Indeed, to seek a definite list of meanings would be to miss the inclusive sense that Paul usually seems to have in mind. "In Christ" is Paul's way of saying that believers are now "located" in a new "place" - the kingdom of God's Son (v. 13) - that carries with it a total reorientation of one's existenceMoo, D. J. (2008). The letters to the Colossians and to Philemon (p. 77). Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Pub. Co.
"in Christ" is to belong to him as the originator and ruler of the new age of redemption that his death and resurrection inaugurated (in contrast to being "in Adam"
Moo, D. J. (2008). The letters to the Colossians and to Philemon (p. 77). Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Pub. Co.
the first Christian preachers seem to have made no sharp distinction between literalist treatments of the text, Midrash exegesis, Pesher interpretation, and the application of accepted predictive prophecies. All of these were employed, and at times there appears a blending and interwearving of methods. What they were conscious of, however, was interpreting the Scriptures from a Christocentric perspective, in conformity with the exegetical teaching and example of Jesus, and along Christological lines.Biblical Exegesis in the Apostolic Period (103)