Paul is here using thoughts from Isa. 45:23 and applying them to the ultimate universal adoration of the Saviour (cf. on Rom. 14:11). These words have not yet been fulfilled, but they are an assurance that the time will come when every creature will acknowledge Christ’s overlordship (cf. Rev. 5:11-14). This can only be when the great controversy is ended, when all, including Satan and his followers, will bow down at the feet of Jesus and own that the ways of God have been just and righteous (GC 666-670).

Or, “of heavenly persons” (see below).

 Or, “earthly persons.” This phrase and the preceding “things in heaven” may refer either to all created things or to all intelligent beings in the spheres mentioned. In favor of the first view Paul’s treatment of the creation in Rom. 8:19-22 has been set forth. Also OT passages in which all nature is represented as praising God (Ps. 65:13; 148) are referred to. In favor of the second view is Paul’s use of the words “knee” and “tongue” (Phil. 2:10, (11), which, unless taken figuratively, refer to animate beings. Compare on Rev. 5:13.

 The series, “in heaven,” “in earth”, and “under the earth,” is based on a Hebrew idiom denoting the entire creation (see on Ex. 20:4). “Under the earth” may refer to the figurative realm of the dead (see on Isa. 14:9, 10, 15, 16).

 Perhaps referring to the name introduced in v. 9.

 Or, “in the name” (cf. on Acts 3:16).