Ephesians 4:8-11 Therefore, it says : Psa., “When He ascended on high i.e., to heaven, He led a procession of captured prisoners behind Him Note: This originally referred to God leading His people in triumph over Israel’s enemies, but here is applied to Christ, and gave gifts to various people.”

AUV⁽ⁱ⁾ ⁸ Therefore, it says [Psa. 68:18], “When He ascended on high [i.e., to heaven], He led a procession of captured prisoners [behind Him] [Note: This originally referred to God leading His people in triumph over Israel’s enemies, but here is applied to Christ], and gave gifts to [various] people.” ⁹ (But what does “He ascended” mean if not that He also [first] descended to the lower parts of the earth [i.e., to the earth below]? [Note: Of the three principal interpretations given to this verse: a) Christ descended to earth, b) Christ descended to the grave, c) Christ descended to Mary’s womb. The first is to be preferred. See John 3:13; 6:38, 62]. ¹⁰ The One who descended [i.e., from heaven to earth] is the same One [i.e., Christ] who also ascended high above the all the heavens, so that He could fill the entire universe [with His presence]). ¹¹ And He gave some people [the gift of being] apostles; and some people prophets; and some people evangelists; and some people pastors [i.e., elders] and teachers,