Colossians 1:17 – “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”

Extended Explanation

Paul continues his explanation of who Jesus is, emphasizing two incredible truths:

1. Jesus is before all things – This means that Jesus existed before anything else. He is eternal-He was there before creation, before time itself. This confirms that Jesus is not a created being, but rather, He is God (John 1:1-3).
2. In Him, all things hold together – Not only did Jesus create the universe (Colossians 1:16), but He actively holds it together. The laws of nature, the balance of life, and the entire structure of creation are sustained by Christ. Without Him, everything would fall apart.

Paul is making it clear that Jesus is not distant from creation. He didn’t just create the world and then step away-He is still involved, sustaining everything by His power.

Historical Context

Paul wrote this letter while in prison (likely in Rome, around A.D. 60–62). The Colossians were facing false teachings that downplayed Jesus‘ importance. Some people were teaching that Jesus was just one of many spiritual beings rather than the eternal Son of God.

Paul’s response? Jesus is before all things, and He holds everything together. He is not just another spiritual teacher or angelic being-He is the eternal Creator and Sustainer of the universe.

This truth was also a direct challenge to Roman and Greek beliefs. Many people in that culture worshiped multiple gods, believing that different deities controlled different aspects of life (nature, seasons, fate, etc.). Paul is boldly declaring that Jesus alone is Lord over everything–He holds the entire universe together.

Theological Implications

1. Jesus is eternal. He existed before creation and is not a created being-He is fully God (John 8:58).
2. Jesus sustains all things. The universe is not random or chaotic-Jesus holds everything in place (Hebrews 1:3).
3. Jesus is always in control. No matter what happens in life, Christ is holding all things together, including our personal struggles (Romans 8:28).
4. Without Jesus, everything falls apart. If Jesus stopped sustaining the universe, everything would collapse-He is the glue holding all things together (Nehemiah 9:6).

Literary Analysis

Paul carefully chooses words that emphasize Jesus’ supreme authority:

• “He is before all things” – The Greek word for “before” (pro) means both before in time and before in importance. Jesus is eternal and above everything.
• “In him all things hold together” – The Greek verb synistēmi means to sustain, to hold together, to keep from falling apart. This means Jesus is actively maintaining creation-not just passively letting it run.

Paul’s wording shows that Jesus is both the Creator and the Sustainer-He made all things, and He continues to hold them together by His power.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• John 1:1-3 – “Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.”
• Hebrews 1:3 – “The Son is … sustaining all things by his powerful word.”
• John 8:58 – Jesus said, “Before Abraham was born, I am.”
• Romans 8:28 – “In all things God works for the good of those who love him.”
• Nehemiah 9:6 – “You alone are the Lord. You made the heavens … and you give life to everything.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

1. Jesus is bigger than our problems. The same Jesus who holds the universe together is holding your life together too. Even when life feels chaotic, He is in control.
2. We can trust Jesus completely. If He is powerful enough to sustain the universe, He is powerful enough to take care of us.
3. Jesus should be at the center of our lives. Since everything is held together in Him, our lives should revolve around Him-not our own plans or desires.
4. We are completely dependent on Jesus. Just as the universe relies on Him to hold it together, we need Him every day for strength, wisdom, and guidance.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

1. God did not create the world and then leave it alone. He is actively involved in sustaining it-He cares for His creation.
2. God holds us together just like He holds the universe together. Even when we feel weak or broken, He is the one who keeps us steady (Psalm 55:22).
3. God’s love is seen in His control over all things. Nothing happens outside of His power-He is working all things for good (Romans 8:28).

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

• Jesus is eternal. He existed before creation and is not a created being-He is God (John 8:58).
• Jesus is the Sustainer. He does not just create things; He holds them together (Hebrews 1:3).
• Jesus is completely in control. Because He holds all things together, we can trust Him fully with our lives.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does knowing that Jesus existed before all things strengthen your faith?
2. What does it mean for your daily life that Jesus is holding everything together?
3. Are there areas in your life where you are struggling to trust that Jesus is in control?
4. How can you remind yourself daily that Jesus is sustaining everything, including your own life?
5. How does this verse encourage you when facing uncertainty, fear, or difficulties?