Ephesians 4:8-9

"Therefore it is said, When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive [He led a train of vanquished foes] and He bestowed gifts on men." Ephesians 4:8

Like, "Yet" in verse 7 took us back to verse 6, "Therefore", here in verse 8 brings the truths from verses 6 and 7 to this point. So, since we are united into one body, yet still individually gifted, let's consider at what a great price this must have cost! Not only for One So Of The Trinity, to come down from out of heaven... to be mocked and spit on... hated and crucified... but also, that when Christ ascended, not only did He begin giving us something powerful and purposed individually and for the whole body... But (the Amplified says), "He led a train of vanquished foes". Let's finish the thought here with the next verse before we look at this "train of vanquished foes".

9. "[But He ascended?] Now what can this, He ascended, mean but that He had previously descended from [the heights of] heaven into [the depths], the lower parts of the earth?"

The fact that Jesus first descended, assures us of "the power that created ALL things" came with Christ Jesus! And so back to this "leading away our foes"... we must take comfort in what this means. Jesus came down and conquered sin, death and many other things which were our foes. He ascends back to the heavens with the spoils of war. He has His captives with Him... just like the picture of the old testament generals riding into the city and up to the temple, Jesus brings them before God, so that "then and only then" He can give gifts unto men. You can not trully give something that is not surrendered (made an offering) to God, first! And so, without the ascension, there would not be a Christ who could send His Holy Spirit, who in turn could display all the different gifts. In John 14, Jesus said...

"I am going away to prepare a place for you.... And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you"

The Holy Spirit is the one who reveals the truth, urges us to pray, say a kind word, not say anything, cry, laugh, stand, etc. But Jesus had to ascend first, and not only that, but when He ascended, He went into the throne room by His own blood and there, He received the name which is above ALL names, and so now as Lord of the Universe, He qualifies to give gifts unto men. That is why Paul is pointing to what it cost God for us to be so blessed. Every thing He has done in Christ to bring us back to Himself. Amen?

Let's pick up with Ephesians verse 4:10 next time.

I love you.