1 Chron. 5:1-2; Col. 1:15-18, The First-Born

The translation of “prōtotokos” is not complicated.  “Proto” is first; “tokos” is born.  Thus every use of this in English should be “firstborn.”  But behind the word is a concept and culture, that of the OT.  Israel was God’s “firstborn” (Ex. 4:22).  What does that mean?  Before that Genesis explains that while Reuben was Jacob’s firstborn he did not receive the authority and blessing of Jacob’s firstborn (49:3-4).  1 Chron. 5:1-2 explains it further: Reuben’s grievous sin resulted in his losing the rights and authority of the firstborn.  The blessing when to the sons of Joseph, and the authority went to Judah.  The point is that the one called “first-born” is not always the one born first but is always the one who is blessed by the father.  Keep that in mind as you note these passages.

·       Lk 2:7: Mary brought forth 1-b son, laid him in manger.  Jesus was born first to Mary and He was blessed by His Father.

·       Rom. 8:29: be conformed to image of Christ so he can be 1-b among many brothers.  This speaks of the honor of Christ, the firstborn; many become like Him so that He has many brothers or followers.  When Joseph was given honor by his father Jacob, the brothers were envious and rebelled against the idea.  We must not follow them in this, but must honor Jesus as firstborn of all creation and firstborn from the dead.

·       Col 1:15,18: Christ 1-b of all creation; 1-b from the dead (Rev. 1:5 uses this title of Christ: firstborn from the dead.) He has authority over creation and over the new creation.  As the passage notes: the result is that He has the preeminence over all!  Lord over Jew and Gentile (Rom. 10:12).  Lord of the dead and living (Rom. 14:9).  And more.

·       Hb 1:6: God in bringing 1-b into world told angels to worship him.  This is part of the issue that Jesus was not physically born to God the Father.  Or, like the angels He was not created.  Yet, He has the authority and blessing of firstborn.

·       Hb 11:28: thru faith Moses kept Passover so God who destroyed 1-b wouldn't touch them.  Here is the culture that must be understood.  The idea of firstborn in the NT comes from the OT.  In the grand picture of salvation (the Exodus) God dealt a blow against the firstborn of the land of Egypt but saved all who were under the blood.  Thus, the firstborn of Israel belongs to God and had to be redeemed (Ex. 12-13). 

·       Hb 12:23: we've come to Mt Zion.....church of 1-b.  What a glorious title for the Body of Christ!  We are the people who very existence is to the honor of Christ, our Head.