"Firstborn" as used in Scripture does not of necessity mean the one born first, though the term arises from that. The one born first was always given the place of pre-eminence; and so, if, for some reason (as in Reuben and others) the one born first lost that place, a younger one received it. Thus Christ as "Firstborn of every creature" (Col. 1:15) is not the one born first, but to whom God gives the pre-eminent place of firstborn. As man He is above and Head of all creation, and sooner or later, all must bow to Him.

In like manner He is "the firstborn from the dead" (Col. 1:18). Others were raised from among the dead before Him, such as Lazarus and others, but of all who belong to the first resurrection-who shall come forth from among the dead, and who will share His glory with Him, He will ever be the preeminent One-the chief above them all.