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Ephesians 4:7-11 – Encouragement for Preachers and Elders
To encourage any preacher needing it, please read the following same text twice:
First time, all five verses: HCSB Eph 4:7-11:
7) “Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of the Messiah’s gift. 8 ) For it says: When He ascended on high, He took prisoners into captivity; He gave gifts to people. 9) But what does “He ascended” mean except that He descended to the lower parts of the earth? 10) The One who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things. 11) And He personally gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers,”
Second time, excerpting vv.8-10:
7) “Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of the Messiah’s gift. 11) And He personally gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers,”
Without vv.8-10, the thought still flows uninterrupted. So why are verses 8-10 there if unnecessary for the thought? Remember how Ephesians is divided into the theological (chs.1-3), and the practical (chs.4-6)? Here verses 7,11 are the practical, wherein grace refers to ecclesiastical (instead of soteriolgical). Right in the middle is the theological foundation. Using language from chapters 1 and 4, Jesus is qualified to give gifts because He is the head of the body.
Why this gospel foundation is important is because it lifts up these gifts of grace to a more glorious position. They are based upon the following gospel truths:
[ ] 1) Jesus descended from heaven onto the earth, then into the earth through death and burial.
[ ] 2) Jesus ascended from inside the earth, then up from the earth back to heaven.
[ ] 3) Jesus, exactly what depending on the translation and interpretation, rose victorious.
These gifts of grace exist because of the victorious gospel of Jesus Christ. Verses 8-10 are not needed to complete the thought. They are needed to make the thought complete and reality. Now in the victory of the incarnation, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension, preach!
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