> Colossians 1:15-18 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 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.

This passage is full of allusions to the Wisdom literature, identifying Jesus with God's eternal Wisdom. Note the following parallels:

> Colossians 1:15a -- He is the image of the invisible God...

> Wisdom of Solomon 7:26 -- (Wisdom is) a spotless mirror of the working of God, and an image of his goodness.

> Colossians 1:15b -- ...the firstborn over all creation.

Philo refers to Wisdom as the 'firstborn son' and offspring of God.

> Colossians 1:16a -- ...by him all things were created..

> Wisdom of Solomon 1:14 -- 'for he created all things that they might exist'

Sirach 1:4 and Philo refer to Wisdom as the 'master workman' of creation.

> Colossians 1:17b -- He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

> Wisdom of Solomon 1:7 -- ...that which holds all things together knows what is said...