Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. Colossians 1:15-17

The Apostle Paul clearly  reveals the deity of Jesus Christ here, however those who deny Jesus is God, will often use verse 15 to support their belief. So what does it mean Jesus Christ is the “firstborn” of every creature? The Greek word translated as firstborn is “prototokos” which also means “elder” or “first begotten”. So does this mean Jesus was a created being from God the Father?

Well as we often say, let scripture translate scripture. If you read the next verse, it makes it clearer “For by Him (Jesus) were ALL things created, that are in Heaven, and that are in Earth,” Note the word ALL here, everything was created by Christ. So how could Christ have been created since Christ is the Creator? It’s not logical or Biblical accurate to believe Jesus was created by God

Keep reading on, “ALL things were created by Him (Jesus), and He (Jesus) is before ALL things” So Paul here is revealing Jesus is God, Christ is the Creator and Christ is eternal. Everything was created by Christ and Christ existed before everything. Now the Hebrew Roots crowd will reject Paul and say he contradicts the Torah. Well if we read Genesis it states “God said “Let Us make Man in Our Image” (Genesis 1:26) God is speaking in plural form (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) The Torah states Christ is the Creator just as Paul taught

So back to our original question, what does “Firstborn” mean in this context? This is what gotquestions.org states:

Therefore, the phrase expresses Christ’s sovereignty over creation. After resurrecting Jesus from the dead, God gave Him authority over the Earth (Matthew 28:18). Jesus created the world, saved the world, and rules the world. He is the self-existent, acknowledged Head of creation. https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-first-born.html

I agree, Paul here is referencing the resurrection of Christ. Jesus being called the “Firstborn of every Creature” is referencing Christ deity and human side, as Jesus defeated sin and death as he rose on the 3rd day. 

For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. 1 Corinthians 15:22-23

Consider Paul’s teaching here, calling Jesus the “Firstfruits” It’s essentially the same as calling Jesus the “Firstborn of Creation” Christ died as a man, and rose as a man, defeating sin and death forever, Christ is the One who defeated the curse of sin and death upon humanity.

Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, who sits at the right hand of God the Father with all power and authority given to him, Worthy is the Lamb, Amen!