And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
Ver. 18. And he is the head] See the note on Ephesians 1:22. Angels are under Christ as a head of government, of influence, of confirmation, not of redemption, as we. (Elton.)
The firstborn from the dead] sc. of those that rise to eternal life. Others rose, but to die again, and by virtue of his resurrection; as the firstborn among the Jews communicated his good things to his brethren.