Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
When he rose from the dead he remained forty days in the world and then ascended from the Mount of Olives to heaven with angels, blessing his disciples as he went up on high. In that ascent he triumphed over captivity itself, breaking the fetters of the tomb and conquering him who had the power of death. The captives he led were the multitude raised from their graves at his death and resurrection, who followed him upward as trophies and first-fruits to be presented before the Father and crowned with immortality. The gifts he gave to men are apostles and prophets and evangelists and pastors and teachers, and above all his representative the Holy Spirit in whom all gifts are given in one, poured out at Pentecost to abide with the church. Those gifts were placed in the church to continue to the end of time for the perfecting of the saints and the edifying of the body, till all come in unity of faith unto a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.
Ascension Setting and Wording
The giving of gifts belongs to the moment when, after resurrection, he ascended up on high to heaven. He spent forty days in the world in his risen body before going up. He ascended from the Mount of Olives with outstretched hands blessing his disciples while escorted upward by angels, a myriad of angels and the heavenly host with songs of joy and triumph. He passed through the portals of the city of God amid angelic music, welcomed by an innumerable company of angels as King of glory, the Lord strong and mighty and Lord of hosts, to take his position upon the throne of the Father while angels bowed in adoration and joy to the slain Lamb who had triumphed over the prince of darkness and conquered death and the grave. Just before going up he commanded his disciples to teach all nations, baptizing in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost and teaching observance of all he had commanded, promising to be with them always even to the end of the world, so that because he rose there is reason to rejoice in a risen Saviour who is the resurrection and the life. He went up not for himself alone but as the covenant-making Redeemer of those who become his through faith in his name. The gifts were given together to build up the church and bring it to unity and perfection, and because that unity was still future when Paul wrote, they were to continue until it was attained.
The one who ascended far above all heavens that he might fill all things is the same one who first descended into the lower parts of the earth. He descended from heaven, from the throne of God, clothing divinity with humanity to show what human beings may become if they unite weakness to his strength, die to self and live to Christ, having unchristlike traits softened, subdued and purified so they may be one with Christ in God. In that ascension he gave grace to every believer according to the measure of his gift. It lays a high and holy vocation upon believers to walk worthy of their calling and specifies their work.
Leading captivity captive means triumphing over captivity itself and conquering it when ascending. His resurrection broke the fetters of the tomb and the enemy's power over death. He had tasted death for every person but did not remain under its power, rising as triumphant conqueror and leading a multitude of captives out of their graves. He met and conquered the devil who held the power of death, defeating Satan's power over death and robbing death of its terror. He now lives as risen Redeemer to dispense blessings in abundant streams of grace and power as his believing children need them. His ascension is linked with rising far above all heavens to fill all things, and his gifts serve the church's calling, growth toward unity in faith and knowledge of the Son of God, and maturity measured by Christ's fullness, with varied gifts and abilities distributed among servants so that no single gift is sufficient.
The ascension belongs to the saving work of Christ crucified for sin, risen from the dead, and ascended on high, which is the science of salvation to be learned and taught. After rising from the dead he proclaimed himself the resurrection and the life over the rent tomb and ascended escorted by the angelic throng. In his life, death, resurrection and ascension type met antitype, with the veil rent at his long-predicted death and every specification of Old Testament prophecy fulfilled without uncertainty in the New Testament. His leading captivity captive and giving gifts unto men means he bestows the Holy Spirit and varied gifts upon his church, fulfilled in the promise of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost and continued in the church as the court of holy life filled with varied gifts and endowed with the Holy Spirit.
Captives Led From Death
The captivity led captive is the multitude of captives raised from their graves at Christ's death and resurrection, when the earthquake rent the graves open and He came forth from the tomb and shook the enemy's prison-house. They followed Him as He ascended as triumphant conqueror and victorious Lord, escorted upward by the heavenly host with songs of joy to the portals of the city of God. They were welcomed through the gates by angels as King of glory, presented before the Father, and crowned with immortality. At His ascension He possessed again the exalted stature He had before coming to earth, after humbling Himself and dying for humanity.
Unlike those raised during His ministry, these saints were raised to everlasting life, no longer captives of Satan and never again subject to death or sorrow, as trophies and first-fruits of His victory as the second Adam. Their rising and release display His triumph over Satan, death, and the grave. Their resurrection confirms that those who sleep in Jesus will be raised, and serves as a sample, pledge, and assurance of the final resurrection. At His return His voice will call the righteous dead from their tombs to immortal life at His second coming and rescue them from the prison-houses of death.
They were faithful colaborers who at cost of life bore testimony to the truth, raised to be witnesses that Christ had risen. Appearing in the city and revealing themselves to many, they gave incontrovertible proof He is the Son of God against the lie put into the mouths of the Roman guard. By breaking the tomb He defeated Satan's power over death and opened the way from earth to heaven for those who receive Him. Moses himself was among that attending multitude that opened to the Saviour the everlasting gates, one who later comforted Christ on the mount of transfiguration.
