Ephesians 4:8
Verse
Context
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Wherefore he saith - The reference seems to be to Psa 68:18, which, however it may speak of the removal of the tabernacle, appears to have been intended to point out the glorious ascension of Christ after his resurrection from the dead. The expositions of various commentators have made the place extremely difficult. I shall not trouble my reader with them; they may be seen in Rosenmuller. When he ascended up on high - The whole of this verse, as it stands in the psalm, seems to refer to a military triumph. Take the following paraphrase: Thou hast ascended on high: the conqueror was placed in a very elevated chariot. Thou hast led captivity captive: the conquered kings and generals were usually bound behind the chariot of the conqueror, to grace the triumph. Thou host received gifts for (Paul, given gifts unto) men: at such times the conqueror was wont to throw money among the crowd. Even to the rebellious: those who had fought against him now submit unto him, and share his munificence; for it is the property of a hero to be generous. That the Lord God might dwell among them: the conqueror being now come to fix his abode in the conquered provinces, and subdue the people to his laws. All this the apostle applies to the resurrection, ascension, and glory of Christ; though it has been doubted by some learned men whether the psalmist had this in view. I shall not dispute about this; it is enough for me that the apostle, under the inspiration of God, applied the verse in this way; and whatever David might intend, and of whatever event he might have written, we see plainly that the sense in which the apostle uses it was the sense of the Spirit of God; for the Spirit in the Old and New Testaments is the same. I may venture a short criticism on a few words in the original: Thou hast received gifts for men, לקחת מתנות באדם lakachta mattanoth baadam, thou hast taken gifts in man, in Adam. The gifts which Jesus Christ distributes to man he has received in man, in and by virtue of his incarnation; and it is in consequence of his being made man that it may be said, The Lord God dwells among them; for Jesus was called Immanuel, God with us, in consequence of his incarnation. This view of the subject is consistent with the whole economy of grace, and suits well with the apostle's application of the words of the psalmist in this place.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Wherefore--"For which reason," namely, in order to intimate that Christ, the Head of the Church, is the author of all these different gifts, and that giving of them is an act of His "grace" [ESTIUS]. he saith--God, whose word the Scripture is (Psa 68:18). When he ascended--GOD is meant in the Psalm, represented by the ark, which was being brought up to Zion in triumph by David, after that "the Lord had given him rest round about from all his enemies" (2Sa. 6:1-7:1; 1Ch. 15:1-29). Paul quotes it of CHRIST ascending to heaven, who is therefore GOD. captivity--that is, a band of captives. In the Psalm, the captive foes of David. In the antitypical meaning, the foes of Christ the Son of David, the devil, death, the curse, and sin (Col 2:15; Pe2 2:4), led as it were in triumphal procession as a sign of the destruction of the foe. gave gifts unto men--in the Psalm, "received gifts for men," Hebrew, "among men," that is, "thou hast received gifts" to distribute among men. As a conqueror distributes in token of his triumph the spoils of foes as gifts among his people. The impartation of the gifts and graces of the Spirit depended on Christ's ascension (Joh 7:39; Joh 14:12). Paul stops short in the middle of the verse, and does not quote "that the Lord God might dwell among them." This, it is true, is partly fulfilled in Christians being an "habitation of God through the Spirit" (Eph 2:22). But the Psalm (Psa 68:16) refers to "the Lord dwelling in Zion for ever"; the ascension amidst attendant angels, having as its counterpart the second advent amidst "thousands of angels" (Psa 68:17), accompanied by the restoration of Israel (Psa 68:22), the destruction of God's enemies and the resurrection (Psa 68:20-21, Psa 68:23), the conversion of the kingdoms of the world to the Lord at Jerusalem (Psa 68:29-34).