But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says:
Ephesians 4:7-8 NIV
“When he ascended on high,
he took many captives
and gave gifts to his people.”
In the Roman world of Paul’s day, a general who had won a great victory might be granted a triumph. This triumph amounted to a parade through the streets of Rome. During the triumph, the general would put some of his more notable captives in chains at the head of the parade. Then, at the end of the parade, there would be a time of celebration with gifts, games and banquets.
This Roman triumph parade would seem to be what Paul has in mind with his quotation from Psalm 68:18. Christ descended to earth, defeated death and the forces of evil, and ascended back to heaven. And as he did, he led captives in his victory parade and gave gifts to people.
Paul is not overly concerned here with the identity of the captives who were taken, although they were likely among those he defeated at the cross. He was more concerned with the gifts Christ gave when he ascended.
Giving Gifts
What are these gifts that he gave? Paul refers to the gift given to us as grace. We tend to think of grace most often in the context of our salvation. But God’s grace to us extends beyond that, reaching into every part of our lives. In this passage’s context, Paul refers to what we often identify as spiritual gifts.
Paul later describes four of the gifts Christ gave to his people: apostle, prophet, evangelist, and pastor/teacher. But it is not just these four he refers to here. It is to each of us that his grace has been given.
You are likely not gifted with one of these leadership roles. But regardless of who you are, as one of Christ’s people, you have been gifted to serve within the body of Christ. Use that grace he has given you and watch it bear fruit for our Lord (Matt. 25:20-23). Don’t hide it under a rock and end up losing it (Matt. 25:24-27).