This partial resurrection is distinct from the future general resurrection of all in their graves and the general judgment at the end of the thousand years, when His voice will awaken every saint who sleeps in Him. At His ascension He ascended from the field of conflict bearing bruises and scars as trophies, having tasted death for every person yet not remaining under its power. His resurrection broke the enemy's power over death. With rejoicing carried to all worlds that the ruined race was redeemed, heaven's gates were opened to the repentant who cease rebellion and return to allegiance.
Gifts Christ Bestowed
The gifts given to men at the ascension are some apostles, and some prophets, and some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, left in the hands of servants and under-shepherds through whom the words of eternal life are communicated. Grace is given to every believer according to the measure of the gift of Christ, and these offices were given for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, and for the edifying of the body of Christ. They were given to build up the body until all come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect mature man unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. They equip the saints to serve and to grow into unity and mature knowledge, so that believers are no more children tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine but speak truth in love and grow up into Christ the head.
The distribution is individual and varied, with grace granted to each person in a measure and with differing gifts, abilities, means, speech, and elements of character. No two human minds are precisely alike, and God works through different minds and different elements of character, so truth speaks its own language through a diversity of gifts. No single person is the whole body and no single gift is sufficient, for every member has some gift giving access to heaven's powers and all are essential working to one end in the expression of God's mind through the perfection of the saints. Those in responsible positions are to wisely improve their own gifts with prudence yet not feel their work is the whole, not disparage another's gifts nor refuse to labor with those who differ.
The gift worthy of His greatness and royalty to signalize His ascension and inauguration to the mediatorial throne amid a heavenly jubilee was His representative, the third person of the Godhead, the Holy Spirit in whom all gifts are given in one. That divine Spirit converts, enlightens, and sanctifies, and was claimed from the Father to be poured out upon those with Him and those who should believe. After ten days of prayer by the disciples with His intercession in heaven, the Spirit was given upon His enthronement and poured out at Pentecost as the Comforter to abide with the church, coming with fullness and power as if long restrained to be communicated through the church to the world. Its coming brought thousands to conversion in one day, fulfilling His promise to send the Comforter and guide to lead into all truth for the edification and instruction of the church.
Though the Spirit had been revealed during the Jewish economy, its fullness waited for the crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension in answer to prayers offered for ages. It was received in its fullness after the disciples surrendered themselves to His work through faith and prayer and put away selfishness and rivalry in unity, with the Spirit's power accompanying gospel preaching for the conversion of souls. The gifts are already theirs in Christ, but they possess them in practice only as they receive the Spirit. A future outpouring associated with the angel who lights the earth with glory will bring a similar ingathering of souls.
His gifts also include eternal life possessed after breaking the tomb's fetters and given to those who receive Him as Redeemer, with mercy and pardon to every repentant soul and power to become children of God. The repentance that transforms heart, mind, and actions is beyond human power and comes only through Him for forgiveness and a clean heart. Divine treasures of truth are entrusted to living witnesses to share with all people, and gifts and talents given to each person are to be used faithfully for humanity's good and God's glory, not buried or spent on worldly interests. He paid the price for every descendant of Adam and is able to save all who accept Him as the Sin-bearer.
After rising from the dead He ascended to the Father, received all power and authority, and returned to impart it to His disciples, receiving gifts for men and for His church to bestow on those with Him and those who should believe. His victory and ascension equip Him to carry human burdens and be a sufficient present helper and refuge, breaking the fetters of the tomb after defeating the powers of evil. Those who repent and confess are received and freely pardoned, and if they remain faithful will be exalted to His throne as heirs of the inheritance purchased with His blood.
He also gave gifts during His earthly ministry through His words and sanctifying influence, and this giving was the ordination and appointment of the members of the early church to be His messengers, ministers, and fishers of men. He qualified these humble unlearned fishermen by having them hear all His words and learn of Him, by walking and working with Him, by His example as teacher, by His opening of the Scriptures and His works of healing, and by practicing His virtues, not by worldly schools or by learning the customs and traditions of the rabbis. In this way He put His treasure of knowledge into earthen vessels and educated them in His own school to carry the same kind of responsibilities He bore and to carry on the work He began, taking men out of the service of Satan into belief and teaching them the kingdom of God. From age to age He delivers His treasures to the church, placing gifts in the hands of chosen ministers beginning with the twelve apostles, which have descended to workers in this age where from one generation to another faithful servants improve them as lent talents.
The risen Christ reigns at God's right hand sharing divine authority and glory, and gives gifts to all who claim them by living faith. The administration of His grace is in His hands, for He lives to dispense abundant blessings and gives His children power according to their circumstances. His bestowal means He gives His promised blessing and imparts His power in all its fullness to those who give themselves to the work of teaching all nations and come to Him in living faith asking to receive.
