18 [a]And he is the head of the body of the Church: he is the beginning, (A)and the [b]first begotten of the dead, that in all things he might have the preeminence.

19 (B)For it pleased the Father, that in him should [c]all fullness dwell.

20 [d]And through peace made by that blood of that his cross, to reconcile to himself through him, through him, I say, [e]all things, both which are in earth, and which are in heaven.

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Footnotes

  1. Colossians 1:18 Having gloriously declared the excellent dignity of the person of Christ, he describeth his office and function, to wit, that he is that same to the Church, that the head is to the body, that is to say, the prince and governor of it, and the very beginning of true life, as who rising first from death, he is the Author of eternal life, so that he is above all, in whom only there is most plentiful abundance of all good things, which is poured out upon the Church.
  2. Colossians 1:18 Who so rose again that he shall die no more, and who raiseth others from death to life by his power.
  3. Colossians 1:19 Most plentiful abundance of all things pertaining to God.
  4. Colossians 1:20 Now he teacheth how Christ executed that office which his Father joined him, to wit, by suffering the death of the cross (which was joined with the curse of God) according to his decree, that by this sacrifice he might reconcile his Father all men as well them which believed in him to come, and were already under this hope gathered into heaven, as them which should upon the earth believe in him afterwards. And thus is justification described of the Apostle, which is one and the chiefest part of the benefit of Christ.
  5. Colossians 1:20 The whole Church.

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