Browse Bible Study Resources

Daily Devotions

Ephesians

Ephesians 
Day 
Day 208

"Therefore He says: 'When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.'"

Text: Ephesians 4:8

IN PAUL’S MIND

What was Paul thinking about when he wrote these words? Let us consider the following thoughts:-

1. A spiritual battle scene

Paul must have had in mind a spiritual battle scene as he wrote these words.

a) The thoughts from Psalm 68 were very much a battle scenario.
b) He was most conscious of being involved in a great spiritual battle (Cf. Ephesians 6:10-18)

2. The Victory has already been won

As far as Paul is concerned, the war has been won by the Lord Jesus Christ. The skirmishes that we have with powerful spiritual forces will not detract from the fact that Christ has emerged the Victor when He rose from the dead.

a) He ascended on high

This has to do with two features:-

i) His triumphal resurrection
ii) His return to His rightful place on the right hand of God
b) He led captivity captive

One of the strongest texts on this subject may be found in the Book of Hebrews.

Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood,
He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death
He might destroy him who had the power of death,
that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death
were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
HEBREWS 2:14-15

i) The greatest enemy of mankind, the devil has been taken captive.
ii) His power, the fear of death, has been destroyed.

3. A great display of sharing in the joy of victory

It was common practice for all victorious kings to reward good soldiers and faithful supporters with the spoils of war. Jesus, having defeated Satan, celebrates His victory by giving to all His followers “gifts” (These gifts are not spoils of war though). Gifts from the Lord just highlight the celebratory aspect of the victory.