In the first part of the passage, the ktis- root (create/creation) is repeated three times in verses 15 and 16. The repetition of the important term prōtotokos (“firstborn”) in verse 15 and in verse 18 is likewise a significant marker of the two sections. Forms of this personal pronoun, in three different prepositional phrases, occur in verses 16 and 17 and then again in verses 19 and 20. Three instances of the nominative masculine singular personal pronoun ( autos) occur in verses 17 and 18. These two verses mark the beginning of two sections, roughly similar in length, that have some thematic coherence. This particular form is repeated in verse 18. First, the passage begins in verse 15 with the nominative masculine singular relative pronoun ( hos). We will summarize a number of these features here. This passage is carefully constructed, characterized by general balance across two sections and by repetition of key terms and phrases. It is Paul’s thought now, and all that we know of the richness of Paul’s theological thought leads us to conclude that he is entirely capable of producing such a glorious passage of praise. Whether others had a hand in shaping the passage at an earlier stage is irrelevant. Regardless of any possible history of the text or certain parts of it, we can say that it is now fully integrated into its context and so expresses just what Paul intended to say. The supposed prior history of this text is entirely conjectural. Once again, we should be cautious about this view. Many scholars have also claimed that this text is “tradition.” By this they mean that Paul has adopted material already in circulation and incorporated it into his letter. 1Pao argues, however, that the term “hymn” is appropriate if understood in its literary context. Some commentators have argued that, while all these observations are true, we should be careful not to rush too quickly to use the term “hymn.” To use this term, they argue, seems to imply a work of poetry intended to be sung, and it is not at all clear that such is the nature of this passage. This passage is often described as a “hymn” because it appears to reflect the confession and worship of the church and because it clearly has been crafted with some care. With contributions from a team of pastors and scholars, this commentary through 9 of Paul’s letters helps students of the Bible to understand how each epistle fits in with the storyline of Scripture and applies today.

The significance of all things