1:16 for all things in heaven and on earth were created by him – all things, whether visible or invisible, whether thrones or dominions, 5 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 6 in him.
1 tn The word “even” is not in Greek; it is implied by the height of the contrast.
2 sn According to Jewish intertestamental literature (such as 1 En. 20), Michael was one of seven archangels.
3 tn The sentence structure is a bit different in Greek. Literally it reads: “But Michael the archangel, when arguing with the devil and disputing.”
4 tn Grk “may mercy and peace and love be multiplied to you.”
5 tn BDAG 579 s.v. κυριότης 3 suggests “bearers of the ruling powers, dominions” here.
6 tn BDAG 973 s.v. συνίστημι B.3 suggests “continue, endure, exist, hold together” here.