Jesus Ascended Into Heaven

Acts 1:9 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. Eph 4:7-8 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore He says: "When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men." Key Points: - The New Testament applies this verse to the risen Christ. - Leading captives bearing spoils was a common picture in the ancient world according to archaeology. - This was the greatest victory ever. - Jesus said that He must ascend to the Father. - "Led captivity captive" speaks of victory as in the song of Deborah. - Leading captivity captive speaks of the utter defeat of captivity. - Any enemy who holds God’s people captive has been led captive. - In relation to the Messiah, Christ has triumphed over, and bound forever, Satan, sin, and death, which once held man captive. (Col 2:15; 1 Cor 15:54). - Gifts speak of that which was won from the conquered enemies, the spoils of war. - The gifts won by Christ's victory over the powers of evil are distributed to His people. - "From the rebellious" speaks in a preliminary sense of David’s enemies and in a greater and secondary sense to all of Christ’s enemies who become objects of punishment. - "That the LORD God might dwell there" is a clear reference to the indwelling of God within His Temple, which are His people. - Jesus ascended from the Mount of Olives (Acts 1:9). - Mount Zion is the earthly type of the heavenly mount.