A note from our Pastor:

“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 1:18

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

In our study verse this week, the Apostle Paul transitions away from focusing on the heavenly, eternal Christ. Here he begins to teach about Christ as the mediator. Rather than Christ exercising absolute authority in the creation, in these verses Christ is displaying leadership and compassion to the disciples. There is a great deal of theology to understand from this section of Colossians. In our study, it will be approached to the depth appropriate for the forum.

First, we need to spend a little time establishing what this verse is not referring to. The words “the church” in this verse confuse modern believers. The church is not a reference to a local assembly or congregation. In this instance, the Apostle was not singingly out Colossae as the body of Christ. Likewise, it seems unlikely the Apostle meant any particular denomination. At the point these verses were written denominations did not exist as they do today. In addition, a reading of this verse in that form limits the meaning.

The second half of this verse provides clarity. While it is easy to get thrown off by the reference to church, which we think of as a physical assembly of believers, the Apostle says Jesus was the firstborn from the dead. This is a reference to his resurrection that preceded the resurrection of the rest of the saints. The verse goes on to say that he has preeminence in all things but that is dependent on the established fact that he was the first raised from the grave. The relationship in this verse is not to a congregation of believers but rather to all of the children of God.

With that established, we are left with the question, what is the church in this verse? The church here is the same thing as the kingdom of God when Jesus was speaking. It is made up of all of the elect children of God that have been regenerated. Some walk in faith, doing the Lord’s work, and are pleasing unto him. Some walk in disobedience, staying far away from the King. Whether they are obedient or not, whether they walk in faith or doubt, they are part of the kingdom or church. Christ is the head of that body that is made up of all of the believers.

As the head of the body, Christ takes on certain functions on behalf of the children of God. One of the central acts is to care for the members that make up the body. He grants grace and mercy in times of need. He intercedes on their behalf with God the Father. He dispatches angels to serve his children and care for them. Likewise, Jesus being the head of the kingdom requires certain things from the saints. It demands that we give glory to Jesus. It requires that we try to live by his teachings. We walk through life by listening to his purpose for us. And most importantly, we engage in the study, praise, and worship of him for all that he accomplished on our behalf.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah