Ephesians 4:7-10

⁷ “But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. ⁸ Therefore it says,

“When He ascended on high,
He led captive the captives,
And He gave gifts to people.”

⁹ (Now this expression, “He ascended,” what does it mean except that He also had descended into the lower parts of the earth? ¹⁰ He who descended is Himself also He who ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things.)”

Verse 7: Paul emphasizes that every believer has received grace from Christ. This grace is not earned or based on our own merit, but it is freely given to us according to Christ’s measure. It is important to recognize that grace is not a one-time event, but an ongoing reality in the life of a believer.

Verse 8: Paul quotes from Psalm 68:18 to illustrate the work of Christ. When Jesus ascended to heaven after His resurrection, He triumphed over sin, death, and the powers of darkness. In doing so, He took many captives, symbolizing His victory over the enemy. As a result, He now bestows spiritual gifts upon His people.

Verse 9: Paul clarifies the meaning of Christ’s ascension by highlighting His prior descent to the lower, earthly regions. This refers to Jesus’ incarnation, His coming to earth as a human being. By descending to earth, Jesus identified with humanity and experienced the fullness of our human condition.

Verse 10: Paul emphasizes that the same Jesus who descended to earth also ascended higher than all the heavens. Through His death and resurrection, He triumphed over sin and death, and His authority extends over all creation. His purpose in ascending was to fill the whole universe with His presence and power.