Ephesians 4:9-10 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?… I. THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE SAVIOUR'S DEPRESSION FROM HIS ORIGINAL STATE. 1. The incarnation of Christ may be thus expressed. 2. This form of language may denote the death of Christ. 3. This style may be intended to intimate that burial to which He yielded. 4. The separation of the Redeemer's Body and Spirit may be described in these words. II. THE GLORY OF HIS SUBSEQUENT EXALTATION. 1. It is in itself an absolute expression of love. To descend to all this humiliation and suffering could not be agreeable to any other end, save an achievement of mercy. 2. It justifies an expectation of surpassing benefits. Whatever was the quality of the act, it must answer to the act itself. Nothing little can it involve. If this be an errand of mercy, how great must be that mercy! 3. The act regulates and secures its own efficiency. The Messiah did not send His word to save us. From on high He did not direct the scheme of salvation. He "descended to the lower parts of the earth." This showed His infinite intentness, 4. This act is to be regarded as of incomparable worth and excellence. Never were so combined, and never could so unite, the jealousy of the Infinite Honour and the commiseration of human woe. III. THE RECIPROCAL INFLUENCE OF THESE RESPECTIVE FACTS. "The same" was He who bowed Himself to these indignities, and who seized these rewards. And this identity is of the greatest value. Surely it is much to understand, much to be certified, that He who was manifest in flesh — taking our very nature, seen in the relationships of our life — full of tenderness and compassion — the comforter of mourners and the friend of sinners — is none other than the Supreme over all things, guiding and administering all his prerogatives and powers to the very end for which he was incarnated and crucified. This is what the text affirms. (R. W. Hamilton, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? |
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