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

Text: Ephesians 4:8

DISCOVERING JESUS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT SCRIPTURES

Jesus had taught His disciples that the Scriptures spoke of Him (Cf. Luke 24). Paul, though not one of the original disciples, nevertheless wrote about how he received revelation from the Lord for his ministry. It stands to reason that he too would have been taught to recognize the fact that the Old Testament Scriptures had a strong Christological inclination.

CITING OF THE OLD TESTAMENT SCRIPTURES

There were a number of ways in which the Old Testament ways were cited by the writers of the New Testament. Let us ponder some of the ways in which these writers cited the Old Testament. Let us consider just three ways in which the Old Testament text was employed:-

1. With reference to its prophetic authority

When John the Baptiser began a powerful preaching and baptizing ministry, many were startled. Who was he? How would he be identified? The Scriptures were cited in all its prophetic authority (Cf. Mark 1:2)

2. With reference to fulfilment

If a text in the Old Testament is a prophecy, then it follows that there will be fulfillment of that particular text. This approach is taken by the Gospel writers particularly. The writers would add that certain portions of the Scriptures would be fulfilled (Cf. Matthew 1:23)

3. With reference to its application

This was the way in which Paul applied the text from Psalm 68. In order to appreciate he applied the text, we need to have a better understanding of this Psalm.

a) A battle scene is described in Psalm 68

God is involved in this battle against wicked enemies

b) God triumphs over His enemies

i) He has a mighty army of thousands of chariots (Psalm 68:17).

ii) He gains victory over His enemies and they become His captives.

c) To the victor belongs the spoils of war

i) This was an old dictum commonly practiced.

ii) Reference to enemies giving gifts to the Victor is recorded (Psalm 68:18)

d) What does the Lord do with the gifts?

Paul picked up on this idea and suggested that God gave gifts to His followers.