Ephesians 4:10
Verse
Context
Sermons
T. Austin-SparksT. Austin-Sparks
Peter Masters
F.B. Meyer
George FoxT. Austin-SparksT. Austin-SparksSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
He that descended - And he who descended so low is the same who has ascended so high. He came to the lower parts of the earth - the very deepest abasement; having emptied himself; taken upon him; the form of a servant, and humbled himself unto death, even the death of the cross; now he is ascended far above all heavens - higher than all height; he has a name above every name. Here his descending into the lower parts of the earth is put in opposition to his ascending far above all heavens. His abasement was unparalleled; so also is his exaltation. That he might fill all things - That he might be the fountain whence all blessings might flow; dispensing all good things to all his creatures, according to their several capacities and necessities; and, particularly, fill both converted Jews and Gentiles with all the gifts and graces of his Holy Spirit. Hence it follows:
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
all heavens--Greek, "all the heavens" (Heb 7:26; Heb 4:14), Greek, "passed through the heavens" to the throne of God itself. might fill--In Greek, the action is continued to the present time, both "might" and "may fill," namely, with His divine presence and Spirit, not with His glorified body. "Christ, as God, is present everywhere; as glorified man, He can be present anywhere" [ELLICOTT].
John Gill Bible Commentary
He that descended is the same also that ascended,.... It was the same divine Person, the Son of God, who assumed human nature, and suffered in it, which is meant by his descent, who in that nature ascended up to heaven: this proves that Christ existed before he took flesh of the virgin; and that though he has two natures, yet he is but one person; and disproves the Popish notion of the descent of Christ's soul into Limbus or hell, locally taken: and this ascension of his was, up far above all heavens: the visible heavens, the airy and starry heavens; Christ ascended far above these, and went into the third heaven, the holiest of all; and this is expressive of the exaltation of Christ, who is made higher than the heavens; and the end of his ascension was, that he might fill all things, or "fulfil all things"; that were types of him, or predicted concerning him; that as he had fulfilled many things already by his incarnation doctrine, miracles, obedience, sufferings, death, and resurrection from the dead; so he ascended on high that he might accomplish what was foretold concerning his ascension to heaven, and session at the right hand of God, and answer to the type of the high priest's entering once a year into the holiest of all: or that he might complete, perfect, and fill up all his offices; as the remainder of his priestly office, his intercession for his people; and more finally his prophetic office by the effusion of his Spirit; and more visibly his kingly office, by sending forth the rod of his strength out of Zion, and subduing the people under him: or that he might fill all places; as God he fills all places at once being infinite, immense, and omnipresent; as man, one after another; at his incarnation he dwelt with men on earth at his crucifixion he was lifted up between heaven and earth; at his death he descended into the lower parts of the earth, into hell, "Hades", or the grave; and at his resurrection stood upon the earth again, and had all power in heaven and in earth given him; and at his ascension he went through the airy and starry heavens, into the highest heaven; and so successively was in all places: or rather that he might fill all persons, all his elect, both Jews and Gentiles; and so the Arabic version renders it, "that he might fill all creatures"; as the Gentiles were called; particularly that he might fill each and everyone of his people with his grace and righteousness, with his Spirit, and the fruits of it, with spiritual knowledge and understanding, with food and gladness, with peace, joy and comfort; and all his churches with his gracious presence, and with officers and members, and all with gifts and graces suitable to their several stations and work.
Ephesians 4:10
Unity in the Body
9What does “He ascended” mean, except that He also descended to the lower parts of the earth?10He who descended is the very One who ascended above all the heavens, in order to fill all things.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
That He Might Fill All Things - Part 2
By T. Austin-Sparks1.6K49:22Jesus ChristGEN 22:17GEN 32:282SA 7:8PSA 127:1MAT 6:33EPH 4:10HEB 11:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of emptying oneself and allowing God to work in their lives. He uses the example of Joseph, who started off as a conceited young man but went through a process of emptying and suffering in order to fulfill God's purpose. The speaker encourages listeners to learn from their own trials and adversities, allowing Christ to fill their lives. He also highlights the significance of Jesus filling all things, emphasizing the greatness of the Lord and the ultimate fulfillment of His purpose.