Purpose and Duration of Gifts
The gifts were given for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, and for the edifying of the body of Christ, till all come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect mature man unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. They are apostles and prophets and evangelists and pastors and teachers, given when Christ ascended up on high and led captivity captive, with grace given to every believer according to the measure of the gift of Christ. That giving belongs to the plea to walk worthy of the high calling with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering forbearing one another in love and endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, because there is one body and one Spirit and one hope of calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is above all and through all and in all. This outlines the work to be done in every church, calling God's people into unity under love as the law of Christ's kingdom to a higher standard where lives reveal meekness and longsuffering that bears much without vengeance.
That work causes believers to grow up into Him in all things who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body fitly joined and compacted by every joint increases and edifies itself in love. So they are no more children tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine by cunning deceit, but speak the truth in love. These gifts equip the saints for ministry and build up Christ's body toward unity in faith and knowledge of the Son of God, so believers are not easily misled by false teaching.
Because that unity and perfection were still future when Paul wrote, the gifts were given together to continue in operation until that object is accomplished. They were placed in the church for its edification and instruction to the end of time, in fulfillment of the promise to send the Comforter to lead into all truth. They should all be manifest in the church today, laying upon believers a very high and holy vocation to walk worthy of their calling, claim the all power given to Christ in heaven and earth, take their position regarding His messages, and be prepared to meet Him at His coming. Their purpose continues until the church reaches the unity of faith and the full measure of Christ, and because that perfection remains future the gifts have not yet completed their work or ceased.
The whole chapter reveals God's plan for keeping the church united in faith and agreement for a living witness to the world. It describes His manner of working through variety, where the gifts are varied for varied individuals because no two minds are alike, and God works through different minds and different elements of character. Every gift is essential to success, all agencies are included, all who are willing to work according to God's plan are included so no gift is lost, and all work to one end in the expression of God's mind and will through the perfection of the saints. That complete unity in diversity means every emergency in every kind of labor may be met, with faithful workers helping perfect the saints and build up the church as each serves in the proper place in order, harmony, and love.
Exaltation and Heavenly Ministry
Ascending as King and conqueror, he was welcomed with honor by the heavenly host and enthroned beside the Father as High Priest and Redeemer. He led the way upward with the multitude of captives raised from the dead when he came forth from the tomb, escorted by the heavenly host with songs of joy and triumph to the portals of the city of God where an innumerable company of angels welcomed him as the King of glory, the Lord strong and mighty and Lord of hosts. He passed in through the everlasting doors amid angelic music to take his position upon the throne of the Father while angels bowed with adoration and joy, singing to the slain Lamb who had triumphed over the prince of darkness and conquered death and the grave as worthy to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing. In human nature he had come as the lowly Son of man taking the position of a servant, and that lowly service was his humiliation, which ended at his ascension when God highly exalted him with a name above every other name and the Father commanded the angels to worship him. Because he is so exalted his name is to be on the lips of his followers, his character revealed in their lives, and they are to be his representatives as the sin-pardoning Saviour, while the rescued captives presented before the Father and crowned with immortality stand as samples of the redeemed from every nation who will be raised from their graves at his second coming.
Joined to his word just before ascension that all power is given to him in heaven and in earth, the ascension lays upon believers a very high and holy vocation to walk worthy of their calling, to claim that power, to take their position in regard to his messages, and to be prepared to meet him at his coming. Just before he went up he commanded his disciples to teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all he had commanded, and promised to be with them always even to the end of the world. With outstretched hands he blessed them and then was taken up from Joseph's tomb in resurrection life to join the glorious angels waiting to escort him upward, breaking the bonds of the tomb as the resurrection and the life in whom there is reason to rejoice. His bestowal means he gives his promised blessing and imparts his power in all its fullness to those who give themselves to that work and come to him in living faith asking to receive, and the gifts he gave of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers should all be manifest in the church today.
His ascension is connected with his continuing work for those he purchased by his blood, for he pleads before the Father on their behalf, presents the sufferings of the crucifixion, and intercedes for the church to keep its members from falling under temptation. Having risen in triumph over the rent sepulcher as the resurrection and the life and ascended triumphantly on high, he now stands before the mercy seat where he presents his own blood each moment in behalf of his ransomed people and ever lives to make intercession as Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous. His blood pleads with power and efficacy for the backslidden, the rebellious, and those who sin against great light and love, while Satan accuses and the Advocate at God's right hand pleads his own merits, never losing a case committed to him. Remaining linked by love and sympathy to his tried and suffering people on earth to supply them with all divine resources, he now lives to intercede for believers who will receive glory, honor, and immortality when at his return the dead in Christ will rise and the living believers will be caught up with them to meet him and remain with him forever.
