“Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:”
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation — eikōn tou Theou aoratou (image of invisible God) asserts Christ's divine nature and revelation-role: he reveals what cannot be seen. The image (eikōn) is not replica but manifestation: Christ shows God fully. 'Firstborn of all creation' (prōtotokos pasēs ktiseōs) emphasizes Christ's preeminence over all creation. The term 'firstborn' (prōtotokos) suggests priority in both time and rank. This is maximal Christological claim: he is God's image and creation's sovereign.
Church Fathers on Colossians 1:15
“Who is the image of the invisible God, the First-born of all creation.” We light here upon a question of heresy. So it were well we should put it off today and proceed with it tomorrow, addressing it to your ears when they are fresh. But if one ought to say anything more: the work of the Son is the greater. How? Because it were a thing impossible to give the kingdom to men while continuing in their sins; but thus it is an easier thing, so that He prepared the way for the…
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