Colossians 1:16

Christ is the originator of creation ("in Him," Colossians 1:16 a). All things-in every place, of every sort, and of every rank-originated with Him. God mediated the life of the entire universe through His Son (cf. John 1:3; John 1:10; Hebrews 1:2). He is the architect of creation. Paul listed various ranks of angelic beings, namely, invisible rulers and authorities. He may have been using the terminology of the false teachers who taught many gradations within the angelic sphere. [Note: Vaughan, p. 182.] Or these gradations really may exist. In Gnosticism, and in its primitive development in Colossae, angels received veneration depending on their supposed rank. Probably ranks of heavenly powers are in view here (Colossians 1:16). [Note: Dunn, p. 92.] Thus Paul claimed that Christ is superior to all angelic beings (cf. Hebrews 1:1-14).

"If it is asked whether the spiritual forces which Christ vanquished on the Cross are to be regarded as personal or impersonal, the answer is probably ’both.’ Whatever forces there are, of either kind, that hold human souls in bondage, Christ has shown Himself to be their Master, and those who are united to Him by faith need have no fear of them." [Note: Bruce, 564:299.]

Christ is the agent of creation ("through Him," Colossians 1:16 b). He accomplished creation (cf. John 1:3; Hebrews 1:2). He is the builder of the creation.

Christ is the goal of creation ("for Him," Colossians 1:16 b). History is moving toward a goal when the whole created universe will glorify Christ (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:25; Philippians 2:10-11; Revelation 19:16). [Note: See Handley C. G. Moule, Colossian Studies, p. 78.]

"Several steps are involved in the construction of a substantial building. First, an architect is obtained to design the building and prepare plans and specifications in accordance with the expressed desires of the owner. Then the plans are submitted for bids by builders or contractors, and a builder secured. After the completion of the edifice, it is occupied by the owner and devoted to its intended use. Our Lord is not only the builder of the universe; He is also its architect and owner. All things have been created in Him (the eternal plans for the creation abide in Him), by Him (He acted as builder), and for Him (the creation belongs to Him and is to reflect His glory)." [Note: Johnson, 473:15.]

"For centuries, the Greek philosophers had taught that everything needed a primary cause, an instrumental cause, and a final cause. The primary cause is the plan, the instrumental cause the power, and the final cause the purpose. When it comes to Creation, Jesus Christ is the primary cause (He planned it), the instrumental cause (He produced it), and the final cause (He did it for His own pleasure)." [Note: Wiersbe, 2:116.]

Paul used the verb "created" twice in Colossians 1:16. In the first instance it is in the Greek aorist tense and refers to creation as an act. In the second it is in the Greek perfect tense picturing ". . . the universe as still remaining the monument and proof of His creative might." [Note: John Eadie, Commentary on the Epistle of Paul to the Colossians, p. 56.]