Colossians 1:16-18

Amplified Bible

¹⁶For ^[a]by Him all things were created in heaven and on earth, [things] visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities; all things were created and exist through Him [that is, by His activity] and for Him. ¹⁷And He Himself existed and is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. [His is the controlling, cohesive force of the universe.]^(A) ¹⁸He is also the head [the life-source and leader] of the body, the ^[b]church; and He is the beginning, ^[c]the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will occupy the first place [He will stand supreme and be preeminent] in everything.^(B)

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Footnotes

Colossians 1:16 Or in.
Colossians 1:18 This refers to the entire body of born-again believers (whether past, present, or future), not a local congregation.
Colossians 1:18 Christ is the first to be resurrected with an incorruptible, immortal body. Others who were raised had to die again.