may denote ‘the combined sum of the perfections which constitute the divine essence: in other words, divinity itself’. (Prat I, 295). Cf. 2:9. Moreover, Christ possesses this fullness in permanent fashion (κατοικεῖν, DV ‘dwell’). This verse provides the ultimate reason for Christ’s sovereignty over all things. § b 20–23 Christ’s Work: Reconciliation—St Paul has described the Person of Christ: he is the image of the invisible God (1:15), Creator (1:16–17); sovereign over the universe and supreme