Colossians 1:15-20

Colossians 1:15-20

[15] Who  the image  of the invisible  God,  the firstborn  of every  creature:  [16] For  by  him  all things  created,  that are in  heaven,  and  that are in  earth,  visible  and  invisible,  whether  they be thrones,  or  dominions,  or  principalities,  or  powers:  all things  were created  by  him,  and  for  him:  [17] And  he  before  all things,  and  by  him  all things  consist.  [18] And  he  the head  of the body,  the church:  who  the beginning,  the firstborn  from  the dead;  that  in  all  things he  might have  the preeminence.  [19] For it pleased  the Father that  in  him  all  fulness  dwell;  [20] And,  having made peace  through  the blood  of his  cross,  by  him  to reconcile  all things  unto  himself;  by  him,  I say, whether  they be things in  earth,  or  things in  heaven. 

What does Colossians 1:15-20 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

In this section Paul revealed in what senses Christ is preeminent. One writer observed that this passage "represents a loftier conception of Christ"s person than is found anywhere else in the writings of Paul." [1] Another wrote, "No comparable listing of so many characteristics of Christ and His deity are found in any other Scripture passage." [2] Paul described Jesus Christ in three relationships: to deity, to creation, and to the church. Some writers understood this passage to be an early Christian hymn. [3]
"There are given here nine marks of identification of Christ which make Him different from and superior to any other person who has ever lived." [4]
I believe there are thirteen.