The risen Redeemer who led captivity captive and gave gifts to humanity now lives to dispense blessings in abundant streams of grace and power as his believing children need them. After rising from the dead and ascending to his Father he received all power and authority and returned to impart gifts to his disciples, becoming by rejection, suffering, and death the Redeemer and Saviour of the fallen race and ruler over the world. Having broken the tomb's fetters he possessed the gift of eternal life and gave it to those who receive him as Redeemer, with gifts including mercy and pardon and power to become children of God, having paid the price for every descendant of Adam as able Sin-bearer to save all who accept him. He receives repentant people who confess their sins and freely pardons them, meekly forgiving as he forgave his murderers, and if they remain faithful and true he will exalt them to his throne and make them heirs to the inheritance he purchased with his blood.
Unity Service and Mission
The giving of gifts belongs to the plea to walk worthy of the high calling with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering forbearing one another in love and endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. The reason is that there is one body and one Spirit and one hope of calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is above all and through all and in all. Grace is given to every believer according to the measure of the gift of Christ, who first descended into the lower parts of the earth and then ascended far above all heavens that he might fill all things. The gifts are some apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till all come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect mature man unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. That work causes the whole body fitly joined and compacted by every joint to increase and edify itself in love and to grow up into him who is the head, even Christ, so believers are no more children tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine by cunning deceit but speak the truth in love. This calls God's people into unity under love as the law of Christ's kingdom to a higher standard, putting on the new man in peace, grace and righteousness, with lives revealing meekness and longsuffering that bears much without seeking vengeance by word or act.
No one is fitted to bear the burden of the work alone, but men of different minds and varied talents and capabilities are joined together to counsel with and assist one another, so that deficiency in the experience and abilities of one is supplied by the experience and abilities of another. Christ clothed divinity with humanity to show what human beings may become if they unite weakness to his strength, die to self and live to Christ, having strong unchristlike traits softened, subdued and purified, uniting one with another that they may be one with Christ in God. The variety of gifts, including means, speech, and ability, is meant to blend in complete unity in diversity in different lines of missionary work and cooperation between those who serve in different roles. The gifts are given so workers feel their need for one another and help one another in doing their different duties and faithfully finishing the work given them to do.
Every member has some gift and no single person is the whole body, for the varied gifts work together to build up Christ's body and give access to heaven's powers and resources. Those in responsible positions are to wisely improve their own gifts with prudence and discretion, yet not feel their work is the whole, not disparage another's gifts, and not refuse to labor with those who view things differently. All the gifts are needed in the work, including apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, and leaders are to be broadminded, perceptive, and ready to understand the Leader's will so no gift is lost. Faithful service develops ability and prepares for greater gifts, for gifts are entrusted and not one's own achievement.
The fourth chapter is to be read most solemnly and impressed upon minds because its instruction means much. It reproves hard-spiritedness that comes from being strangers to the working of the Holy Spirit and calls for a great reformation in lives, words, works, and spiritual understanding, so that believers catch the inspiration of angels and daily breathe the atmosphere of heaven. Its teaching brings loyalty to God's law before the reader, calling for obedience to receive the blessings God gives to those who keep it. With Ephesians 5 and Ephesians 6:10-18 it gives instruction for holding fast the foundation of faith in the third angel's message, whose building stands with not a pin or pillar moved in sixty years, calling for reprinting the history of the past to meet every effort of Satan to tear up that foundation.
At his ascension he left his work on earth in the hands of his servants, the under-shepherds, through whom he communicates to the world the words of eternal life. The gifts are ministers, apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, ordained as the means for the perfecting of the saints in knowledge and true holiness, for the work of the ministry and the edifying of the body of Christ until all come to unity of the faith and knowledge of the Son of God. Their work is not merely to preach the truth but to watch for souls as those who must render account to God, to reprove, rebuke and exhort with longsuffering and doctrine, to spread the knowledge of the truth far and near while laboring for the strength and unity of the church. The command to carry forward the gospel work he began remains in force to reach the world with the final message of mercy, with everyone who has received the light of truth to help share it, and with all believers uniting according to ability in order, harmony, and love for the salvation of souls.
Gifts and talents are divine treasures of truth entrusted to living witnesses to share with all people, to be used faithfully for the good of humanity and God's glory, not buried or spent solely on worldly interests. They are to be used in his service for the good of all by representing truth and not testifying to falsehood, not to glorify the possessor and not to uplift man, but to uplift the world's Redeemer. Because Jesus is risen and ascended on high, victorious over captivity and giving gifts to men, the gate of heaven is not shut and believers have a Father in heaven, so they should not misrepresent their Lord with a gloomy countenance as if the Christian life were only toil and hardship. He will break the fetters of the tomb and bring forth his people from the land of captivity, and because he rose from Joseph's tomb with outstretched hands blessing his disciples before being taken up to join the glorious angels waiting to escort him upward, there is reason to trust him with confidence as the living Saviour and to rejoice in a risen Saviour who is the resurrection and the life.
