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Two things are referred to in these words, as following from the ascension of Christ into heaven. One has reference to the manifest accomplishment of His work in the fact of His ascension; the other is a statement of what He does in consequence of that success — not resulting from it, but as the expression of His goodwill on the occasion of His success.

I. CHRIST OVERCAME THOSE SPECIAL FOES WHICH HE CAME TO EARTH TO ENCOUNTER.

II. Having overcome them, HE STILL HOLDS THEM IN HIS POWER. He lives now; He has taken His place before God; there He waits. He waited once before till the fulness of time came; He waits now till the appointed season comes. He has not let His prisoners free; He had not let them go out of His hand.

III. CHRIST BESTOWS A SPECIAL GIFT ON MEN THAT THEY MAY SHARE IN HIS VICTORY. He gave gifts in the shape of apostles, pastors, teachers, and so on, for the definite purpose of carrying on His work — the perfecting of the saints. He thus bestows, not spoils which He has gained from His enemies, but the special gift of His own favour.

IV. But one more very important thought. WHO SHALL THUS NOT ONLY SHARE WITH HIM. THE SPOILS, BUT ENJOY THE FREE GIFT OF CHRIST? Why, those who follow Him.

(H. W. Butcher.)

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KJV: Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

WEB: Therefore he says, "When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men."