The Supremacy of the Son of God

¹⁵ The Son is the image^(A) of the invisible God,^(B) the firstborn^(C) over all creation. ¹⁶ For in him all things were created:^(D) things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities;^(E) all things have been created through him and for him.^{(F) 17} He is before all things,^(G) and in him all things hold together. ¹⁸ And he is the head^(H) of the body, the church;^(I) he is the beginning and the firstborn^(J) from among the dead,^(K) so that in everything he might have the supremacy. ¹⁹ For God was pleased^(L) to have all his fullness^(M) dwell in him, ²⁰ and through him to reconcile^(N) to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven,^(O) by making peace^(P) through his blood,^(Q) shed on the cross.

⁵ Put to death,^(A) therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature:^(B) sexual immorality,^(C) impurity, lust, evil desires and greed,^(D) which is idolatry.^{(E) 6} Because of these, the wrath of God^(F) is coming.^{[a] 7} You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.^{(G) 8} But now you must also rid yourselves^(H) of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander,^(I) and filthy language from your lips.^{(J) 9} Do not lie to each other,^(K) since you have taken off your old self^(L) with its practices ¹⁰ and have put on the new self,^(M) which is being renewed^(N) in knowledge in the image of its Creator.^{(O) 11} Here there is no Gentile or Jew,^(P) circumcised or uncircumcised,^(Q) barbarian, Scythian, slave or free,^(R) but Christ is all,^(S) and is in all.

¹² Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves^(T) with compassion, kindness, humility,^(U) gentleness and patience.^{(V) 13} Bear with each other^(W) and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.^{(X) 14} And over all these virtues put on love,^(Y) which binds them all together in perfect unity.^(Z)

¹⁵ Let the peace of Christ^(AA) rule in your hearts, since as members of one body^(AB) you were called to peace.^(AC) And be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the message of Christ^(AD) dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom^(AE) through psalms,^(AF) hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.^{(AG) 17} And whatever you do,^(AH) whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks^(AI) to God the Father through him.