John Calvin Commentary Colossians 1:19

"For it was the good pleasure [of the Father] that in him should all the fulness dwell;" — Colossians 1:19 (ASV)

Because it has pleased the Father that in him. To confirm what he has declared concerning Christ, he now adds that it was so arranged in the providence of God. And, unquestionably, so that we may adore this mystery with reverence, it is necessary that we should be led back to that fountain.

“This,” he says, “has been in accordance with the counsel of God, that all fullness may dwell in him.” Now, he means a fullness of righteousness, wisdom, power, and every blessing. For whatever God has, he has conferred upon his Son, that he may be glorified in him, as is said in John 5:20.

He shows us, however, at the same time, that we must draw from the fullness of Christ everything good that we desire for our salvation, because such is the determination of God — not to communicate himself, or his gifts to men, other than through his Son. “Christ is all things to us: apart from him we have nothing.” Hence it follows that all that detract from Christ, or that impair his excellence, or rob him of his offices, or, in short, take away a drop from his fullness, overturn, as far as it is in their power, God’s eternal counsel.