“For everything was created by Him, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities– all things have been created through Him and for Him” (Colossians 1:16 HCSB).
The term “thrones or dominions” found here in Colossians 1:16 carries a spiritual connotation that one commentator explains in the following manner…
“…These are various categories of angels whom Christ created and rules over. There is no comment regarding whether they are holy or fallen, since He is Lord of both groups. The false teachers had incorporated into their heresy the worship of angels (see note on 2:18), including the lie that Jesus was one of them, merely a spirit created by God and inferior to Him.
Paul rejected that and made it clear that angels, whatever their rank, whether holy or fallen, are mere creatures, and their Creator is none other than the preeminent One, the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The purpose of his catalog of angelic ranks is to show the immeasurable superiority of Christ over any being the false teachers might suggest.” (1)
Another source relates the supremacy of Christ to the process involved in building a home or commercial building…
“Several steps are involved in the construction of a substantial building. First, an architect is obtained to design the building and prepare plans and specifications in accordance with the expressed desires of the owner. Then the plans are submitted for bids by builders or contractors, and a builder secured. After the completion of the edifice, it is occupied by the owner and devoted to its intended use.
Our Lord is not only the builder of the universe; He is also its architect and owner. All things have been created in Him (the eternal plans for the creation abide in Him), by Him (He acted as builder), and for Him (the creation belongs to Him and is to reflect His glory).” (2)
In light of these things, we can say that Jesus was personally responsible for every creative act related to the formation of the spiritual and material worlds. Therefore. as Ephesians 1:21-22 tells us…
“He is far above all rulers, authorities, powers, lords, and all other names that can be named, not only in this present world but also in the world to come. God has put everything under the control of Christ. He has made Christ the head of everything for the good of the church” (GW).
(1) MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2006). The MacArthur study Bible: New American Standard Bible. (Col 1:16). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.
(2) Constable, Thomas. DD. “Commentary on Colossians 1:17”. “Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable”. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/dcc/colossians-1.html. 2012.