Ephesians 4:9-11

Expanded Bible

⁹ When it says, “He ·went up [ascended],” what does it mean? ·It means [^L…except] that he first ·came down [descended] to the ·earth [or lower regions, namely the earth; or the depths of the earth; ^Cprobably refers to (1) the Incarnation, though possibly (2) Christ’s descent to Hades after his death (1 Pet. 3:19–20), or (3) Christ’s descent through the Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2)]. ¹⁰ So the one who ·came down [descended] is the same one who ·went up [ascended] above all the heavens. ·Christ did that [^L…in order] to fill ·everything with his presence [^Lall things]. ¹¹ And ·Christ gave gifts to people—he made some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to go and tell the Good News, and some to have the work of caring for and teaching God’s people [^Lhe himself gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors/shepherds, and teachers].