with “all things” (as in Col. 1:17), it denotes preference, meaning “above all things” (in importance). Here in Colossians 1:17, the word denotes priority of time (preexistence) and importance. The next phrase, and all things in him hold together (EDM), adds the role of Sustainer to that of Creator. At a minimum it says that all things have their existence in him. Most translations pick up the thought of preservation and coherence, attributing to Christ the active
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