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Wherefore he saith,.... God in the Scripture, Psa 68:18 when he ascended up on high; which is not to be understood of Moses's ascending up to the firmament at the giving of the law, as some Jewish writers (q) interpret it; for though Moses ascended to the top of Mount Sinai, yet it is never said that he went up to the firmament of heaven; nor of David's going up to the high fortresses of his enemies, as another of those writers (r) would have it; nor of God's ascent from Mount Sinai, when he gave the law, of which there is no mention in Scripture; but of the Messiah's ascension to heaven, which may very well be signified by this phrase, "on high"; see Psa 102:19, and which ascension is to be taken not in a figurative, but literal sense, and as real, local, and visible, as Christ's ascension to heaven was; being from Mount Olivet, attended by angels, in the sight of his apostles, after he had conversed with them from the time of his resurrection forty days; and which ascension of his was in order to fulfil the type of the high priest entering into the most holy place; and to make intercession for his people, and to send down the Spirit with his gifts and graces to them, and to make way and prepare mansions of glory for them, and receive the glory promised and due to him: in the Hebrew text it is, "thou hast ascended"; there the psalmist speaks to the Messiah, here the apostle speaks of him; though the Arabic and Ethiopic read there, "he ascended", as here: he led captivity captive; which is expressive of Christ's conquests and triumph over sin, Satan, the world, death, and the grave; and indeed, every spiritual enemy of his and his people, especially the devil, who leads men captive at his will, and is therefore called captivity, and his principalities and powers, whom Christ has spoiled and triumphed over; the allusion is to the public triumphs of the Romans, in which captives were led in chains, and exposed to open view (s): and gave gifts unto men; meaning the gifts of the Holy Ghost, and particularly such as qualify men for the work of the ministry; these he received "in man"; in human nature, in that nature in which he ascended to heaven; , "in the man that is known above" (t), as say the Jews; and these he bestows on men, even rebellious ones, that the Lord God might dwell among them, and make them useful to others: wherefore the Jews have no reason to quarrel with the version of the apostle as they do (u); who, instead of "received gifts for" men, renders it, "gave gifts to men"; since the Messiah received in order to give, and gives in consequence of his having received them; and so Jarchi interprets the words, "to give them" to the children of men; and besides, as a learned man has observed (w), one and the same Hebrew word signifies to give and to receive; to which may be added that their own Targum renders it "and hast given gifts to the children of men"; and in like manner the Syriac and Arabic versions of Psa 68:18 render the words; very likely the apostle might use the Syriac version, which is a very ancient one: it was customary at triumphs to give gifts to the soldiers (x), to which there is an allusion here. (q) Targum & Jarchi in Psal. lxviii 18. (r) Aben Ezra in loc. (s) Alex. ab Alex. Genial. Dier. l. 6. c. 6. (t) Zohar in Numb. fol. 61. 4. (u) R. Isaac. Chizzuk Emuna, par. 2. c. 91. (w) Pocock. not. Misc. p. 24. (x) Alex. ab. Alex. ib. ut supra. (Genial. Dier. l. 6. c. 6.)
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:8 He led a crowd of captives may refer to Christ’s victory over spiritual powers (see 1:21-22; Col 2:15), or to his capture of disobedient sinners and making them believers through the power of the Good News message. • Christ gave gifts to his people (see Eph 4:11-12).
Ephesians 4:8
Unity in the Body
7Now to each one of us grace has been given according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8This is why it says: “When He ascended on high, He led captives away, and gave gifts to men.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(1 Peter - Part 29): False Teaching on Obscure Teaching
By A.W. Tozer12K34:43False TeachingGEN 6:3MAT 11:28MRK 7:37EPH 4:8HEB 9:271PE 3:181PE 4:6In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of salvation and the role of baptism in it. He emphasizes that very few people were saved in the past, highlighting the importance of having a good conscience towards God. The preacher also mentions the resurrection of Jesus Christ and his ascension into heaven, where he has authority over angels and powers. He then explains that Christ preached to the spirits in prison, who were alive in their spirit but had sinned in the flesh and were to be judged. The preacher supports his points with references to Ephesians 4:8-10 and the story of the flood in the Bible.
Baptism of the Spirit
By Leonard Ravenhill8.2K1:07:05Holy Spirit BaptismMAT 3:2MRK 6:18LUK 9:24JHN 11:25JHN 14:2ACT 2:1EPH 4:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of learning from history and not repeating the mistakes of the past. He highlights the 400 years of captivity that the Israelites experienced under Pharaoh and how they failed to learn their lesson. The preacher also criticizes the ritualism and formality that had taken over their worship, emphasizing the need for true godliness. He calls on the audience to give their best to God and not prioritize worldly possessions or distractions. The sermon concludes with a warning about the current state of society, urging believers to stand up for righteousness and be willing to sacrifice for their faith.
