Colossians 1:15 NWT
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; because by means of him all other things were created in the heavens and on the earth, the things visible and the things invisible, whether they are thrones or lordships or governments or authorities. All other things have been created through him and for him.
What does "firstborn" mean here?
Firstborn = πρωτότοκος prōtótokos 4416 prōtótokos (from 4413 /prṓtos, "first, pre-eminent" and 5088 /tíktō, "bring forth") – properly, first in time (Mt 1:25; Lk 2:7); hence, pre-eminent (Col 1:15; Rev 1:5) preeminent: having paramount rank, dignity, or importance : OUTSTANDING, SUPREME
Psalm 89:2 NWT
I have found David my servant;
With my holy oil I have anointed him.
Psalm 89:27 NWT
I myself will appoint him as firstborn, The most high of the kings of the earth.
Was David the first king? * No, Saul was the first king of Israel
Was David the firstborn in his family? * No, David was the youngest of Jesse's eight sons
What does it mean that God will appoint David as "firstborn"? * David will be given a superior position
1 Chronicles 5:1-2 NWT
The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel (he was the firstborn, but because he defiled his father’s bed, his rights as the firstborn were given to the sons of Joseph the son of Israel, so that he is not enrolled genealogically as the firstborn; though Judah prevailed over his brothers, and from him came a leader, yet the right as the firstborn belonged to Joseph)
What are the two meanings of "firstborn" given in this verse? * The literal firstborn and the heir
Hebrews 1:1-3 NWT
Long ago God spoke to our forefathers by means of the prophets on many occasions and in many ways. Now at the end of these days he has spoken to us by means of a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the systems of things. He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact representation of his very being, and he sustains all things by the word of his power. And after he had made a purification for our sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.
Considering Jesus "made the systems of things" and was "appointed heir of all things" by his Father... is it possible that "firstborn" refers to his preeminence and rulership?
Colossians 1:15-16 NWT
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; because by means of him all other things were created in the heavens and on the earth, the things visible and the things invisible, whether they are thrones or lordships or governments or authorities. All other things have been created through him and for him.
Colossians 1:18 NWT
and he is the head of the body, the congregation. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might become the one who is first in all things;
If "firstborn of all creation" means Jesus was the first creation, what does it mean that Jesus is "firstborn from the dead"?
With the context of Colossians 1:18, can you see how firstborn may refer to "pre-eminence" and not literally the "firstborn"?
*For Colossians 1:15 to mean “first created”, Paul would not have called Christ the “firstborn” (prototokos) but rather the “first-created” (protoktisis). This latter term is never used of Christ in the New Testament. Why didn't Paul use "protoktisis" if Jesus was created?