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Verse Takeaways
1
Ascension Implies Descent
Paul's primary point is that Christ's ascension into heaven logically implies a prior descent. Commentators explain this isn't just a change in location but a profound theological truth. For Jesus to ascend, He first had to come down from His heavenly glory, highlighting the full scope of His redemptive journey from heaven, to earth, and back to heaven.
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Book Overview
Ephesians
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Commentaries
10
Albert Barnes
On Ephesians 4:9
18th Century
Theologian
Now that he ascended. That is, it is affirmed in the Psalm that he ascended—Thou hast ascended on high. This implies tha…
AT Robertson
On Ephesians 4:9
Now this (το δε). Paul picks out the verb αναβας (second aorist active participle of αναβαινω, to go up), changes its form to ανεβ…
Charles Ellicott
On Ephesians 4:9
19th Century
Bishop
The lower parts of the earth.—This may mean either the regions of the earth, as “lower” than heaven, or the regions b…
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Charles Spurgeon
On Ephesians 4:8–10
19th Century
Preacher
Therefore he says, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that h…
Expositor's Bible Commentary
On Ephesians 4:9
Ascension presupposes a prior descent, and Paul describes this as being made into “the lower, earthly regions.” The rendering of the NIV understand…
John Calvin
On Ephesians 4:9
16th Century
Theologian
Now that he ascended. Here again the slanderers exclaim that Paul’s reasoning is trifling and childish. “Why does he attempt to make those…
John Gill
On Ephesians 4:9
17th Century
Pastor
Now that he ascended
These words are a conclusion of Christ's descent from heaven, from his ascension thither; for h…
Matthew Henry
On Ephesians 4:7–16
17th Century
Minister
To every believer is given some gift of grace, for their mutual help. All is given as seems best to Christ to bestow on everyone. He received for t…