Text: Ephesians 4:7-10
Theme: Christ, the conquering King, descended to the lowest depths and ascended to the highest throne, triumphing over every power and distributing spiritual gifts to His people as the spoils of His victory.
Biblical Studies Toolbox Principle: Scripture Interprets Scripture
The Bible is not a collection of disconnected writings — it is one unified story with God as the Author.
Because of that, Scripture helps us interpret Scripture.
When one passage quotes or echoes another, the author is inviting us to look back and see how the earlier text finds its fulfillment in Christ.
In Ephesians 4:7–10, Paul quotes Psalm 68, an Old Testament victory song, to show that Jesus’ resurrection and ascension are the ultimate expression of that triumph.
Understanding Psalm 68 helps us interpret Ephesians 4, and seeing Ephesians 4 helps us see how the psalm finds its true meaning in Christ.
Things to Keep in Mind as We Read Ephesians 4:7–10
Paul quotes Psalm 68: To understand his meaning, we must first see what Psalm 68 celebrated — God’s victory, ascension, and dwelling among His people — and how Christ fulfills that on a cosmic scale.
Old Testament imagery finds its completion in Jesus: The divine warrior of the psalm is revealed to be Christ, who wins the final victory not through war, but through the cross and resurrection.
Compare related passages: Look at Colossians 2:15, Philippians 2:8–11, and 1 Peter 3:18–19 — each expands the picture of Christ’s descent, triumph, and authority over the demonic realm.
Unity of Scripture: Paul isn’t inventing a new idea; he’s showing how the whole Bible points toward the risen Christ as the One who fills all things.
Interpret through fulfillment, not separation: When the New Testament quotes the Old, we read both together — the earlier text finds its true meaning in Jesus’ finished work.
Read the Bible Christocentrically: This passage reminds us that every biblical victory, ascension, and gift-giving moment in the Old Testament foreshadows the greater victory of Christ.
Paul quotes Psalm 68: To understand his meaning, we must first see what Psalm 68 celebrated — God’s victory, ascension, and dwelling among His people — and how Christ fulfills that on a cosmic scale.
Old Testament imagery finds its completion in Jesus: The divine warrior of the psalm is revealed to be Christ, who wins the final victory not through war, but through the cross and resurrection.
Compare related passages: Look at Colossians 2:15, Philippians 2:8–11, and 1 Peter 3:18–19 — each expands the picture of Christ’s descent, triumph, and authority over the demonic realm.
Unity of Scripture: Paul isn’t inventing a new idea; he’s showing how the whole Bible points toward the risen Christ as the One who fills all things.
Interpret through fulfillment, not separation: When the New Testament quotes the Old, we read both together — the earlier text finds its true meaning in Jesus’ finished work.
Read the Bible Christocentrically: This passage reminds us that every biblical victory, ascension, and gift-giving moment in the Old Testament foreshadows the greater victory of Christ.
Read Colossians 2:15, Philippians 2:8-11, Psalm 68:18, 1 Peter 3:18-19 and Ephesians 4:7-10
1. Grace Given to Each One (v.7)
Paul begins, “Grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.”
This isn’t saving grace — it’s empowering grace for ministry. Each believer receives spiritual enablement from the risen Christ, uniquely measured for their role in the body. Christ Himself decides how His victory is expressed through His people.
Discussion:
Why do you think Paul uses the word grace here instead of simply saying “spiritual gift”?
How can seeing your spiritual gifts as a grace from Christ’s victory affect your attitude toward using it?
2. The Victory Parade (v.8)
Paul quotes Psalm 68:18:
“When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.”
Psalm 68 depicts God as a divine warrior who defeats His enemies and ascends Mount Zion in triumph, receiving tribute from the nations. Paul applies this image to Jesus’ resurrection and ascension.
In the ancient world, after a victory, the conquering king would parade through the city leading captives behind him and distribute the spoils of war to his people. Christ, after conquering sin, death, and demonic powers, ascends not to receive tribute, but to give it. His gifts are the spoils of victory shared with His church.
Discussion:
How can this victory imagery deepen your understanding of what it means for Christ to be exalted?
In Paul’s picture, who are the “captives” Christ leads — and what does that tell us about His power over spiritual enemies?
What does it say about Christ’s heart that, instead of keeping the spoils, He gives them away?
3. The Descent and Ascent (vv.9–10)
Paul explains:
“In saying, ‘He ascended,’ what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth?”
What constitutes the "descent" in this passage is sometimes debated among scholars. It is most commonly agreed that at least part of it refers to Christ’s coming to earth in His incarnation, and the case is strong for His descent to the realm of the dead (Hades) after His death (cf. 1 Peter 3:18–19). Whether one interprets the passage to mean Christ descended into hell or not, the emphasis is that Christ stooped low — entering the depths of human brokenness, even death itself — to defeat every enemy.
With that in mind then, “He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.” Christ’'s ascent declares total victory. He reigns supreme over every spiritual power. Nothing lies outside His dominion — not the heavens, not the earth, not even hell.
Discussion:
Why do you think Paul emphasizes both the descent and ascent of Christ instead of only His exaltation?
How can Christ’s victory over the realm of the dead strengthen your confidence in His authority today?
How might this passage correct an overly “earthly” view of the church’s mission?
4. Christ’s Victory and the Gifts of the Spirit
With all that we have read in view, a shocking truth emerges- Christ’s gifts are not random abilities. They are extensions of His reign.
Every gift of the Spirit — whether teaching, mercy, leadership, prophecy, or healing — is a manifestation of the King’s victory being distributed through His body. Ephesians 4:11–16 will later describe these gifts in detail, but here Paul wants us to see their source: They come from the risen Christ who has conquered hell itself. When we use our gifts, we are participating in Christ's triumph, and extending His presence and power in the world. The church becomes His visible fullness — the means by which He “fills all things” (v.10).
Discussion:
How can seeing spiritual gifts as part of Christ’s rule and reign change the way we use them?
If the church is the expression of Christ “filling all things,” what does that mean for how we live in our neighborhoods, workplaces, and families?
Which parts of Christ’s victory do you most need to remember when you feel weak or ineffective in life and ministry?