The Horizon of Divine Purpose - Part 7
By T. Austin-Sparks1.6K1:01:49Divine PurposeEZK 3:17EZK 12:6EZK 33:7MAT 6:33ROM 8:28EPH 4:10REV 1:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the purpose and work of God in the lives of believers. He emphasizes that God is working to reproduce the image of Christ in every believer through new birth and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The speaker also highlights the importance of discipline, training, and various life experiences in the development of Christ-likeness. He acknowledges that the ways of God may be incomprehensible to us, but they ultimately produce a message and make believers messengers of life. The sermon concludes with a call for believers to embrace their responsibility as witnesses for God and to be watchmen who understand the times and convey God's purposes to others.
A Walk Worthy of Christ
By Peter Masters1.4K44:14EPH 4:1EPH 4:10
This sermon focuses on the importance of personal sanctification and living a life worthy of Christ. It delves into the exhortations of humility, meekness, gentleness, and unity within the body of believers. The Apostle Paul's emphasis on being a prisoner of the Lord highlights the strength found in virtues like humility and meekness. The sermon concludes with a reflection on the joy of Christ's descent and ascension, urging believers to set their eyes on heavenly things and live in service to the Lord.
Filled
By F.B. Meyer0Appropriating God's GraceFulfillment in ChristPSA 107:9JHN 10:102CO 9:8EPH 1:23EPH 3:19EPH 4:10EPH 4:13EPH 5:18PHP 4:19COL 2:9F.B. Meyer emphasizes that true fulfillment comes from being filled with Christ, who is the source of all fullness for both the Church and individual believers. He illustrates how earthly pursuits and human love often leave us wanting, while only in Christ can we find complete satisfaction and grace. Meyer encourages believers to actively receive this fullness through faith, worship, gratitude, and mutual submission, highlighting that Christ's infinite nature ensures we can never exhaust His love and power. He reminds us that this fullness was made available through Christ's death and resurrection, and that our growth in faith should reflect the stature of Christ. Ultimately, Meyer calls for a conscious effort to appropriate the blessings of Christ in our lives.
Epistle 359
By George Fox0Spiritual NourishmentNew CovenantJER 31:33JHN 1:3JHN 6:32ACT 4:12ROM 11:17ROM 14:171CO 6:19EPH 4:10PHP 2:91JN 1:7George Fox emphasizes the significance of believers being grafted into Christ, the source of life and salvation, and gathering in His name. He contrasts the old covenant with the new, highlighting that true nourishment for the soul comes from the heavenly bread provided by Christ, rather than from worldly sources. Fox calls for believers to be sanctified and clothed in the righteousness of Christ, which surpasses the old ways of the law. He stresses that the new covenant is about internal transformation and spiritual enlightenment, as opposed to external rituals. Ultimately, he encourages believers to rely on the Spirit of God for guidance and sustenance in their spiritual journey.
The 'Parchment', the 'Pen', and the Purpose
By T. Austin-Sparks0Living EpistlesTransformation in ChristROM 8:291CO 2:142CO 3:32CO 3:18GAL 4:19EPH 1:18EPH 4:10COL 1:27T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that the Holy Spirit is actively writing the life of Christ within believers, transforming them into living epistles that reflect Jesus' character and experiences. He explains that this inner transformation requires being born again, as only the spiritual man can receive and understand the workings of the Holy Spirit. The sermon highlights that the experiences of believers are opportunities for the Holy Spirit to teach them about Christ, and that true knowledge comes from the heart rather than mere intellectual understanding. Ultimately, the goal is for believers to embody the testimony of Jesus, living out His life through their own. Sparks encourages the congregation to recognize their role as 'People of the Way', following the path of Christ in their daily lives.
