EPHESIANS 4:9-13 (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
John 20:17 17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
Paul is either talking about 1) Jesus going to Sheol to take the Old Testament saints to heaven, (or) 2) Jesus's descent to Earth from heaven. "Lower parts of the earth" can also be translated as "Lower parts, the Earth". Based on the context it's more likely here. *NSB (paraphrase).
Philippians 2:9-11 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name 10 that at the name, of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Colossians 1:18 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.
Into The Lower Parts Of The Earth; Vine's breaks down this section as follows.
(1) that the earth is in view in contrast to heaven,
(2) that the region is that of hades, the Sheol of the OT. Inasmuch as the passage is describing the effects not merely of the Incarnation but of the death and resurrection of Christ, the second interpretation is to be accepted; cp., e.g., Psalms 16:10; Psalms 63:9; where the Sept. has the superlative; Psalms 139:15; Acts 2:31. Moreover, as Westcott says, it is most unlikely that the phrase would be used to describe the earth. The word mere (plural of meros), "parts," would have no force in such a meaning.
My notes: In either case, I think we can agree that the focus here is really on the absolute supremacy of Jesus Christ and that we have been given all by and through Him. In this text, Paul is directly referring to spiritual gifts when looking at the rest of the text.
To combine Verse 9 and 10 together for the complete thought.
9 (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)
Descended; to descend (literally or figuratively). To go down. The Greek word is καταβαίνω katabaino Strong's G2597
Ascended; to go up, to ascend. Strong's doesn't offer a direct word for ascended in this instance, but in other places, Paul uses G305 ἀναβαίνω anabaino, from G303 and the base of G939; to go up (literally or figuratively):--arise, ascend (up), climb (go, grow, rise, spring) up, come (up). This would be Vine's definition 6, for "arise" G305, "to go up, to ascend," is once rendered "arise" in the RV, Luke 24:38, of reasonings in the heart; in Revelation 13:1, RV, "coming up," for AV, "rise up," with reference to the beast; in Revelation 17:8, AV, "ascend," for RV, "to come up;" in Revelation 19:3, RV, "goeth up," for AV, "rose up."
Heavens; "the eternal dwelling place of God,". He "ascended far above all the heavens,". My Notes: this text seems to be talking about a non-specific area, "higher than all the heavens". The Greek word is οὐρανός ouranos. Vine's (def 1c) Strong's G3772.
Fill The Whole Universe; of the members of the church, the body of Christ, as filled by Him. The Greek word for "fill" is πληρόω pleroo Vine's (def 2a). Strong's G4137. I really like Stong's direct definition for "fill" here. It's not messing around. to make replete, i.e. (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute (an office), finish (a period or task), verify (or coincide with a prediction), etc. Derivation: from G4134;
Ephesians 1:23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
Moving to Verse 11.
Apostles; Meaning envoys or ambassodors; in its strict sense refers to those who saw Christ in resurrection form, performed miracles, and who were specifically chosen by Christ to tell others about Him from their eyewitness accounts. Paul was commissioned by the Lord Himself. The Greek word is ἀπόστολος apostolos. Strong's G652.
Prophets; See this study under "apostles and prophets".
Evangelists; Gospel preachers who help bring people into the body of Christ. Lit. "A messenger of God". The Greek word is εὐαγγελιστής euangelistes Vine's (def. Prime) Strong's G2099.
Pastors; a shepherd, one who tends herds or flocks" (not merely one who feeds them), is used metaphorically of Christian "pastors,". "Pastors" guide as well as feed the flock; The Greek word used here is ποιμήν poimen. Vine's (def Prime), Strong's G4166
Teachers; Primarily teachers of truth in the churches. The Greek word is διδάσκαλος didaskalos Vine's (def 1). Strong's G1320.
[Hebrews 5:12] Those who exercise faith and patience.
[James 3:1] Will receive a stricter judgment.
[Acts 13:1] Brought up in, and applied it to the lives of students.
[1 Corinthians 12:28] God's appointments in the church.
Verse 12.
Equipping; Presenting truth to, and sharing the gospel. In this text it has the idea of "preparing".
Works Of Service; of the service of believers, e.g., "ministering" (AV, "the ministry," not in the sense of an ecclesiastical function); In maturity truth and love as the true condition. Causing the Body to be lifted up, out of a personal walk and devotion. The Greek word here is διακονία diakonia. Vine's (def. 2), Strong's G1248.
Edifying; (or building). The idea conveyed is the strengthening effect or progress of patient effort. The Greek word is οἰκοδομή oikodome. Vine's (def B-1 b) Strong's G3619.
Verse 13.
Knowledge; See this study under the heading "Knowledge". Here Paul is talking about knowledge of Jesus Christ and who He really is, so as to not remain children in our spiritual walk.
A Perfect Man; primarily of physical development, then with ethical import, "Fully grown mature". The Greek word here for perfect is τελείως teleios. Vine's (def Ia). Strong's G5049.
1 Corinthians 14:20 Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults.
The Measure; "that which is measured, a determined extent, a portion measured off," "the measure (of the stature of the fullness of Christ)," the standard of spiritual stature being the fullness which is essentially Christ's; The Greek word for measure is μέτρον metron. Vine's (def. II) Strong's G3358.
The Stature; primarily "an age," as a certain length of life, came to mean "a particular time of life," as when a person is said to be "of age," elsewhere only "of stature,". The Greek word used here for stature is ἡλικία helikia. Vine's (def A-3b) Strong's G2244.
The Fullness; See this study under "Fullness Of Him".
Takeaways - Paul is saying we can only determine our spiritual state by comparing ourselves to the fullness of Christ. The thing to which all spiritual things get measured. Are we acting, walking, talking, and thinking according to the high calling of our Lord Jesus Christ? Are we lifting up, or putting down the Body of Christ.
NSB also notes that the three stages of growth are presented here: Gifted leaders are responsible for the equipping of the saints; the well-equipped saints do the work of the ministry; and the result is that the body of Christ is built up. The final goal is maturity, truth, and love.
*Nelson Study Bible
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