Ephesians 4:11 Ascension Gifts

Ascension Gifts

Introduction

When we think ascension gifts, we automatically turn our minds to Ephesians 4:11 where it says “when he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men”. And even though most people would not attribute these gifts to the Holy Spirit but to Christ, it is fair to say that without the Holy Spirit active and working throughout the body of Christ there would be no spiritual or ascension gifts. It is therefore only reasonable that we take a look at these gifts and how they operate within the Body of Christ.

What does Scripture Say?

Ephesians 4:11 says "Unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, when he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it, but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ."—

The first point to observe in scripture, besides the fact that this book was written by Paul to the church in Ephesus, which from beginning was a very polygamist society and therefore involved in the worship of almost anything, is that Paul says every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. This would indicate that everyone has been given a measure or portion of Christ’s gift. Bearing in mind that the word for ministry used here is the same word for service! So each person within the body of Christ has been gifted to serve, solidifying Christ command to love and serve one another as He himself loved us.

In addition, it would appear that each person has a portion or measure of Christ’s gift. Meaning simply that though Christ would have demonstrated all of these gifts throughout His ministry, we may or may not necessarily do so in our service to the body of Christ. It would however appear that within a group or congregation all the necessary gifts to ensure the body functions as it was meant to will be present.

Secondly, He gave some… from this it would indicate the gifts listed are not necessarily comprehensive, meaning this is merely an example of some of those gifts. The gifts listed in Romans 12:3-8 would also seem to support this as it includes other gifts not listed in this passage.

 

Thirdly, whilst some would try to argue that there is some sort of emphasis placed on ranking of the gifts from Apostles through to teachers, there is no support or evidence of this in scripture. If in fact we are to use Paul’s other writings to do with gifts as a reference, then it would be obvious that God sees all men as equals and therefore certain gifts neither hold higher value than others. See Gal 3:28; Rom 10:12; Col 3:9-11

Finally, for the perfecting of the saints indicates to us that each of these gifts had one and the same goal in mind, to see the body of Christ perfected or is it appears in some translations equipped for ministry. The translation of this word to the English language is harder than we would like, it appears the word is emphasizing the ongoing perfecting or equipping of the saints. So the work is not completed with one group of people or even generation but as the body continues to grow so too does the ongoing equipping of the saints for ministry.

The Work of the Spirit in these gifts

It is impossible not to refer to the work of these gifts by the Holy Spirit, especially considering this is a school of the Spirit. And we must therefore look at the context of Ephesians 4:11 to completely understand Paul’s meaning with the verses. Ephesians 4:1-6 says “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

So just as Paul in 1 Corinthians 12 and in Romans 12 speaks about the unity we have in the Spirit with the Father, so too does he here. Emphasizing the need for each of us to be in unity with one another and to bear with one another, speaking of grace and the Lord’s own attitude towards each of us. Paul even goes on to urge us to be bound with peace, peace towards each other.

It is however, the Holy Spirit who allows us to do so and also brings each of these gifts into function as He intended for His church.