What does Ephesians 4:9 mean?

Explanation

Ephesians 4:9 speaks to the nature and work of Jesus Christ, specifically addressing His ascension and a preceding descent.

The phrase "Now that he ascended" confirms Christ's ascension to heaven after His resurrection.

The question that follows, "what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?" suggests that before ascending, Jesus also descended to the realms below the earth's surface.

This descent is commonly interpreted by many Christians as either His incarnation, coming down from Heaven to earth as a man, or His going to the place of the dead to proclaim victory and liberate captive souls, as per Christian tradition.

Historical Context

Ephesians was written by the Apostle Paul around 60-62 A.D. while he was likely under house arrest in Rome. This epistle was meant to be circulated among the early Christian churches in the region of Ephesus, and so it addressed a Gentile audience.

The context behind "ascended" and "descended" reflects Jewish beliefs of the time regarding heaven, earth, and the underworld, and early Christian doctrine concerning the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ.

Theological Insights

Theologies differ on the exact meaning of the "descent" referenced in Ephesians 4:9.

For some, it denotes Christ's incarnation, His coming down to earth from Heaven.

Another interpretation, originating from the "Harrowing of Hell," posits that after His crucifixion and before His resurrection, Christ descended to the abode of the dead to triumph over evil forces and free the righteous souls who had died before His coming.

A less popular view is that it refers metaphorically to Jesus' experiences of suffering and death.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, Ephesians 4:9 challenges believers to recognize and embrace the full scope of Jesus' redemptive action – from the incarnation to the ascension.

It is also a reminder of humility; if Christ can descend to the lowest, believers too should be willing to step down from pedestals of pride or superiority, to serve others and to engage with those considered lower in status.

Cross-References

• Philippians 2:5-8: "[...] Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."
• 1 Peter 3:18-20: "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;"
• Acts 1:9-11: "And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight."

Language Study

The phrase "lower parts of the earth" is derived from the Greek words "katōterōn mereōn tēs gēs", which can be interpreted literally as "lower regions of the earth" or metaphorically regarding status or condition.

"Descended" (katabas) carries the connotation of going down from a higher place to a lower one, highlighting a change of position.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The theme of a divine being descending to an underworld or lower realm is common in ancient religions.

For example, the Greek myth of Persephone, the descent of Inanna in Sumerian mythology, or Osiris in Egyptian mythology who resides over the realm of the dead.

There are often themes of redemption, rebirth, or victory over death in these myths.

However, the Christian interpretation of Jesus’ descent is unique in its connection to His redemptive work for humanity.

Scientific Perspectives

The mention of Jesus descending to "the lower parts of the earth" is unlikely to align with any scientific understanding of the physical world and is generally perceived metaphorically by those seeking harmony between scientific and scriptural narratives.

Science does not provide a framework for understanding supernatural events such as those described in biblical texts.

Commentaries

Reputable biblical commentaries explain this verse through various lenses.

Matthew Henry's Commentary sees this verse as indicating Christ's incarnation and humble actions in coming to Earth to save humanity.

The Pulpit Commentary interprets the descent as Christ's coming to Earth and His death, viewing it in relation to the overall work of salvation.

John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible suggests the descent could refer to Christ's incarnation, His burial, or His descending to the place of the dead.

Each commentary brings a different perspective, reflecting the diverse ways in which this verse has been understood throughout Christian history.