(Gospel in the Book of Esther) 3. Haman Hanged on His Gallows
By Roy Hession3.4K51:46EstherROM 5:21ROM 6:2ROM 6:6ROM 8:37EPH 4:8In this sermon, the preacher discusses the purpose of Jesus' crucifixion and the role of Satan in trying to thwart God's plan. The preacher emphasizes that Jesus willingly went to the cross, knowing that it was necessary for Satan to lose his power over humanity. The preacher references John 12:31, where Jesus declares that the judgment of the world is at hand. The preacher also draws parallels to the story of Esther, highlighting how Satan's focus shifted to Jesus in his attempt to destroy the promised seed.
a.w. Tozer Reading Poetry
By A.W. Tozer2.9K08:19PoetryPSA 95:6ISA 53:51CO 15:55EPH 4:8PHP 2:9COL 2:15REV 5:12The sermon transcript is a prayer-like invocation to God, asking for His guidance and power. The speaker asks for strength to overcome sin and to spread the message of salvation. The sermon emphasizes the victory of Christ over death and the power of His sacrifice to free believers from sin. The speaker also prays for the preacher, asking for protection from the devil and for his words to be impactful in convicting sinners. The sermon concludes with a plea for God to intervene in the lives of those who are on the path to destruction.
Word of Reconciliation
By Leonard Ravenhill2.2K1:04:05ReconciliationMAT 4:19ROM 5:191CO 2:92CO 5:102CO 5:18EPH 4:8In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the challenges and uncertainties that Christians face in life. He emphasizes that despite the difficulties, the best is yet to come for believers. He uses the example of the apostle Paul, who went from being a prisoner to a pilot, to illustrate how Christians can remain steadfast in the face of adversity. The preacher also highlights the importance of esteeming the reproach of Christ and being focused on eternal matters rather than worldly distractions. He urges Christians to be aware of the lost state of many people and to take responsibility for sharing the gospel with them.
The Horizon of Divine Purpose - Part 6
By T. Austin-Sparks1.8K1:04:02Divine PurposeISA 55:11ACT 16:9EPH 1:23EPH 4:8EPH 4:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of Jesus as a prophet and a supreme example of God's sovereignty. The purpose of Jesus' life was to rebuke and show what God required of his people, ultimately laying down his life for them. The speaker also highlights the need for continuity and a focused mind when studying the word of God. The ultimate goal for believers is to attain the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ and for the church to be the fullness of Him.
The Horizon of Christ - Part 8
By T. Austin-Sparks1.5K49:33ChristPSA 22:1PSA 23:1PSA 68:18EPH 4:8COL 1:13REV 5:5In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of Christ being the horizon of God's interests and activities. They explain that God designated his Son, Jesus Christ, to be the focal point of all his plans and purposes. The speaker emphasizes that through Jesus, believers are redeemed from the authority of darkness and brought into the kingdom of God. They also highlight the significance of Jesus' ascension, stating that it is just as important as his birth, death, and resurrection.
Predestination - Intertrinitarian Economy
By John Murray1.4K52:13PredestinationEPH 1:20EPH 4:8EPH 5:25PHP 2:6TIT 2:14HEB 2:9HEB 12:2In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of glorification as a reward for completing the work assigned by God the Father. The ultimate thought of the whole process of salvation is seen as the electing love of God the Father. The Son came to fulfill the task given to him by the Father, as stated in various biblical passages. The sermon emphasizes the active and determinative nature of God's love, which moves towards the highest goal for the elect. The speaker briefly mentions other passages that support this understanding, such as Romans 8:29 and Romans 9.
Supernatural Gifts - Part 1
By Paris Reidhead1.3K46:29Supernatural GiftsACT 17:11EPH 4:8EPH 4:11In this sermon, the preacher begins by reading Ephesians 4:11-16 as the foundation for the study on the gifts of the Spirit. He emphasizes that these gifts are the operation of the triune God - the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The preacher urges the listeners to study the scripture carefully and become like the Bereans, who searched the scriptures daily. He also warns about the power of Satan to counterfeit and demonstrate his abilities, particularly in heathenism. The sermon concludes with a prayer for the word to be sealed in the hearts of the listeners.
The Magnitude of God's Love
By Paris Reidhead88229:08Love Of GodMAT 28:19JHN 1:27JHN 3:16JHN 5:24ACT 2:381CO 12:4EPH 4:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the tragedy of wasting good food that could have been used to feed people. He compares this to the tragedy of humans failing to fulfill their purpose of fellowship with God and being thrown aside without experiencing the true reason for their existence. The speaker discusses how sin caused humans to lose their abilities and connection with God, but Jesus Christ came to give spiritual gifts and eternal life. The sermon also mentions the story of Moses and his courage to obey God's command despite the challenges he faced.
