Colossians 1:15 describes Jesus as the "firstborn of creation." This language has led to some confusion because it has been occassoinally construed to suggest that Jesus had a beginning point and is, in fact, a created being. This was the view of Arius in the 4th century, and it's the view of Jehovah's Witnesses today. This represents a challenge to an orthodox understanding of Jesus Christ as fully human and fully God (and therefore uncreated and eternal). But is the "created being" interpretation the right way to read this passage?
Along with others, I would argue that Colossians 1:15 is not talking about a chronological starting point for Jesus' existence as part of creation. Instead, it's describing his preeminent status in relation to and above all creation. The Greek word translated "firstborn" is prototokos, and it refers to the status that a firstborn has in their family in the ancient world. What's interesting is that there is an instance in Psalm 89:27 in the Septuagint (Greek translation of the Old Testament) where King David is called prototokos, even though he was the youngest in his family. When someone who is not firstborn is given the place of "firstborn", it refers to a change in status that does not necessarily correspond to chronology or birth order. Prototokos doesn't necessarily mean a person is the oldest person in their sibling group, and it doesn't necessarily address questions of chronology. Instead, prototokos can refer to the status of authority that was usually associated with being the eldest child but could be given to someone who was not necessarily born first. Again, the point is status, not chronology.
So, to answer the question raised in the title of this post: No, Jesus is not a created being, and Colossians 1:15 does not suggest that he is. Rather, Colossians 1:15 is saying that Jesus has the status of firstborn - that is, preeminent status - in relation to the rest of creation. This makes me wonder whether we should translate texts like Colossians 1:15 to read that Jesus has "the status of the firstborn over all creation" rather than simply as "firstborn of creation." This would help us see the meaning of the Greek term by rightfully shifting the interpretation away questions of chronology.
I dive into more detail in the video linked below. Check it out if you're so inclined.
Dr. Matt O’Reilly (Ph.D., Gloucestershire) is Lead Pastor of Christ Church in Birmingham, Alabama, Director of Research at Wesley Biblical Seminary, and a fellow of the Center for Pastor Theologians. A two-time recipient of the John Stott Award for Pastoral Engagement, he is the author of multiple books including Free to Be Holy: A Biblical Theology of Sanctification, Paul and the Resurrected Body: Social Identity and Ethical Practice, The Letters to the Thessalonians, and Bless the Nations: A Devotional for Short-Term Missions. Follow @mporeilly on X and @mattoreillyauthor on Instagram.
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