Connect Ephesians 4:10 with Philippians 2:9-11 about Christ's exaltation. The One Who Descended and Ascended “He who descended is the very One who ascended above all the heavens, in order to fill all things.” (Ephesians 4:10) Christ’s Supreme Exaltation “Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11) How the Two Passages Interlock • Ephesians emphasizes location—“above all the heavens.” Philippians emphasizes recognition—“every knee… every tongue.” • The same historical ascent (Acts 1:9-11) produces two outcomes: – His cosmic position (Ephesians 4:10) – His universal worship (Philippians 2:9-11) • Descent → ascent → fullness: He first came down (incarnation, Cross, burial), then rose and ascended, now over all realms and receiving all praise. “To Fill All Things” – What It Means • Authority everywhere (Matthew 28:18) • Presence by the Spirit (John 16:7; Ephesians 1:22-23) • Distribution of gifts to the church (Ephesians 4:11-13) • Future visible reign (Revelation 11:15) Supporting Witnesses from the Rest of Scripture • John 3:13—descent and ascent united in one Person. • Hebrews 1:3-4—He “sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high… superior to the angels.” • Colossians 1:18—He is “the head of the body… so that in everything He might be preeminent.” • Revelation 5:12-13—heaven, earth, and under the earth echo Philippians’ universal confession. Practical Takeaways for Believers • Confidence: the One who rules the cosmos also indwells His people. • Worship: every gathering anticipates the day when all creation bows. • Mission: because every tongue will confess Him, proclaim His name now. |
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