In this passage, Paul exalts Christ, the very image of God, the supreme ruler over all creation, and the reconciler of all things to Himself. Christ is the image of the invisible God (v. 15a) Christ is supreme over all creation - He is the firstborn of all creation (v. 15b) - He is the Creator of all things (v. 16) - He is before all things (v. 17a) - He is holding all things together (v. 17b) Christ is supreme in reconciliation - He is the head of the church (v. 18a) - He is firstborn of the dead (v. 18b) - He is to obtain first place in everything (v. 18c) - He is the dwelling of God's fullness (v. 19) - He is the reconciler of all things (v. 20)