What does Ephesians 4:8 say Christ did when He ascended up on high?
Ephesians 4:8 declares that when Christ ascended up on high, He led captivity captive. The verse is cited by Paul in Ephesians chapter 4, and the context presents it as the fulfillment of His work after His death and His time in paradise.
Les explains that Ephesians 4:8 is Paul’s statement about what happened after Christ’s death. It says, “Wherefore he saith, when he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive.” Les connects this to Jesus’ promise to the thief, “Today thou shalt be with me in paradise,” and to the place called Sheol, Hades, or hell, where one side was torment and the other side was paradise. Since the atoning blood had been shed, and Christ had spent three days and three nights in paradise, not in torment, He ascended and led captivity captive, referring to those who had been waiting for this great work of atonement.
Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.