ACC ~ Ephesians 4 v9

NOT AN ASIDE. CHRYSOSTOM: Do not suppose when you hear this that he has changed the subject. For his design here is just the same as in the epistle to the Philippians. When he was exhorting them there to be humble he showed them Christ. So he does also here too, showing that even Christ descended to the lowest parts of the earth. HOMILY ON EPHESIANS 11.4.9-10.

DESCENT INTO THE ABODE OF THE DEAD. CHRYSOSTOM: The “lower parts of the earth” here means death, by a human metaphor…. And why does he mention this region here? What sort of captivity is he speaking of? That of the devil. He has taken captive the tyrant, the devil and death, the curse and sin. HOMILY ON EPHESIANS 11.4.9-10.

HE DESCENDED IN ORDER TO ASCEND. AMBROSIASTER: The truth incarnate is that he is said to have descended in order to ascend, unlike humans, who have descended in order to remain there. For by decree they were held in the lower world. But this decree could not hold the Savior. He has conquered sin. Therefore, after his triumph over the devil, he descended to the heart of the world, so that he might preach to the dead, that all who desired him might be set free. It was necessary for him to ascend. He had descended to trample death underfoot by the force of his own power, then only to rise again with the former captives. EPISTLE TO THE EPHESIANS 4.9.

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