Ascended / Descended


Ephesians 4:7-10
7But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.
8Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.”
9(In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth?
10He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.)

The Bible is filled with passages where the theologians of the past don’t always agree with one another as to exactly what is being referenced. Here in Ephesians 4:7-10 we have just such an example. This not a major division, nor does the salvation of man rest on your understanding of this verse. But it is always good to look at these points and see what light they might shine upon our faith and our understanding of God, for that is always our goal – to understand God more accurately.

There is some discussion about the phrase “He also descended into the lower regions” and what that may be talking about in light of the bigger story of Jesus life, death, and resurrection. Some believe it references Jesus descent into hell after His death. (Please note: He did not go into hell to be punished for that work was completely finished on the cross.) 1 Peter 3:18-19 says, “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which He went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison.” He descended into hell in order to announce His total and complete victory over the power of Satan and of evil.  There are many who believe this passage from Ephesians also references that event.

Then there is the camp that believes the descent mentioned here by Paul refers to Christ’s state of humiliation as he experiences a human birth along with 33 years of life here on earth. The two stations of Christ are His exaltation and His humiliation. Anything that strips Him of His majesty, such as a brutal beating and crucifixion, or washing the disciple’s feet, or suffering the hatred of the Pharisees, could all be called part of the “humiliation of Christ.” So Paul could be talking about Jesus’ entire life as a “descent”.

Either camp you choose is okay. In fact, they may both be correct! God’s Word is certainly big enough for this passage to refer to both of those interpretations.

Comments

  1. Stacey Jewell STahlMay 1, 2013 at 9:14 AM

    I like both camps! :) THANK YOU for making me think about this today, Carolyn.

    ReplyDelete

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