What is the meaning of Ephesians 4:9? He ascended Ephesians 4:9 begins by assuming the well-known fact that Jesus “ascended.” Luke records it plainly: “After He had spoken these things, they watched, and He was lifted up, and a cloud hid Him from their sight” (Acts 1:9). The ascension marks • the completion of His earthly mission (John 17:4) • His return to the Father’s right hand (Hebrews 1:3; 4:14) • the start of His present ministry of intercession (Romans 8:34) What does “He ascended” mean? Paul pauses to unpack the word. If Jesus rose up, it logically implies He first came down. The thought echoes Jesus’ own words: “No one has ascended into heaven except the One who descended from heaven—the Son of Man” (John 3:13). The order is simple: 1. Descent—God the Son takes on flesh (Philippians 2:6-8). 2. Ascent—Having conquered sin and death, He returns in triumph (Psalm 68:18, the verse Paul has just quoted in Ephesians 4:8). He also descended The descent is two-fold: • From heaven to earth in the incarnation (Galatians 4:4-5). • From the cross to the realm of the dead after His burial (Matthew 12:40; Acts 2:31). Far from weakness, this downward journey displays deliberate purpose—He stepped into our world and even our grave to rescue us (Hebrews 2:14-15). To the lower parts of the earth Several passages shed light on this phrase: • “In the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12:40) points to the grave/Hades. • “Preached to the spirits in prison” (1 Peter 3:18-19) suggests a victorious proclamation to the realm of the dead. • “Depths of the earth” (Psalm 139:15) reminds us of the hidden place where life is formed, hinting that even in death God works creatively. Jesus truly experienced death, entered its domain, and emerged victorious (Revelation 1:18). Why the descent first? • To bear our sins completely (Isaiah 53:6; 2 Corinthians 5:21). • To disarm satanic powers (Colossians 2:15). • To liberate captives—Old Testament saints awaiting full redemption (Hebrews 11:39-40). Why the ascent? • To enthrone the risen Christ above all rule and authority (Ephesians 1:20-22). • To pour out spiritual gifts on His people (Ephesians 4:10-12; Acts 2:33). • To guarantee our future resurrection and heavenly home (John 14:2-3; 1 Corinthians 15:20-23). Living in the light of His descent and ascent Because our Lord went lower than we ever could and now reigns higher than we can imagine: • We walk in humility, remembering His sacrificial path (Philippians 2:5). • We serve in unity, using the gifts He distributes (Ephesians 4:13-16). • We rest in assurance—nothing in death or life can separate us from Him (Romans 8:38-39). summary Ephesians 4:9 teaches that Jesus’ glorious ascent presupposes a complete, literal descent—from heaven to earth and down into death itself. He went low to save, rose high to reign, and now fills all things with His presence and power. His journey down and up becomes both the foundation of our salvation and the model for our humble, hope-filled service today. |
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