Radio Messages on Lordship
By Rolfe Barnard76256:39MAT 6:33MRK 9:43LUK 16:24ROM 14:7EPH 4:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding why Jesus Christ died on the cross and was raised from the dead. He urges the audience to pay attention to the whole gospel and the whole Christ, as nothing less and nothing more will suffice. The preacher quotes from Ephesians 4:8, highlighting the triumph of Jesus' ascension and the significance of Him being made Lord. He also emphasizes the need for people to recognize that God is determined to punish sin, and that this truth should be burned into their souls.
The Fellowship of Christ's Suffering
By Carter Conlon65343:201SA 17:35PSA 12:3PSA 22:13PSA 56:3PSA 56:9DAN 6:22JOL 2:28AMO 3:8MRK 15:37EPH 4:81PE 5:8This sermon focuses on the Fellowship of Christ's Suffering as outlined in 1 Peter chapter 5. The speaker emphasizes the need for believers to be sober and vigilant against the adversary, the devil, who seeks to devour. Drawing from biblical examples like Samson, David, Daniel, and others, the message encourages trust in God's strength and empowerment through the Holy Spirit to overcome the enemy's attacks and stand firm in faith.
God's Goodness to Israel Part 1
By Chuck Smith56825:04IsraelPSA 68:18PSA 68:20ISA 61:1EPH 4:8In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith takes us through various passages of the Bible, focusing on God's goodness to Israel. He starts by discussing the importance of truly apprehending and seeing God, rather than just hearing about Him. Pastor Chuck emphasizes that God is with us and will sustain us as His children. He then shares a personal story of witnessing tribal dances and offerings to a king, drawing parallels to the future gathering of kings in Jerusalem when Jesus reigns over the earth. Finally, he delves into Luke chapter 16, explaining the story of the rich man and the poor man, highlighting the division of Hades and the consequences of our actions in this life.
I Will Call Upon God
By Carter Conlon50249:57EXO 8:1PSA 55:16MAT 17:20MRK 11:24ACT 1:8ROM 8:26EPH 4:82TI 3:1This sermon from Psalms 55 emphasizes the importance of calling upon God in times of trouble and oppression. It highlights the need for believers to rely on God's strength, joy, and inner power to be witnesses in a dark world. The message encourages believers to pray fervently, trust in God's ability to save, and stand against the works of darkness through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Pray With an Honest Heart
By Carter Conlon29022:02HeartPSA 34:17PSA 145:18MAT 6:7MAT 6:33LUK 18:38EPH 4:8HEB 10:19In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that believers do not need to beg God to do what He has already accomplished through Jesus' victory. The speaker uses the analogy of a victorious king distributing spoils among his people to illustrate how Jesus has taken away all that hell had. The sermon highlights the importance of sincere and honest prayers, rather than relying on fancy or lengthy words. The speaker also addresses the need for believers to pray for deliverance from the influences of a godless agenda in society, particularly for the freedom and protection of children, high schoolers, and college students. The sermon references Luke 18 and Matthew 6:7 to support these teachings.
The Triumph of the Cross - Part 1
By Paris Reidhead18138:26CrossEPH 1:19EPH 4:8EPH 6:10COL 2:12In this sermon, the speaker begins by emphasizing the importance of focusing on the scripture rather than the speaker's interpretation. The reading starts with Ephesians 4:8, which talks about Jesus ascending and giving gifts to mankind. The speaker then moves on to Ephesians 6:10-18, discussing the need to be strong in the Lord and put on the whole armor of God to stand against the devil's tricks. The sermon concludes with a reflection on the victory of the cross, where Jesus paid the penalty for sin and broke the power of hell.
Knowing and Serving the Lord in a Day of Crisis
By Tom Macartney01SA 2:30PSA 68:18JER 25:11DAN 2:44MAT 6:33ACT 17:6EPH 4:8EPH 6:10Tom Macartney preaches on the life of Daniel, who lived through a time of crisis during the exile in Babylon. Daniel's foundations were his personal knowledge of God and his unswerving loyalty to Him, even in the face of temptation and risk. His life was marked by experiencing the Lord's faithfulness, having courage of faith, commitment to fellowship, and a deep understanding of God's character and sovereignty. Daniel's spiritual stamina, wisdom, prayer life, and service exemplify a life lived in close fellowship with the Lord, standing firm in the midst of trials and challenges.
