Below are some preliminary questions to assist in the study of this passage. For a comprehensive study of the passage, download the Study Guide (PDF download).
1. In what way is the conquering Christ different from the conquering generals of the world? See Ephesians 4:8 (printed below)
This is why it says, “When he (Christ) ascended into the heights, he led captivity as his captive, and gave gifts to men.” (Ephesians 4:8)
When the generals of the ancient world conquered a nation they would plunder the wealth of that nation and take its people captive. The Lord Jesus Christ “led captivity as his captive.” That is to say, by His victory won on the cross of Calvary Christ set men free from the tyranny of the devil and the divine sentence of just condemnation. Furthermore, rather than plunder the spoil, Christ “gave gifts to men.” He did not take from men, as did the conquering generals; on the contrary, He shares His bounty with all those who receive Him as their Savior and accept Him as their sovereign Lord (note Revelation 3:21).
2. What is the first gift or office given by Christ to His church that Paul mentions in verse 11 (printed below) and what was the function of that office?
He is the one who gave the apostles, and the prophets, and the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers (Ephesians 4:11)
The first gift or office mentioned by Paul is that of “apostle.” An apostle was a special messenger or ambassador who has been commissioned to represent someone else and who is completely identified with the one whom he represents (note John 13:16,20). In the case of the New Testament apostles, they were commissioned by Christ and came as His personal representatives (note 2 Corinthians 12:19 and 13:3). The New Testament apostles are identified with the Old Testament prophets as being God’s spokesmen through whom He communicates His Word.
3. What is the second office Paul mentions in verse 11 (printed above under question #2) and what was its function?
The second office Paul mentions is that of the New Testament prophet. The ministry of the prophet entailed the receiving of direct and immediate divine revelation, guidance, or understanding. This gift or office was especially necessary and prominent prior to the completion of the New Testament canon (note 1 Corinthians 14:37).
4. What is the third office Paul mentions in verse 11 (printed above under question #2) and what is its function?
The third office mentioned by Paul is that of the evangelist. The evangelist’s gift and calling is to proclaim the gospel to the world, calling men to repent and believe in Christ, thereby becoming members of His spiritual body, the church. The role of the evangelist is to call men to Christ in order that they may become His disciples (note the Great Commission recorded in Matthew 28:19-20).
5. How does Paul define the work of the pastor and teacher in Ephesians 4:12-14 (printed below?)
He is the one who gave … the pastors and teachers (12) to prepare the saints for the work of ministry for the purpose of building up the body of Christ (13) until we all attain the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, until we become a mature man, until we attain the level of the stature of having the fullness of Christ. (14) Furthermore, he gave pastors and teachers in order that we should no longer be children, being tossed back and forth and being blown about by every wind of doctrine by the cunning of men working in craftiness for the deceit inherent in error. (Ephesians 4:12-14)
The Lord Jesus Christ has given pastors and teachers to His church in order to “prepare the saints for the work of ministry” (or, “service.”) As he is exposed to the pastor and teacher’s ministry, the Christian is being prepare to become more like the Lord Jesus Himself, the One who came to minister (note Matthew 20:28). Thus, the pastor’s task is to prepare the Christian—and the congregation of Christians collectively—for active service. Furthermore, the Lord has provided us with pastors and teachers “so that we should no longer be children” (or, “babes”) who are “tossed back and forth” and “blown about by every wind of doctrine”—those who are spiritually vulnerable. The pastor, as shepherd, is to guide and guard the sheep, and he is to do so by providing sound biblical instruction.
