Paul used words in verse 17 which would say "he (Christ) and only he is" before all things and the One through whom all things consist. It is reminiscent of the Lord's identification of Himself to Moses (Exodus 3:6). Christ identified Himself this way in John 8:58, and the Jews clearly understood it as a claim to being God (Hebrews 13:8). Not only is Christ pre-existent, but Paul also says He is the sustaining power of the universe. The word, "consist" literally means "hold together in an orderly fashion," according to Weed.

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