Matthew Poole and continuators on Colossians 1:17

17 And he is before all things , and by him all things consist .

To obv[illegible: 2 letters]te all exceptions to what he had said before, the Apostle doth expresly assert (what was implied before) Christ's preexistence to all the things that were created, and therefore that he himself was not made, but eternally begotten, and so did exist, and was actually before all Creatures in causality, dignity, and time; which proves his eternity, (consonant to other Scriptures, Prov. 8.22. Isa. 44.6. Mic. 5.2. Ioh. 1.1. & 17.5. Rev. 1.8, 11, 17. & 22.13.) because before all things there was nothing but proper eternity, Psal. 90.2.

Then follows this further argument of Christ's excellency and perfection, that he is not onely the Creator or Founder, but likewise the Supporter or Upholder of all things whatsoever are created, yea even of the most excellent and usefull of them, who in him do live and move, Act. 17.28. Heb. 1.3. he being the conservant aswell as procreant cause of the Heavens and Earth, with all things therein, because in respect of God, 'tis the same action which is continued in conversation and providence which was in creation, not breaking off the same influence which was exerted in producing them out of nothing, into being, Isa. 46.4. Ioh. 5.19.

Marginal references: 1 Cor. 8.6. Joh. 1.3.