Emptying Unto Fulness
By T. Austin-Sparks0Christ's FullnessEmptyingGEN 22:17GEN 32:24PSA 4:1ACT 17:31GAL 2:20EPH 1:23EPH 4:10PHP 1:21PHP 2:7HEB 12:6T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound truth that Christ, who descended and ascended, is destined to fill all things with His presence and character. He explores the necessity of emptying ourselves of self-fulness to make room for Christ's fullness, illustrating this through biblical figures like Abraham, Jacob, and Moses, who underwent significant emptying processes to fulfill God's purpose. Sparks highlights that this emptying is not merely negative but a divine law leading to greater spiritual capacity and fruitfulness. The sermon calls believers to recognize the importance of a crisis moment in their lives where they surrender self-life for Christ-life, ultimately leading to a glorious climax in God's eternal plan. The message encourages a deeper understanding of suffering and trials as part of God's work to enlarge our capacity for His fullness.
The Conflict Against the Fulfilment of the Purpose of God
By T. Austin-Sparks0Spiritual WarfareThe Power of PrayerEPH 1:22EPH 4:10T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the spiritual conflict against the fulfillment of God's purpose, as outlined in Ephesians, where Christ's ascension aims to fill all things through the church. He highlights the reality of spiritual warfare, which is not against flesh and blood but against powerful spiritual forces that seek to undermine the church's unity and position in Christ. Sparks urges believers to recognize the nature of this conflict and to engage in 'fighting prayer' as a means of standing firm against the enemy's wiles. He stresses the importance of spiritual illumination and the need for the church to unite in prayer to reclaim its strength and purpose. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a revival of corporate prayer to combat the forces of darkness and affirm the supremacy of Christ.
The All-Inclusive Goal
By T. Austin-Sparks0Church Unity and GrowthThe Fulness of ChristROM 12:41CO 12:12EPH 1:23EPH 4:10EPH 4:13COL 4:171TI 4:142TI 1:62TI 4:5T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that the ultimate goal of the Church is to attain 'the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ,' as stated in Ephesians 4:13. He explains that the Church, as the Body of Christ, is essential for His completeness, and that various ministries within the Church must work together in harmony to achieve this goal. Each member's unique gifts and functions should be recognized and utilized for the collective growth of the body, avoiding imbalance that can lead to weakness. Sparks highlights the importance of being led by the Holy Spirit in discovering one's ministry, rather than relying on human appointment. Ultimately, the Church's progress towards the fulness of Christ requires mutual cooperation and a focus on spiritual maturity.
The Son and the Universe
By H.J. Vine0PSA 8:6JHN 1:3EPH 1:22EPH 4:10COL 1:16COL 1:20HEB 1:2HEB 2:9H.J. Vine preaches about the divine revelation of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ, His relation to the whole creation, and the role of the Holy Spirit in leading us to understand these truths. The sermon delves into three main aspects: (1) Christ as the Creator of all things, highlighting His role in the creation of the universe and the heavenly thrones and authorities; (2) Christ as the Reconciler of all things, focusing on His sacrifice for universal peace and reconciliation, including the assembly as His body; (3) Christ as the Filler of all things, emphasizing His ascension above all heavens to fill the universe and the role of the assembly in this divine plan.
The Sure Remedy
By H.J. Vine0ACT 26:29ROM 7:252CO 8:9EPH 4:101TI 1:151PE 5:7H.J. Vine preaches about the all-sufficiency of Christ, who descended into the deepest depths of death and ascended to the highest heights of glory, crowned with honor and able to fill all things. No one is too low for Christ to save, as He came to save sinners and offers eternal life to all who believe in Him. Christ is the remedy for sinfulness, the assurance of eternal life, the deliverer from sin, the burden-bearer in times of distress, and the unchanging source of love and power in the midst of trials and sorrows.
Epistle 337
By George Fox0GEN 3:152SA 22:3PSA 2:1PSA 18:2DAN 2:31MAT 7:24MRK 16:15JHN 1:29JHN 16:33EPH 2:20EPH 4:10COL 1:16REV 13:8REV 14:6REV 21:6George Fox preaches about the foundation of faith in Christ, who is the horn of salvation and the rock to build upon, overcoming the world and ascending above all powers and dominions. He emphasizes the shaking down of false religions and the establishment of Christ as the everlasting foundation. Fox urges believers to spread the everlasting gospel to all nations, bringing life and immortality to light again, leading people to the heavenly Jerusalem and the waters of life.