When he rose from the dead he remained forty days in the world and then ascended from the Mount of Olives to heaven with angels, blessing his disciples as he went up on high. In that ascent he triumphed over captivity itself, breaking the fetters of the tomb and conquering him who had the power of death. The captives he led were the multitude raised from their graves at his death and resurrection, who followed him upward as trophies and first-fruits to be presented before the Father and crowned with immortality. The gifts he gave to men are apostles and prophets and evangelists and pastors and teachers, and above all his representative the Holy Spirit in whom all gifts are given in one, poured out at Pentecost to abide with the church. Those gifts were placed in the church to continue to the end of time for the perfecting of the saints and the edifying of the body, till all come in unity of faith unto a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.
Ascension Setting and Wording
The giving of gifts belongs to the moment when, after resurrection, he ascended up on high to heaven. He spent forty days in the world in his risen body before going up. He ascended from the Mount of Olives with outstretched hands blessing his disciples while escorted upward by angels, a myriad of angels and the heavenly host with songs of joy and triumph. He passed through the portals of the city of God amid angelic music, welcomed by an innumerable company of angels as King of glory, the Lord strong and mighty and Lord of hosts, to take his position upon the throne of the Father while angels bowed in adoration and joy to the slain Lamb who had triumphed over the prince of darkness and conquered death and the grave. Just before going up he commanded his disciples to teach all nations, baptizing in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost and teaching observance of all he had commanded, promising to be with them always even to the end of the world, so that because he rose there is reason to rejoice in a risen Saviour who is the resurrection and the life. He went up not for himself alone but as the covenant-making Redeemer of those who become his through faith in his name. The gifts were given together to build up the church and bring it to unity and perfection, and because that unity was still future when Paul wrote, they were to continue until it was attained.
The one who ascended far above all heavens that he might fill all things is the same one who first descended into the lower parts of the earth. He descended from heaven, from the throne of God, clothing divinity with humanity to show what human beings may become if they unite weakness to his strength, die to self and live to Christ, having unchristlike traits softened, subdued and purified so they may be one with Christ in God. In that ascension he gave grace to every believer according to the measure of his gift. It lays a high and holy vocation upon believers to walk worthy of their calling and specifies their work.
Leading captivity captive means triumphing over captivity itself and conquering it when ascending. His resurrection broke the fetters of the tomb and the enemy's power over death. He had tasted death for every person but did not remain under its power, rising as triumphant conqueror and leading a multitude of captives out of their graves. He met and conquered the devil who held the power of death, defeating Satan's power over death and robbing death of its terror. He now lives as risen Redeemer to dispense blessings in abundant streams of grace and power as his believing children need them. His ascension is linked with rising far above all heavens to fill all things, and his gifts serve the church's calling, growth toward unity in faith and knowledge of the Son of God, and maturity measured by Christ's fullness, with varied gifts and abilities distributed among servants so that no single gift is sufficient.
The ascension belongs to the saving work of Christ crucified for sin, risen from the dead, and ascended on high, which is the science of salvation to be learned and taught. After rising from the dead he proclaimed himself the resurrection and the life over the rent tomb and ascended escorted by the angelic throng. In his life, death, resurrection and ascension type met antitype, with the veil rent at his long-predicted death and every specification of Old Testament prophecy fulfilled without uncertainty in the New Testament. His leading captivity captive and giving gifts unto men means he bestows the Holy Spirit and varied gifts upon his church, fulfilled in the promise of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost and continued in the church as the court of holy life filled with varied gifts and endowed with the Holy Spirit.
Captives Led From Death
The captivity led captive is the multitude of captives raised from their graves at Christ's death and resurrection, when the earthquake rent the graves open and He came forth from the tomb and shook the enemy's prison-house. They followed Him as He ascended as triumphant conqueror and victorious Lord, escorted upward by the heavenly host with songs of joy to the portals of the city of God. They were welcomed through the gates by angels as King of glory, presented before the Father, and crowned with immortality. At His ascension He possessed again the exalted stature He had before coming to earth, after humbling Himself and dying for humanity.
Unlike those raised during His ministry, these saints were raised to everlasting life, no longer captives of Satan and never again subject to death or sorrow, as trophies and first-fruits of His victory as the second Adam. Their rising and release display His triumph over Satan, death, and the grave. Their resurrection confirms that those who sleep in Jesus will be raised, and serves as a sample, pledge, and assurance of the final resurrection. At His return His voice will call the righteous dead from their tombs to immortal life at His second coming and rescue them from the prison-houses of death.
They were faithful colaborers who at cost of life bore testimony to the truth, raised to be witnesses that Christ had risen. Appearing in the city and revealing themselves to many, they gave incontrovertible proof He is the Son of God against the lie put into the mouths of the Roman guard. By breaking the tomb He defeated Satan's power over death and opened the way from earth to heaven for those who receive Him. Moses himself was among that attending multitude that opened to the Saviour the everlasting gates, one who later comforted Christ on the mount of transfiguration.
