Colossians 1:16

For by him. Gr. hoti en auto, literally, “for in Him,” here probably not denoting agency, since this is expressed later in the verse by di’ autou, “by him.” En auto probably stresses that Christ is the center, the source, the sphere, in which creation originated.

Were all things created. Literally, “all the things were created.” For a discussion of Christ as Creator see on John 1:3. The exercise of creative power was proof of the divinity of Christ.

Heaven ... earth. This expression seems here to include the entire universe. All things, material or immaterial, are designated by this term.

Invisible. Doubtless a reference to spirit beings and powers (see below on “thrones ... powers”).

Thrones ... powers. See on Rom. 8:38; Eph. 1:21. These terms were doubtless those used by the false teachers at Colossae to describe their classification of angelic orders. These heretical teachers probably classed Christ on a level with these orders. If so, Paul met the doctrine head-on by declaring that whether there were such orders or not, Christ created them all, and consequently was far above them in rank.

Were created. The form of the verb thus translated is different from that translated “created” earlier in the verse. Here the words means “stands created,” with emphasis upon the effects of creation, whereas the earlier word refers to creation simply as a specific act that occurred at some point in history.

By him. Gr. di’ autuo (see above on “for by him”). The phrase expresses agency. See on John 1:3.

For him. Literally, “unto Him.” Christ is the goal toward which all creation moves for its justification and very existence. He is “the beginning and the end, the first and the last” (Rev. 22:13).