IN CHRIST, ALL THINGS WERE CREATED: A Christological Reflection on Colossians 1:16

By Dr. Max Shimba
Servant of Jesus Christ, Shimba Theological Institute

Abstract

This article explores the Christological implications of Colossians 1:16, emphasizing the divine role of Jesus Christ in creation. The verse reveals a profound theological claim: that all things—visible and invisible, in heaven and on earth—were created in, through, and for Christ. This paper argues that such a declaration affirms not only the divinity of Christ but also His role as Creator, thereby identifying Him as God. Drawing from both Pauline and Johannine texts, this study asserts that Jesus is the eternal Logos and the ultimate end of all created reality.

Keywords: Christology, Colossians 1:16, Creation, Divinity of Christ, Logos Theology, Pauline Epistles

1. Introduction

Among the most elevated Christological passages in the Pauline epistles is Colossians 1:15–20, wherein the apostle Paul expounds on the supremacy of Christ. Verse 16, in particular, makes an extraordinary claim:

"For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him" (Col. 1:16, NIV).

This verse establishes the cosmic role of Jesus Christ in creation and positions Him not as a created being, but as the very source, means, and goal of all created things. Such a claim demands a theological examination of Jesus’ identity, divinity, and His relationship with God the Father.

2. Christ as the Sphere and Agent of Creation

The Greek phrase ἐν αὐτῷ (en autō), translated “in Him,” signifies more than a mere association. It indicates that Christ is the foundational sphere within which creation occurred. This idea resonates with Johannine theology:

“Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made” (John 1:3, NIV).

Both Paul and John affirm that Christ is not a passive instrument of creation but its initiating and sustaining cause. He is the eternal Logos (Word) through whom the universe was brought into existence.

3. Christ’s Role in Visible and Invisible Creation

Paul delineates the extent of Christ’s creative work: “things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible.” This includes both physical realities (cosmos, nature, humanity) and metaphysical entities (angelic beings, spiritual authorities). The mention of “thrones,” “dominions,” “rulers,” and “authorities” further emphasizes Christ’s supremacy over all cosmic powers—whether demonic or angelic, earthly or celestial.

4. Christ as Divine Creator

Genesis 1:1 asserts that God created the heavens and the earth. For Paul to attribute this creative function to Christ is to declare unequivocally that Christ is God. This theological conclusion finds additional support in Hebrews 1:2–3, which states:

“Through the Son He made the universe... The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being” (Heb. 1:2–3, NIV).

Jesus’ divinity is not a later invention of Church councils but a truth embedded within the earliest apostolic witness.

5. All Things Were Created For Him

Paul completes the verse with the phrase “and for Him” (εἰς αὐτόν – eis auton), indicating Christ’s teleological centrality in creation. All things exist not only through Christ but for Christ. This eschatological vision positions Christ as both Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end (Rev. 22:13). Creation finds its purpose, meaning, and destiny in Him.

6. Conclusion

Colossians 1:16 is a doctrinally rich verse that places Christ at the center of all created reality. The Apostle Paul makes three essential claims:

All things were created in Him – He is the realm or origin of creation.
All things were created through Him – He is the agent or means of creation.
All things were created for Him – He is the purpose or goal of creation.

These affirmations align with both Old and New Testament declarations about God's creative work and show that Jesus shares in the divine identity of the Creator. He is not merely the Messiah; He is God incarnate, the Lord of all creation.

References

Carson, D. A., and Douglas J. Moo. 2005. An Introduction to the New Testament. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Holy Bible, New International Version. 2011. Colorado Springs: Biblica.

O’Brien, Peter T. 1982. Colossians, Philemon. Word Biblical Commentary, Vol. 44. Waco, TX: Word Books.

Wright, N. T. 1986. The Epistles of Paul to the Colossians and to Philemon: An Introduction and Commentary. Tyndale New Testament Commentaries. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic.

Shimba, Max. 2024. Christology and Divine Identity: Reflections from Pauline Theology. Orlando, FL: Shimba Theological Institute.

Thursday, July 24, 2025