Colossians 1:16 refers to the new creation being created in the risen Christ. Since he is the firstborn of all creation, the firstborn out of the dead, he is before all things. Since God raised him far above all rule and authority, he before all things in rank. In the risen Christ all things stand together (v. 17) just as Paul says all things are Headed up in the risen Christ at Ephesians 1:9-10.