Colossians 1:12-21

{4} Giving thanks unto the {5} Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in {h} light:

(4) Having ended the preface, he goes to the matter itself, that is to say, to an excellent description (although it is but short) of complete Christianity, which is fitly divided into three treatises: for first of all he expounds the true doctrine according to the order of the causes, beginning from this verse to Col 1:12-21. And from there he begins to apply the same to the Colossians with various exhortations to Col 1:22-2:6. And last of all in the third place, even to Col 2:6-23, he refutes the corruptions of true doctrine. (5) The efficient cause of our salvation is only the mercy of God the Father, who makes us fit to be partakers of eternal life, delivering us from the darkness in which we were born, and bringing us to the light of the knowledge of the glory of his Son. (h) In that glorious and heavenly kingdom.
{6} In whom we have redemption through his blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins:

(6) The matter itself of our salvation is Christ the Son of God, who has obtained remission of sins for us by the offering up of himself.
{7} Who is the image of the invisible God, {i} the firstborn of every creature:

(7) A graphic description of the person of Christ, by which we understand, that in him alone God shows himself to be seen: who was begotten of the Father before anything was made, that is, from everlasting. And by him also all things that are made, were made without any exception, by whom also they continue to exist, and whose glory they serve. (i) Begotten before anything was made: and therefore the everlasting Son of the everlasting Father.
For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] {k} thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

(k) He sets forth the angels with glorious names, so that by the comparison of most excellent spirits, we may understand how far surpassing the excellency of Christ is, in whom alone we have to content ourselves with, and let go of all angels.
{8} And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the {l} firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] he might have the preeminence.

(8) Having gloriously declared the excellent dignity of the person of Christ, he describes his office and function, that is, that he is the same to the Church as the head is to the body, that is to say, the prince and governor of it, and the very beginning of true life. And as he rose first from death, he is the author of eternal life, so that he is above all, in whom alone there is most plentiful abundance of all good things, which is poured out upon the Church. (l) Who so rose again that he should die no more, and who raises others from death to life by his power.
For it pleased [the Father] that in him should {m} all fulness dwell;

(m) Most plentiful abundance of all things pertaining to God.
{9} And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile {n} all things unto himself; by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven.

(9) Now he teaches how Christ executed that office which his Father gave and commanded to him, that is, 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 to his Father all men, both those who believed in the Christ to come, and were already under this hope gathered into heaven, as well as those who should upon the earth believe in him afterwards. And in this way justification is described by the apostle, which is one and the chiefest part of the benefit of Christ. (n) The whole Church.
{10} And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in [your] mind by wicked works, yet now hath {o} he reconciled

(10) Sanctification is another work of God in us by Christ, in that that he restored us (who hated God extremely and were wholly and willingly given to sin) to his gracious favour in such a way that he in addition purifies us with his Holy Spirit, and consecrates us to righteousness. (o) The Son.
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