and moral excellence needed for the work of creating the world, redeeming his people, and giving himself for our salvation, is present. It is amazing to me that the creator and ruler of the universe cares so much for His creation.
In verses 18-20, he extols Christ as preeminent over His spiritual creation, the church. Jesus is the head and we are the body. The church is His, and all the attempts to destroy it have not been successful. Kings and rulers that hate the church have not been able to destroy it. If you follow the persecution of the church, you will see, it has only made it stronger. I remember reading about several who have been persecuted in my lifetime. Each time their persecution led to a greater awareness of who Jesus is, and a greater spread of the truth of salvation. Jesus is the head of the body, and nothing or no one can destroy it. Even the fallen angels will not be able to destroy the church. The church, therefore, is safe. All the great powers of heaven, earth, and hell are made subject to its Head and King; and no weapon that is formed against it shall prosper.
Colossians 1:18-20 “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. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.”
He is above all! There is none like Him anywhere, ever. He surpasses all rulers and all creation.
The Apostle Paul was getting excited as he continued on the path of the preeminence of Jesus. I can imagine his voice getting louder, and his emotion swelling as he thought of the creator of the universe. This creator and head of the church was the one who loved him enough to stop him on the road to Damascus, and reveal himself to him, all because he loved him!
HE IS PREEMINENT NOW AND FOREVER!
