What does it mean that in Him all things consist (Colossians 1:17)?

In Colossians 1:15–23, the apostle Paul refutes false teachings that were circulating about the nature and divinity of Jesus Christ. Editors label this notable section of Scripture as “Preeminence of Christ” (NKJV) or “The Supremacy of the Son of God” (NIV). The false teachers of Paul’s day insisted that, while Jesus was prominent, He was not the supreme, highest-ranking being in all creation. In other words, they claimed He was not God. Presenting his case, Paul states, “For by [Jesus Christ] all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist” (Colossians 1:16–17, NKJV).

This passage emphasizes Christ’s divinity, superiority, and sustaining power over all creation. With the words “in Him all things consist” (NKJV), or “in him all things hold together” (NIV, ESV), Paul declares that Christ is not only the Creator of the universe but also the Sustainer of everything in creation. In the original language, the term translated as “consist” or “hold together” (synestēken in Greek) means “to place together, cohere, or to be or become composed of many parts into a cohesive and enduring whole.” In essence, Jesus Christ is the glue that holds us and everything in the world together. If it weren’t for Him, all things would fall apart. He ensures life’s order and coherence. Christ is infinitely authoritative because He is God.

The writer of Hebrews affirms the divinity and supremacy of God’s Son: “God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe. The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command” (Hebrews 1:2–3, NLT). Jesus is the Sustainer of the universe. He upholds every element, fiber, force, and law of nature. Without His continual care and providence, the cosmos would cease to exist.

Paul had been made aware that the church in Colossae was in trouble. The faith of the believers there was shaken by heretical teachings (see Colossians 2:4, 8). They were being sold a pack of lies about Jesus, primarily that He wasn’t enough for salvation. Therefore, it was critical for Paul to make them understand the truth about Jesus—that He is God and that through Christ’s “divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life” (2 Peter 1:3, NLT). He is sufficiently able to save and sustain His church.

Paul writes, “Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority” (Colossians 2:8–10, NLT). As Christians, we must understand who Christ is—the Creator and Sustainer of the universe—and that, because He holds all things together, we are safe, secure, and complete in our salvation through our union with Him (Romans 5:9–10; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Colossians 2:13; Ephesians 1:5–10; 1 Peter 3:18).

Grasping the profound truth that “in Him, all things consist” brings to light the omnipotent nature of Christ. It underscores His divine authority and the dependence of all creation on Him. Everyone and everything owes its existence to Christ. He is sovereign and integrally responsible for the origin and maintenance of all things. His power, His Word, and His presence guarantee that the universe does not spin into chaos but remains under His control. What’s more, as followers of Christ, Jesus is in control of our lives and our ultimate destiny. He is our all-sufficient Savior (Hebrews 5:9; 7:25; 9:26–28; Philippians 3:21).