Ephesians 4:9-13
J.B. Phillips New Testament
9-10 (Note the implication here—to say that Christ “ascended” means that he must previously have “descended”, that is from the height of Heaven to the depth of this world. The one who made this descent is identically the same person as he who has now ascended high above the very Heavens—that the whole universe from lowest to highest might know his presence.)
11-13 His “gifts to men” were varied. Some he made his messengers, some prophets, some preachers of the Gospel; to some he gave the power to guide and teach his people. His gifts were made that Christians might be properly equipped for their service, that the whole body might be built up until the time comes when, in the unity of the common faith and common knowledge of the Son of God, we arrive at real maturity—that measure of development which is meant by the “fullness of Christ”.
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Ephesians 4:9-11
New International Version
9 (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions[a]? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended(A) higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)(B) 11 So Christ himself gave(C) the apostles,(D) the prophets,(E) the evangelists,(F) the pastors and teachers,(G)
Footnotes
- Ephesians 4:9 Or the depths of the earth
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