Ephesians 4:8-10 8Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led captured captives, and he gave gifts to people.” 9And what does it mean, “He ascended,” if not that he had also descended into the lower regions of the earth? 10The one who descended is the same as the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, in order that he might fill all things.
These verses are challenging and the meaning is obscure and uncertain, although the overall message is fairly clear. Paul quotes Psalm 68:18 and then explains why he uses this quote here. Paul changes the subject of the psalm from “you” to “he.” The “you” in the original psalm refers to God, and the “he” here in Ephesians refers to the Lord Jesus. Psalm 68 is a song of triumph and God’s sovereignty power and victory over the “enemies.” Paul may be quoting this psalm because of the triumph of Jesus over sin and death because of his grace (v. 7). His grace is able to supply all of our needs and give us eternal life.
The part of this psalm that Paul quotes has two key parts to it. The first is line is the most difficult to interpret: Jesus ascended on high and led captured captives. Paul explains what he means in vv. 9-10, but his explanation still leaves us with questions. Jesus’ ascension refers to his exaltation to the right hand of the throne of God, mentioned in 1:20. Jesus’ descent is more of the question. This could refer to his incarnation as the Son of God who came to earth to live among people and die on the cross. Jesus’ sacrifice has been a key theme to support Paul’s theology thus far in this letter. Jesus could ascend to heaven precisely because he gave himself on the cross for us. This is a powerful statement of assurance of the “one faith” to which the Ephesians had pledged their lives.
Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and his resurrection, which proved him worthy of exaltation, had the expressed purpose to fulfill all things. This was God’s eternal plan. By this plan the purpose of creation is also fulfilled. To join in this cosmic and eternal faith has profound implications for the Ephesians and all believers. We need to realize that we are part of something bigger than our Sunday morning worship service. This is life consuming and life fulfilling. We find our purpose for living as the church and individuals in this faith. This key theological statement provides the foundation for all the church is and does. Paul stresses in this letter that it is worth giving one’s life to this faith.
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