Use and Misuse of the Gift of Prophecy
By Smith Wigglesworth0ProphecyGifts of the Holy SpiritEPH 4:8Smith Wigglesworth emphasizes the significance of understanding and properly utilizing the gifts of the Holy Spirit, particularly the gift of prophecy. He stresses that these gifts should only be exercised for the glory of God and must be rooted in humility and the power of the Holy Spirit. Wigglesworth warns against the misuse of prophecy, highlighting the need for discernment and the dangers of operating in the flesh rather than in the Spirit. He encourages believers to remain filled with the Holy Spirit to manifest these gifts effectively and to avoid the pitfalls of pride and worldliness. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper thirst for God and a commitment to living in the Spirit to experience the fullness of His gifts.
Victory of the Cross
By Paris Reidhead0JER 17:9MAT 9:38JHN 19:301CO 2:1EPH 4:8Paris Reidhead preaches about the Victory of the Cross, emphasizing the foundational importance of Jesus Christ and Him crucified in the Christian life. He delves into the ancient conflict between God and Satan, highlighting Satan's limited knowledge and the necessity for proper understanding of God's truths and grace. Reidhead shares his personal journey of moving from indoctrination to seeking genuine, experiential truth in God, urging listeners to engage in personal study and critical thinking. He explores the profound significance of God's love, light, life, and truth in the battle against Satan's hate, darkness, death, and lies, ultimately culminating in the victory of Christ on the cross and His triumphant resurrection.
Saved by a Ransom
By Duane Troyer0PSA 51:5PSA 107:13ISA 40:6ISA 61:1EZK 34:27ROM 5:8ROM 5:18EPH 4:81TI 2:5TIT 2:11Duane Troyer preaches about the profound concept of atonement and salvation, emphasizing the sacrificial act of Jesus Christ to free mankind from bondage and reconcile them with God. He delves into various theories of atonement throughout history, highlighting the importance of understanding how Christ's suffering and victory over death brought about our redemption. Troyer explores the theological implications of different atonement models and the impact of our beliefs on our actions and judgment. He stresses the significance of Jesus as the ultimate solution to humanity's bondage, drawing from Old and New Testament scriptures to illustrate the theme of deliverance and freedom through Christ.
The Need for a New Apprehension of the Gospel
By T. Austin-Sparks0Understanding the GospelSpiritual MaturityEPH 4:8EPH 4:11T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the urgent need for a new understanding of the Gospel, suggesting that the current spiritual state of the Church is inadequate and shallow. He reflects on the historical absence of significant movements of God and argues that the Church must move beyond elementary teachings to embrace a deeper, more mature comprehension of sonship in Christ. Sparks asserts that the Gospel is not merely about salvation but about the transformative process of becoming a new creation in Christ, culminating in spiritual maturity. He highlights the importance of the Church's growth and unity in faith as essential to overcoming spiritual challenges and fulfilling God's purpose. Ultimately, he calls for believers to recognize the profound significance of the Gospel and its implications for their lives and the world.
Gifted Ministries
By Keith Malcomson0NEH 8:4LUK 16:19JHN 21:15ACT 18:24ACT 20:24ROM 2:181CO 3:101CO 12:5EPH 4:8EPH 4:11Keith Malcomson preaches on the significance of the Five-fold Ministries of Ephesians chapter 4, also known as the Ascension Gifts or Christ's Ministry Gifts. These gifts are closely connected to Christ's ascension, exaltation, and His position at the right hand of the Father in Heaven. The sermon delves into the historical and spiritual context of Christ's descent into the lower parts of the earth, His victory over sin and Satan, and the transportation of paradise from the earth to the third heaven. It emphasizes the importance of gifted men, such as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, who are bestowed by Christ to represent Him in the Church and the world, continuing His ministry until His physical return.
The Greatness of Christ
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Greatness of ChristSpiritual KnowledgeEPH 4:8T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the immeasurable greatness of Christ in his sermon 'The Greatness of Christ', drawing from Ephesians 4:8-10. He reflects on the Apostle Paul's profound spiritual knowledge, which was revealed through his experiences and revelations of Christ, leading to a deep understanding of Christ's role in filling all things. Sparks highlights that this understanding of Christ's greatness is essential for believers to overcome their troubles and live in the fullness of grace. He urges the church to grasp the expansive nature of Christ, which transcends time and space, and to recognize their identity as part of His body, the church, which complements His greatness.
