Colossians 1.15-20: Preexistence or Preeminence [6 pages]
by William Wachtel rated at 1.9 (7 votes so far)
In standard evangelical commentary, two texts from Paul's writings are constantly used to teach the personal preexistence of Christ: Philippians 2:5-11 and Colossians 1:15-20. William Wachtel questions seriously, however, whether any such ideas were in Paul's mind. In Philippians 2:5, for instance, Paul declares he is holding forth the historical example of the man Christ Jesus, not some prehistoric example into which can be read ideas of personal preexistence. Can the same be said to be true of Colossians 1:15-20?
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Elohim and Other Key Terms
by Anthony Buzzard [36]
rated at 1.6 (out of 6 votes)
If Elohim is plural and thus means Gods then what is the significance of the singular verb following? ("he [not they] created"). We would have to translate, "In the beginning Gods, he created" or "Gods was the creator." We are rapidly reducing the sacred text to nonsense. The solution is to realize that Elohim, though plural in form, is singular in meaning.