Searching the Scriptures - Samuel Pipim

[11] Paul's description of Christ in Colossians 1:15-18 RSV as "the first-born of allcreation," "the head of the body, the church" suggests His pre-eminent authority. Hisheadship and authority are tied in with His being the "first-born." Paul's use of "firstborn"language to express the headship and authority of Christ suggests that he attachedthe same meaningPage 35to Adam's being "first formed." If this is the case, it indicates that Paul saw in the priorityof Adam's creation the establishment of his right and responsibility as the head of the firsthome, the first church. This may explain why Adam is presented as the one who broughtdeath into the world, and Christ, the second Adam, as the One who brought life (Rom5:12-21).[12] See Samuele Bacchiocchi, The Marriage Covenant (Berrien Springs, Mich.: BiblicalPerspectives, 1991), pp. 120-161.