Our Lord's Triumphant Ascension
By C.H. Spurgeon0Victory in ChristGrace for the RebelliousPSA 68:18JHN 14:16EPH 4:8COL 2:15C.H. Spurgeon preaches on 'Our Lord's Triumphant Ascension,' emphasizing that Christ's ascension signifies His victory over sin, death, and hell, and the completion of His redemptive work. He illustrates how Jesus, after descending to the depths of human suffering, rose to the highest heavens, leading captivity captive and bestowing gifts upon humanity, including the Holy Spirit. Spurgeon highlights that even the rebellious are recipients of these gifts, showcasing God's grace and mercy. The sermon concludes with the promise that Christ's ascension secures His presence among believers and anticipates His glorious return to dwell with His people forever.
The Sorrows of the Bereaved Spread Before Jesus
By Jonathan Edwards0PRO 18:24ISA 63:9MAT 15:32LUK 7:13JHN 11:33JHN 14:18EPH 4:8PHP 4:19HEB 4:15REV 21:4Jonathan Edwards preaches about the importance of spreading sorrows before Jesus when faced with the death of an eminent minister in the work of the gospel ministry. Using the account of John the Baptist's disciples as an example, he emphasizes the disciples' actions of burying John's body with respect and then going to tell Jesus of their sorrow. Edwards highlights the compassion, pity, and all-sufficiency of Christ in comforting the bereaved, pointing to Jesus as the ultimate source of wisdom, guidance, and support in times of loss and affliction.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Wherefore he saith - The reference seems to be to Psa 68:18, which, however it may speak of the removal of the tabernacle, appears to have been intended to point out the glorious ascension of Christ after his resurrection from the dead. The expositions of various commentators have made the place extremely difficult. I shall not trouble my reader with them; they may be seen in Rosenmuller. When he ascended up on high - The whole of this verse, as it stands in the psalm, seems to refer to a military triumph. Take the following paraphrase: Thou hast ascended on high: the conqueror was placed in a very elevated chariot. Thou hast led captivity captive: the conquered kings and generals were usually bound behind the chariot of the conqueror, to grace the triumph. Thou host received gifts for (Paul, given gifts unto) men: at such times the conqueror was wont to throw money among the crowd. Even to the rebellious: those who had fought against him now submit unto him, and share his munificence; for it is the property of a hero to be generous. That the Lord God might dwell among them: the conqueror being now come to fix his abode in the conquered provinces, and subdue the people to his laws. All this the apostle applies to the resurrection, ascension, and glory of Christ; though it has been doubted by some learned men whether the psalmist had this in view. I shall not dispute about this; it is enough for me that the apostle, under the inspiration of God, applied the verse in this way; and whatever David might intend, and of whatever event he might have written, we see plainly that the sense in which the apostle uses it was the sense of the Spirit of God; for the Spirit in the Old and New Testaments is the same. I may venture a short criticism on a few words in the original: Thou hast received gifts for men, לקחת מתנות באדם lakachta mattanoth baadam, thou hast taken gifts in man, in Adam. The gifts which Jesus Christ distributes to man he has received in man, in and by virtue of his incarnation; and it is in consequence of his being made man that it may be said, The Lord God dwells among them; for Jesus was called Immanuel, God with us, in consequence of his incarnation. This view of the subject is consistent with the whole economy of grace, and suits well with the apostle's application of the words of the psalmist in this place.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Wherefore--"For which reason," namely, in order to intimate that Christ, the Head of the Church, is the author of all these different gifts, and that giving of them is an act of His "grace" [ESTIUS]. he saith--God, whose word the Scripture is (Psa 68:18). When he ascended--GOD is meant in the Psalm, represented by the ark, which was being brought up to Zion in triumph by David, after that "the Lord had given him rest round about from all his enemies" (2Sa. 6:1-7:1; 1Ch. 15:1-29). Paul quotes it of CHRIST ascending to heaven, who is therefore GOD. captivity--that is, a band of captives. In the Psalm, the captive foes of David. In the antitypical meaning, the foes of Christ the Son of David, the devil, death, the curse, and sin (Col 2:15; Pe2 2:4), led as it were in triumphal procession as a sign of the destruction of the foe. gave gifts