John Calvin Commentary Colossians 1:17

"and he is before all things, and in him all things consist." — Colossians 1:17 (ASV)

All things were created by him, and for him. He places angels in subjection to Christ, so that they do not obscure his glory, for four reasons:

1. In the first place, because they were created by him.
2. Secondly, because their creation should be viewed as having a relation to him, as their legitimate end.
3. Thirdly, because he himself always existed, prior to their creation.
4. Fourthly, because he sustains them by his power and upholds them in their condition.

At the same time, he does not affirm this merely regarding angels, but also regarding the whole world. Thus he places the Son of God in the highest seat of honor, so that he may have the pre-eminence over angels as well as men, and may bring all creatures in heaven and on earth under control.