1:15 In him the image and likeness of God is made visible in human form in order that everyone may recognize their true origin in him. He is the firstborn of every creature. (What darkness veiled from us he unveiled. In him we clearly see the mirror reflection of our original life. The Son of his love gives accurate evidence of his image in human form. The incarnation means that God can never again be invisible!) 1:16 Everything that is begins in him whether in the heavenly realm or upon the earth, visible or invisible, every order of justice and every level of authority, be it kingdoms or governments, principalities or jurisdictions; all things were created by him and for him. 1:17 He is the initiator of all things, therefore everything finds its relevance and its true pattern only in him. 1:18 The Ekklesia [church] is the visible expression [body] of which Jesus is the head. He is the principle rank of authority who leads the triumphant procession of our new birth out of the region of the dead. His pre-eminent rank is beyond threat. (“ ... leading the resurrection parade” —The Message. See also Rev 1:5 and Eph 4:8,9.) 1:19 God is fully at home in him. Jesus exhibits God's 1happy delight to be human. (Delightful intent, 1eudokeo. “So spacious is he, so roomy, that everything of God finds its proper place in him without crowding.”