unto men--in the Psalm, "received gifts for men," Hebrew, "among men," that is, "thou hast received gifts" to distribute among men. As a conqueror distributes in token of his triumph the spoils of foes as gifts among his people. The impartation of the gifts and graces of the Spirit depended on Christ's ascension (Joh 7:39; Joh 14:12). Paul stops short in the middle of the verse, and does not quote "that the Lord God might dwell among them." This, it is true, is partly fulfilled in Christians being an "habitation of God through the Spirit" (Eph 2:22). But the Psalm (Psa 68:16) refers to "the Lord dwelling in Zion for ever"; the ascension amidst attendant angels, having as its counterpart the second advent amidst "thousands of angels" (Psa 68:17), accompanied by the restoration of Israel (Psa 68:22), the destruction of God's enemies and the resurrection (Psa 68:20-21, Psa 68:23), the conversion of the kingdoms of the world to the Lord at Jerusalem (Psa 68:29-34).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Wherefore he saith,.... God in the Scripture, Psa 68:18 when he ascended up on high; which is not to be understood of Moses's ascending up to the firmament at the giving of the law, as some Jewish writers (q) interpret it; for though Moses ascended to the top of Mount Sinai, yet it is never said that he went up to the firmament of heaven; nor of David's going up to the high fortresses of his enemies, as another of those writers (r) would have it; nor of God's ascent from Mount Sinai, when he gave the law, of which there is no mention in Scripture; but of the Messiah's ascension to heaven, which may very well be signified by this phrase, "on high"; see Psa 102:19, and which ascension is to be taken not in a figurative, but literal sense, and as real, local, and visible, as Christ's ascension to heaven was; being from Mount Olivet, attended by angels, in the sight of his apostles, after he had conversed with them from the time of his resurrection forty days; and which ascension of his was in order to fulfil the type of the high priest entering into the most holy place; and to make intercession for his people, and to send down the Spirit with his gifts and graces to them, and to make way and prepare mansions of glory for them, and receive the glory promised and due to him: in the Hebrew text it is, "thou hast ascended"; there the psalmist speaks to the Messiah, here the apostle speaks of him; though the Arabic and Ethiopic read there, "he ascended", as here: he led captivity captive; which is expressive of Christ's conquests and triumph over sin, Satan, the world, death, and the grave; and indeed, every spiritual enemy of his and his people, especially the devil, who leads men captive at his will, and is therefore called captivity, and his principalities and powers, whom Christ has spoiled and triumphed over; the allusion is to the public triumphs of the Romans, in which captives were led in chains, and exposed to open view (s): and gave gifts unto men; meaning the gifts of the Holy Ghost, and particularly such as qualify men for the work of the ministry; these he received "in man"; in human nature, in that nature in which he ascended to heaven; , "in the man that is known above" (t), as say the Jews; and these he bestows on men, even rebellious ones, that the Lord God might dwell among them, and make them useful to others: wherefore the Jews have no reason to quarrel with the version of the apostle as they do (u); who, instead of "received gifts for" men, renders it, "gave gifts to men"; since the Messiah received in order to give, and gives in consequence of his having received them; and so Jarchi interprets the words, "to give them" to the children of men; and besides, as a learned man has observed (w), one and the same Hebrew word signifies to give and to receive; to which may be added that their own Targum renders it "and hast given gifts to the children of men"; and in like manner the Syriac and Arabic versions of Psa 68:18 render the words; very likely the apostle might use the Syriac version, which is a very ancient one: it was customary at triumphs to give gifts to the soldiers (x), to which there is an allusion here. (q) Targum & Jarchi in Psal. lxviii 18. (r) Aben Ezra in loc. (s) Alex. ab Alex. Genial. Dier. l. 6. c. 6. (t) Zohar in Numb. fol. 61. 4. (u) R. Isaac. Chizzuk Emuna, par. 2. c. 91. (w) Pocock. not. Misc. p. 24. (x) Alex. ab. Alex. ib. ut supra. (Genial. Dier. l. 6. c. 6.)
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:8 He led a crowd of captives may refer to Christ’s victory over spiritual powers (see 1:21-22; Col 2:15), or to his capture of disobedient sinners and making them believers through the power of the Good News message. • Christ gave gifts to his people (see Eph 4:11-12).