1:16 for all things in heaven and on earth were created by him – all things, whether visible or invisible, whether thrones or dominions, 1 whether principalities or powers – all things were created through him and for him.
1:17 He himself is before all things and all things are held together 2 in him.
1:18 He is the head of the body, the church, as well as the beginning, the firstborn 3 from among the dead, so that he himself may become first in all things. 4
1:19 For God 5 was pleased to have all his 6 fullness dwell 7 in the Son 8
1:20 and through him to reconcile all things to himself by making peace through the blood of his cross – through him, 9 whether things on earth or things in heaven.
1:21 And you were at one time strangers and enemies in your 10 minds 11 as expressed through 12 your evil deeds, 1:22 but now he has reconciled you 13 by his physical body through death to present you holy, without blemish, and blameless before him – 1:23 if indeed you remain in the faith, established and firm, 14 without shifting 15 from the hope of the gospel that you heard. This gospel has also been preached in all creation under heaven, and I, Paul, have become its servant.