ISB ~ Colossians 1 v15 - 20

An ancient hymn that extols Christ’s deity and supremacy over creation. Emphasis is placed on his role as Creator, through whom all things were made (1:15-17), and as Redeemer, who renews all things with his grace (1:1820). As the preeminent Lord, Christ is enthroned far above every power on earth and every order of angels in heaven. He has neither rival nor peer, and his redeeming work transforms the old creation into a new creation through his body, the universal Church (1:18; 2 Cor 5:17; Gal 6:15).

• The preexistence of Christ from eternity and his active role as Creator together recall biblical poetry that personifies God’s “Wisdom” as the divine architect of heaven and earth (Prov 8:22-31; Wis 7:2228). Paul associates Christ with “wisdom” also in Col 2:3 and 1 Cor 1:24, 30 (CCC 299).