This partial resurrection is distinct from the future general resurrection of all in their graves and the general judgment at the end of the thousand years, when His voice will awaken every saint who sleeps in Him. At His ascension He ascended from the field of conflict bearing bruises and scars as trophies, having tasted death for every person yet not remaining under its power. His resurrection broke the enemy's power over death. With rejoicing carried to all worlds that the ruined race was redeemed, heaven's gates were opened to the repentant who cease rebellion and return to allegiance.
Gifts Christ Bestowed
The gifts given to men at the ascension are some apostles, and some prophets, and some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, left in the hands of servants and under-shepherds through whom the words of eternal life are communicated. Grace is given to every believer according to the measure of the gift of Christ, and these offices were given for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, and for the edifying of the body of Christ. They were given to build up the body until all come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect mature man unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. They equip the saints to serve and to grow into unity and mature knowledge, so that believers are no more children tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine but speak truth in love and grow up into Christ the head.
The distribution is individual and varied, with grace granted to each person in a measure and with differing gifts, abilities, means, speech, and elements of character. No two human minds are precisely alike, and God works through different minds and different elements of character, so truth speaks its own language through a diversity of gifts. No single person is the whole body and no single gift is sufficient, for every member has some gift giving access to heaven's powers and all are essential working to one end in the expression of God's mind through the perfection of the saints. Those in responsible positions are to wisely improve their own gifts with prudence yet not feel their work is the whole, not disparage another's gifts nor refuse to labor with those who differ.
The gift worthy of His greatness and royalty to signalize His ascension and inauguration to the mediatorial throne amid a heavenly jubilee was His representative, the third person of the Godhead, the Holy Spirit in whom all gifts are given in one. That divine Spirit converts, enlightens, and sanctifies, and was claimed from the Father to be poured out upon those with Him and those who should believe. After ten days of prayer by the disciples with His intercession in heaven, the Spirit was given upon His enthronement and poured out at Pentecost as the Comforter to abide with the church, coming with fullness and power as if long restrained to be communicated through the church to the world. Its coming brought thousands to conversion in one day, fulfilling His promise to send the Comforter and guide to lead into all truth for the edification and instruction of the church.
Though the Spirit had been revealed during the Jewish economy, its fullness waited for the crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension in answer to prayers offered for ages. It was received in its fullness after the disciples surrendered themselves to His work through faith and prayer and put away selfishness and rivalry in unity, with the Spirit's power accompanying gospel preaching for the conversion of souls. The gifts are already theirs in Christ, but they possess them in practice only as they receive the Spirit. A future outpouring associated with the angel who lights the earth with glory will bring a similar ingathering of souls.
His gifts also include eternal life possessed after breaking the tomb's fetters and given to those who receive Him as Redeemer, with mercy and pardon to every repentant soul and power to become children of God. The repentance that transforms heart, mind, and actions is beyond human power and comes only through Him for forgiveness and a clean heart. Divine treasures of truth are entrusted to living witnesses to share with all people, and gifts and talents given to each person are to be used faithfully for humanity's good and God's glory, not buried or spent on worldly interests. He paid the price for every descendant of Adam and is able to save all who accept Him as the Sin-bearer.
After rising from the dead He ascended to the Father, received all power and authority, and returned to impart it to His disciples, receiving gifts for men and for His church to bestow on those with Him and those who should believe. His victory and ascension equip Him to carry human burdens and be a sufficient present helper and refuge, breaking the fetters of the tomb after defeating the powers of evil. Those who repent and confess are received and freely pardoned, and if they remain faithful will be exalted to His throne as heirs of the inheritance purchased with His blood.
He also gave gifts during His earthly ministry through His words and sanctifying influence, and this giving was the ordination and appointment of the members of the early church to be His messengers, ministers, and fishers of men. He qualified these humble unlearned fishermen by having them hear all His words and learn of Him, by walking and working with Him, by His example as teacher, by His opening of the Scriptures and His works of healing, and by practicing His virtues, not by worldly schools or by learning the customs and traditions of the rabbis. In this way He put His treasure of knowledge into earthen vessels and educated them in His own school to carry the same kind of responsibilities He bore and to carry on the work He began, taking men out of the service of Satan into belief and teaching them the kingdom of God. From age to age He delivers His treasures to the church, placing gifts in the hands of chosen ministers beginning with the twelve apostles, which have descended to workers in this age where from one generation to another faithful servants improve them as lent talents.
The risen Christ reigns at God's right hand sharing divine authority and glory, and gives gifts to all who claim them by living faith. The administration of His grace is in His hands, for He lives to dispense abundant blessings and gives His children power according to their circumstances. His bestowal means He gives His promised blessing and imparts His power in all its fullness to those who give themselves to the work of teaching all nations and come to Him in living faith asking to receive.