Where Should I Go to Church?
By Brent Barnett0MAT 16:16MAT 18:15MAT 28:20MRK 11:17JHN 13:34ACT 20:71CO 16:2EPH 4:101TI 3:15HEB 10:23Brent Barnett emphasizes the importance of believers gathering together as the church, a place for worship, confession of faith, and mutual encouragement. The local church is a community of imperfect individuals striving to grow in Christlikeness, supporting one another in love and good deeds. Sound doctrine is crucial in choosing a church, ensuring it aligns with the truth of God's Word and teaches the full counsel of God. Worship should be done in spirit and truth, with a right heart attitude and a yielding to the Holy Spirit's work in our lives.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
He that descended - And he who descended so low is the same who has ascended so high. He came to the lower parts of the earth - the very deepest abasement; having emptied himself; taken upon him; the form of a servant, and humbled himself unto death, even the death of the cross; now he is ascended far above all heavens - higher than all height; he has a name above every name. Here his descending into the lower parts of the earth is put in opposition to his ascending far above all heavens. His abasement was unparalleled; so also is his exaltation. That he might fill all things - That he might be the fountain whence all blessings might flow; dispensing all good things to all his creatures, according to their several capacities and necessities; and, particularly, fill both converted Jews and Gentiles with all the gifts and graces of his Holy Spirit. Hence it follows:
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
all heavens--Greek, "all the heavens" (Heb 7:26; Heb 4:14), Greek, "passed through the heavens" to the throne of God itself. might fill--In Greek, the action is continued to the present time, both "might" and "may fill," namely, with His divine presence and Spirit, not with His glorified body. "Christ, as God, is present everywhere; as glorified man, He can be present anywhere" [ELLICOTT].
John Gill Bible Commentary
He that descended is the same also that ascended,.... It was the same divine Person, the Son of God, who assumed human nature, and suffered in it, which is meant by his descent, who in that nature ascended up to heaven: this proves that Christ existed before he took flesh of the virgin; and that though he has two natures, yet he is but one person; and disproves the Popish notion of the descent of Christ's soul into Limbus or hell, locally taken: and this ascension of his was, up far above all heavens: the visible heavens, the airy and starry heavens; Christ ascended far above these, and went into the third heaven, the holiest of all; and this is expressive of the exaltation of Christ, who is made higher than the heavens; and the end of his ascension was, that he might fill all things, or "fulfil all things"; that were types of him, or predicted concerning him; that as he had fulfilled many things already by his incarnation doctrine, miracles, obedience, sufferings, death, and resurrection from the dead; so he ascended on high that he might accomplish what was foretold concerning his ascension to heaven, and session at the right hand of God, and answer to the type of the high priest's entering once a year into the holiest of all: or that he might complete, perfect, and fill up all his offices; as the remainder of his priestly office, his intercession for his people; and more finally his prophetic office by the effusion of his Spirit; and more visibly his kingly office, by sending forth the rod of his strength out of Zion, and subduing the people under him: or that he might fill all places; as God he fills all places at once being infinite, immense, and omnipresent; as man, one after another; at his incarnation he dwelt with men on earth at his crucifixion he was lifted up between heaven and earth; at his death he descended into the lower parts of the earth, into hell, "Hades", or the grave; and at his resurrection stood upon the earth again, and had all power in heaven and in earth given him; and at his ascension he went through the airy and starry heavens, into the highest heaven; and so successively was in all places: or rather that he might fill all persons, all his elect, both Jews and Gentiles; and so the Arabic version renders it, "that he might fill all creatures"; as the Gentiles were called; particularly that he might fill each and everyone of his people with his grace and righteousness, with his Spirit, and the fruits of it, with spiritual knowledge and understanding, with food and gladness, with peace, joy and comfort; and all his churches with his gracious presence, and with officers and members, and all with gifts and graces suitable to their several stations and work.