In verse 5, Jesus is called "the firstborn from the dead." Since Moses, Lazerus, and the widows son all rose again before Jesus did, how can Jesus still be the firstborn of the dead?
How is Jesus the firstborn from the dead?
Fri, 2009-01-09 22:29
#1
How is Jesus the firstborn from the dead?
Sat, 2009-01-10 08:58
#2
Speaking of 2nd death?
Could this title have to to with him being the first to experience the "2nd" death and come back to life? The first to really conquer death? Lazarus didn't die the second death - and after he was ressurected he died the first death again and is now "sleeping" again waiting for Jesus to return. Death was not conquered in his case, it was just put off for a few years.
Also, maybe first doesn't refer to chronological time. How were Moses, Elijah, and Enoch given eternal life? Was it on thier own merits? I belive it was on the merits of the death of Christ. In essence his sacrifice applied to all time, not just our idea of chonology after 30 AD. He was the "Lamb slain from the foundation of the earth." (Rev. 13:8) His death and resurrection are first in effect, not in our chronology.
Sun, 2009-01-11 11:29
#3
Colossians 1:17-18 is
Colossians 1:17-18 is interesting on this point:
And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have preeminence.
My rough interpretation: He was first, and he made everything so obviously he is first.