Purpose and Duration of Gifts
The gifts were given for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, and for the edifying of the body of Christ, till all come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect mature man unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. They are apostles and prophets and evangelists and pastors and teachers, given when Christ ascended up on high and led captivity captive, with grace given to every believer according to the measure of the gift of Christ. That giving belongs to the plea to walk worthy of the high calling with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering forbearing one another in love and endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, because there is one body and one Spirit and one hope of calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is above all and through all and in all. This outlines the work to be done in every church, calling God's people into unity under love as the law of Christ's kingdom to a higher standard where lives reveal meekness and longsuffering that bears much without vengeance.
That work causes believers to grow up into Him in all things who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body fitly joined and compacted by every joint increases and edifies itself in love. So they are no more children tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine by cunning deceit, but speak the truth in love. These gifts equip the saints for ministry and build up Christ's body toward unity in faith and knowledge of the Son of God, so believers are not easily misled by false teaching.
Because that unity and perfection were still future when Paul wrote, the gifts were given together to continue in operation until that object is accomplished. They were placed in the church for its edification and instruction to the end of time, in fulfillment of the promise to send the Comforter to lead into all truth. They should all be manifest in the church today, laying upon believers a very high and holy vocation to walk worthy of their calling, claim the all power given to Christ in heaven and earth, take their position regarding His messages, and be prepared to meet Him at His coming. Their purpose continues until the church reaches the unity of faith and the full measure of Christ, and because that perfection remains future the gifts have not yet completed their work or ceased.
The whole chapter reveals God's plan for keeping the church united in faith and agreement for a living witness to the world. It describes His manner of working through variety, where the gifts are varied for varied individuals because no two minds are alike, and God works through different minds and different elements of character. Every gift is essential to success, all agencies are included, all who are willing to work according to God's plan are included so no gift is lost, and all work to one end in the expression of God's mind and will through the perfection of the saints. That complete unity in diversity means every emergency in every kind of labor may be met, with faithful workers helping perfect the saints and build up the church as each serves in the proper place in order, harmony, and love.
Exaltation and Heavenly Ministry
Ascending as King and conqueror, he was welcomed with honor by the heavenly host and enthroned beside the Father as High Priest and Redeemer. He led the way upward with the multitude of captives raised from the dead when he came forth from the tomb, escorted by the heavenly host with songs of joy and triumph to the portals of the city of God where an innumerable company of angels welcomed him as the King of glory, the Lord strong and mighty and Lord of hosts. He passed in through the everlasting doors amid angelic music to take his position upon the throne of the Father while angels bowed with adoration and joy, singing to the slain Lamb who had triumphed over the prince of darkness and conquered death and the grave as worthy to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing. In human nature he had come as the lowly Son of man taking the position of a servant, and that lowly service was his humiliation, which ended at his ascension when God highly exalted him with a name above every other name and the Father commanded the angels to worship him. Because he is so exalted his name is to be on the lips of his followers, his character revealed in their lives, and they are to be his representatives as the sin-pardoning Saviour, while the rescued captives presented before the Father and crowned with immortality stand as samples of the redeemed from every nation who will be raised from their graves at his second coming.
Joined to his word just before ascension that all power is given to him in heaven and in earth, the ascension lays upon believers a very high and holy vocation to walk worthy of their calling, to claim that power, to take their position in regard to his messages, and to be prepared to meet him at his coming. Just before he went up he commanded his disciples to teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all he had commanded, and promised to be with them always even to the end of the world. With outstretched hands he blessed them and then was taken up from Joseph's tomb in resurrection life to join the glorious angels waiting to escort him upward, breaking the bonds of the tomb as the resurrection and the life in whom there is reason to rejoice. His bestowal means he gives his promised blessing and imparts his power in all its fullness to those who give themselves to that work and come to him in living faith asking to receive, and the gifts he gave of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers should all be manifest in the church today.
His ascension is connected with his continuing work for those he purchased by his blood, for he pleads before the Father on their behalf, presents the sufferings of the crucifixion, and intercedes for the church to keep its members from falling under temptation. Having risen in triumph over the rent sepulcher as the resurrection and the life and ascended triumphantly on high, he now stands before the mercy seat where he presents his own blood each moment in behalf of his ransomed people and ever lives to make intercession as Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous. His blood pleads with power and efficacy for the backslidden, the rebellious, and those who sin against great light and love, while Satan accuses and the Advocate at God's right hand pleads his own merits, never losing a case committed to him. Remaining linked by love and sympathy to his tried and suffering people on earth to supply them with all divine resources, he now lives to intercede for believers who will receive glory, honor, and immortality when at his return the dead in Christ will rise and the living believers will be caught up with them to meet him and remain with him forever.
