May 19, 2004

 

Chapter 1, verses 9-12-brings us to the ascension of Jesus into the heavens.  Other accounts of this ascension are in:

Ø      Mark 16:19 which includes “sat on the right hand of God” and

Ø       Luke 24:50-51- which mentions a town (Bethany) and says

           Jesus lifted up his hands and blessed them

 

  The account here emphasizes they (the apostles) were fully conscious as Jesus ascended (while they beheld..)- see also II Peter 1:16 “eyewitnesses of his majesty”.

  The “cloud” connects us with Luke 9:34-35 –Jesus’ transfiguration.

And it may connected with the “cloud” over the Tabernacle in Ex.40:34.  It was used to shroud the Divine Presence from mere mortal eyes. 

   The two men…in white apparel” may be connected with the men of Lk. 24:4 at the empty gravesite.  They act as divine witnesses and

guides when these critical events occurred.  They are angels who affirm in the minds of humans the reality of such major events.

   These angels ask the apostles “why stand ye…?”  Their words give credence to the Ascension and direct the apostles further.

“this same Jesus”- not another, nor any substitute for Him.

“taken up from you into heaven” is their way of saying “yes, you did see Him rise”.

   “shall so come in like manner”-  it is likely this is a reference to

the actual 2^nd Coming of Christ to the earth, rather than to the rapture of believers at the end of the church age.  At the rapture, Jesus comes in the clouds and believers leave earth.  At the actual advent, Jesus comes to the earth—Zechariah 14:4,  Rev. 14:14-20, 19:11-15.

• Remember the truth of the rapture of the church is not given to

Believers until after the conversion of Paul in Acts 9.

   They return to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet (Matt.24:3).

The mention of Bethany in Lk.24 may not necessarily mean a contradiction with Acts—Jesus may have simply led them to Bethany and then returning toward Jerusalem, ascended from Mt.Olives.  The

Lifted hands/blessing in Luke then would have actually occurred at

Olivet.

 

      A view to Ephesians 4:7-11 on the Ascension of Christ:

 

1) the context of chap. 4 is “unity” of humility (vs.3) amidst the diversity of gifts (vs. 7).

 

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2) Paul partially quotes Psa. 68:18 –the theme of Ps.68 is the rescue,

leading and entrance of Israel into the promised land.  Note vs.7-

“went before thy people”-  vs.8 “Sinai”  vs.11 “gave the word (LAW)

It emphasizes the  triumph of the LORD over His (Israel’s) enemies.

 

3) Eph. 4:8 uses the Psa.68 verse applied to Christ in His ascension in victory- “led captivity captive” refers to either triumph over powers of

darkness (Col.2:15) or more likely is a descriptive term for Christ’s possession of believers (former captives of satan).

  “gave gifts unto men” – [a change from Psa.68:18 –“received”]-

In victory, Christ Himself distributes “gifts” to the church.

 

4) Verse 9 is parenthetical—inserted to explain vs.8.  The point is the one who “ascended” is the same as the one who “descended”.

This ties the Ascended Christ to the Christ who descended in humility-see vs. 2 and John 3:13.

   “lower parts of the earth”- is not referring to the nether world of

spirits (I Peter 3:18-19) but should be understood as “lower parts,

that is, the earth” [genitive of apposition].  Lower is in contrast with on high (vs.8) and above all heavens (vs.10).

 

5) Verse 10 is to expand this “ascended” as not merely a change of

location of Christ, but a powerful promotion of Christ to “fill (plerosa) all things” – see 1:22-23.  The same Christ who ascended had earlier descended and is now triumphant and gives diversity of “gifts” to His church in order to complete His development of His church.   See 4:16