TO BE COMMENTED ON SOON
The Fivefold Office (Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher)
This famous phrase is found in the New Testament in Ephesians 4:8. The Apostle Paul writes: "Therefore it says, 'When he ascended on high, he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.'" [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
What Does it Mean?
• The Context: Paul is quoting Psalm 68:18, a victory hymn. In ancient times, a victorious king returning from battle would ascend a mountain with his captives and distribute the spoils of war to his people.
• The "Captives": Spiritually, this represents Christ's victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness.
• The "Gifts": Paul explains in Ephesians 4:11 that the gifts the ascended Christ gave to the church are people equipped for ministry: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. These roles are meant to build up the church and unify believers. [4, 9, 10]
For the full passage and different translations of this verse, you can check Ephesians 4 on Bible.com. For deeper scholarly commentary on the original text, you can read the Ephesians 4:8-10 Commentary by Precept Austin. [3, 4, 6]
AI responses may include mistakes.
[1] https://www.biblegateway.com/verse/en/Ephesians%204%3A8
[2] https://biblehub.com/ephesians/4-8.htm
[3] https://www.youtube.com/shorts/wwvtIuYuxEI
[4] https://www.bible.com/bible/compare/EPH.4.8-11
[5] https://www.bible.com/bible/compare/EPH.4.7-8
[6] https://www.preceptaustin.org/ephesians_48-10
[7] https://www.bible.com/bible/compare/EPH.4.8-10
[8] https://learn.ligonier.org/devotionals/gifts-ascended-christ
[9] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_itzAuTeDA
[10] https://www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Gifts-Part-Functional-Discovering/dp/1481837907