The risen Redeemer who led captivity captive and gave gifts to humanity now lives to dispense blessings in abundant streams of grace and power as his believing children need them. After rising from the dead and ascending to his Father he received all power and authority and returned to impart gifts to his disciples, becoming by rejection, suffering, and death the Redeemer and Saviour of the fallen race and ruler over the world. Having broken the tomb's fetters he possessed the gift of eternal life and gave it to those who receive him as Redeemer, with gifts including mercy and pardon and power to become children of God, having paid the price for every descendant of Adam as able Sin-bearer to save all who accept him. He receives repentant people who confess their sins and freely pardons them, meekly forgiving as he forgave his murderers, and if they remain faithful and true he will exalt them to his throne and make them heirs to the inheritance he purchased with his blood.
Unity Service and Mission
The giving of gifts belongs to the plea to walk worthy of the high calling with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering forbearing one another in love and endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. The reason is that there is one body and one Spirit and one hope of calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is above all and through all and in all. Grace is given to every believer according to the measure of the gift of Christ, who first descended into the lower parts of the earth and then ascended far above all heavens that he might fill all things. The gifts are some apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till all come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect mature man unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. That work causes the whole body fitly joined and compacted by every joint to increase and edify itself in love and to grow up into him who is the head, even Christ, so believers are no more children tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine by cunning deceit but speak the truth in love. This calls God's people into unity under love as the law of Christ's kingdom to a higher standard, putting on the new man in peace, grace and righteousness, with lives revealing meekness and longsuffering that bears much without seeking vengeance by word or act.
No one is fitted to bear the burden of the work alone, but men of different minds and varied talents and capabilities are joined together to counsel with and assist one another, so that deficiency in the experience and abilities of one is supplied by the experience and abilities of another. Christ clothed divinity with humanity to show what human beings may become if they unite weakness to his strength, die to self and live to Christ, having strong unchristlike traits softened, subdued and purified, uniting one with another that they may be one with Christ in God. The variety of gifts, including means, speech, and ability, is meant to blend in complete unity in diversity in different lines of missionary work and cooperation between those who serve in different roles. The gifts are given so workers feel their need for one another and help one another in doing their different duties and faithfully finishing the work given them to do.
Every member has some gift and no single person is the whole body, for the varied gifts work together to build up Christ's body and give access to heaven's powers and resources. Those in responsible positions are to wisely improve their own gifts with prudence and discretion, yet not feel their work is the whole, not disparage another's gifts, and not refuse to labor with those who view things differently. All the gifts are needed in the work, including apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, and leaders are to be broadminded, perceptive, and ready to understand the Leader's will so no gift is lost. Faithful service develops ability and prepares for greater gifts, for gifts are entrusted and not one's own achievement.
The fourth chapter is to be read most solemnly and impressed upon minds because its instruction means much. It reproves hard-spiritedness that comes from being strangers to the working of the Holy Spirit and calls for a great reformation in lives, words, works, and spiritual understanding, so that believers catch the inspiration of angels and daily breathe the atmosphere of heaven. Its teaching brings loyalty to God's law before the reader, calling for obedience to receive the blessings God gives to those who keep it. With Ephesians 5 and Ephesians 6:10-18 it gives instruction for holding fast the foundation of faith in the third angel's message, whose building stands with not a pin or pillar moved in sixty years, calling for reprinting the history of the past to meet every effort of Satan to tear up that foundation.
At his ascension he left his work on earth in the hands of his servants, the under-shepherds, through whom he communicates to the world the words of eternal life. The gifts are ministers, apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, ordained as the means for the perfecting of the saints in knowledge and true holiness, for the work of the ministry and the edifying of the body of Christ until all come to unity of the faith and knowledge of the Son of God. Their work is not merely to preach the truth but to watch for souls as those who must render account to God, to reprove, rebuke and exhort with longsuffering and doctrine, to spread the knowledge of the truth far and near while laboring for the strength and unity of the church. The command to carry forward the gospel work he began remains in force to reach the world with the final message of mercy, with everyone who has received the light of truth to help share it, and with all believers uniting according to ability in order, harmony, and love for the salvation of souls.
Gifts and talents are divine treasures of truth entrusted to living witnesses to share with all people, to be used faithfully for the good of humanity and God's glory, not buried or spent solely on worldly interests. They are to be used in his service for the good of all by representing truth and not testifying to falsehood, not to glorify the possessor and not to uplift man, but to uplift the world's Redeemer. Because Jesus is risen and ascended on high, victorious over captivity and giving gifts to men, the gate of heaven is not shut and believers have a Father in heaven, so they should not misrepresent their Lord with a gloomy countenance as if the Christian life were only toil and hardship. He will break the fetters of the tomb and bring forth his people from the land of captivity, and because he rose from Joseph's tomb with outstretched hands blessing his disciples before being taken up to join the glorious angels waiting to escort him upward, there is reason to trust him with confidence as the living Saviour and to rejoice in a risen Saviour who is the resurrection and the life.