Bible Question:   What does it mean that Jesus was the first born of creation?     Bible Answer:    The Greek word for first-born is PROTOTOKOS. This word is not easily understood by English readers. It was used to refer to the priority position of a child in the family and was used in a broader sense to mean “the most important or priority-one.”      First from the grave. The question refers to Colossians 1:15 where Jesus is said to be the "first-born." The same Greek word is also used just three (3) verses later (Col 1:18). This time the Holy Spirit used the same word to say that Jesus was the “firstborn from the dead.” Are people born from the grave? Someone may say, it means that He was the first one to be resurrected from the grave. Then we shall ask the question, "Was He the first one who was ever resurrected from the grave?" The answer is "No!" Lazarus was resurrected before Jesus was (John 11:1-44). In the Old Testament, the Shunammite’s son was resurrected by the prophet Elisha (2 Kings 4:18-37). No, He was not the first from the grave, but He was the priority one (most important) to be resurrected from the dead.      First In Rank. The Greek word PROTOTOKOS also has the sense of "best or the most excellent." In an ancient papyri, a certificate of adoption has been found with the statement "lawful son and first-born." An adopted child is obviously not "first-born." But the child can be given the honor and the rights of a "first-born" child as if they were the first one born into the family. This Greek word also had the meaning of "first in rank."      In the ancient world the first-born son was the "first in rank" and the "most excellent." This is still true in many families around the world today. Jesus is the most important. He is more important than creature, anything and anyone - dead or alive.   Conclusion:  Jesus is the priority one of everything!       < Back             Copyright © Like The Master Ministries. All Rights Reserved. Q & A