What does Ephesians 4:8 say happened when Jesus ascended?
Ephesians 4:8 states that when He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive. This verse follows the description of Christ’s atoning death and His three days and nights in paradise. It answers what happened at His ascension: He took those who had been held in captivity.
Les explains that Ephesians 4:8 is the verse Paul uses to show what happened when Christ ascended. After the atoning blood was shed, Christ died and spent three days and three nights in paradise, not in torment. Then, when He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive. Les connects this to the thief on the cross, to whom Jesus said, 'Today thou shalt be with me in paradise.' Those who had been waiting in paradise for this great work of atonement were taken captive by Christ at His ascension. Les asks, 'Now who had been in captivity?' pointing to the saints who had been waiting.
Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.