Firstborn is a rank, not a birthday

"Firstborn" sounds like a date of birth, so people ask whether Paul is calling Jesus a created being. That is not what the word is doing.
In the Old Testament, Israel is called God's firstborn, and so is the Davidic king. Neither was first in time. The word marks rank - the one who holds the highest place. Paul is not ranking Jesus inside creation. He is placing him over it.
Scripture links:
- Colossians 1:15 - "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation." - Status and preeminence, not chronology.
- Psalm 89:27 - The promised Davidic king is called firstborn because he is supreme, not because he came first.
When Scripture calls Jesus the firstborn, it is not lowering him. It is telling you who reigns.