This is why it says:
“When he ascended on high,
he took many captives
and gave gifts to his people.”
- Ephesians 4:8 (NIV)
The KJV says it this way- “Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led
captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.”(Ephesians 4:8 KJV).
There is no strange meaning to the use of the word ‘gifts,’ in this verse, nor is there a
difference in interpretive meaning as used in the gospel of Luke chapter 11, verse 13
which says:
“ If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much
more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.”
As anyone would read or interpret the use of the word gifts in context of these two
verses, we would surely connect instinctively more with the first part of Luke’s reference
as simply just that– a physical gift or sometimes, we say a present.
The use of the word “gift,” in Ephesians 4:8 however, does not instinctively depict the
idea of a physical gift. The use of the word connects more with an ‘ability,’ or a ‘bent’
towards an action or ability.
Looking at the immediate verse before, verse 7 (NIV), makes this interpretation clearer:
“But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.”
And what is grace?
Grace is referred to as ‘God’s unmerited favor.’ His showering us with abilities that we
did not and could not earn. Stongs’s ref. 5485 – in Greek– charis (grace) says:
“ It encompasses the idea of divine assistance given to humans for their regeneration and
sanctification…It also denotes the graciousness of God in bestowing gifts and blessings
upon His people, as well as the grace that believers are to extend to others.”
Gifts can refer to something physical as well as non-physical. In Luke’s verse in its
reading, the Holy Spirit Himself (The Ruach haKodesh) is referred to as a gift, a Spirit
and presence that was felt.
There is no ambiguity then, that Ephesians 4:8 references blessings bestowed in terms
of abilities that have been freely given to us.
Why is this Important?
It puts to rest the easy argument that some believers use–
“That they have no gifts.”
The Scripture says that everyone has been given gifts. This would mean that most
people and I truly believe this myself, have at minimum– two gifts; if even one is more
recognizable or more dormant than the other.
According to Strong’s Lexicon –1390, the Greek word for gift is ‘doma’ which means–
Gift or present. It further states that the definition (exact nature of) and meaning
(communication of what is not directly expressed) of ‘doma,’ is the same.
Strong’s reference further says that the use of the word ‘doma,’ in the New Testament,
emphasizes:
“…the act of giving, rather than the gift itself. It is used to describe something given freely
and generously, reflecting the benevolence of the giver.”
Paraphrasing Strong’s concordance of the word’s cultural and historical context in
Greco-Roman times; giving gifts was a way to build and maintain relationships, show
loyalty, and express thanks. In the New Testament, gifts symbolize God’s grace and
generosity, given freely to humanity.
That said, the act of Christ’s giving, was intentional, as with all things that He does. The
gift then—this grace or ability, if freely given to humanity as was mentioned, would
actually imply some practical use.
There is no deadness or sparseness in Christ. So if He intentionally gave “gifts to men,”
it would mean, His intent was for kingdom purposes and that its use would have some
form of a multiplication factor that would expand the presence of the kingdom to
humanity.
That the edifying of the body of Christ and bringing in the lost through the Great
Commission (Matthew 28:16-20) is no small, insignificant feat.
The Most High God has use for us. There is a great re-unification of the family of God
that is upcoming with the return of Christ.
Therefore, we have been tasked not only with the ability (as given) but the responsibility
to not only yearn to know what the gifts (abilities) are, but to diligently tend to their
usage.
It is an honor for us to partake in the grand plan, set in motion before the beginning of
time.
We are a part of that equation.
There are No Excuses!
That said, the following sentiments do not compute in the eyes of the Father, the Son or
the Holy Ghost. In fact, the Holy Ghost was given to us at Shavuot (Pentecost) as our
helper and guide.
The onus is on us to find out and inquire what our gifts are and to develop those gifts
with the help of the Holy Spirit. The Most High God can use people in our lives, a course,
dreams, visions, prayer, an experience, an event–just about anything to help us along
the way of identifying, using and perfecting our gifts, so that we can multiply with
effectiveness, what He has given us for the benefit of humanity and ultimately the
kingdom of God here on earth.
In Conclusion
We are in the dead midst of End Times prophecy. We have no time to waste. This is not
a lukewarm activity.
We have to meet the needs of the body of Christ and the lost souls out there. We have
to wake up and take up our cause and our cross.
Neither did the scriptures say that it was an easy task. In fact, it says in 2 Corinthians
12:9:
“…My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Yeshua (Christ), gave you and me gifts –unique abilities that would increase the
presence of our Father’s kingdom and His principles here on earth.
If you are already in the game, then Hallelujah!
If you are not or still struggling or on the fence– FEAR NOT!
This is your time and the Holy Ghost is ready and waiting on you.
In Reflection
What is your gift?
How are you honing that gift and perfecting it?
How are you inquiring of the Holy Spirit of the true purpose for its use (for the building
of his kingdom here on earth?)
Are you using/exercising your gift?
Are you maximizing it?
Action
If you don’t know what your gifts are, I recommend you read the reference to Ephesians
for yourself for fuller context and personal exploration and bring it up in prayer. Inquire
of the Holy Spirit; The Ruach (The Spirit) of God, leads us into all truth (John 16:13).If
you need help in this area, here is a prayer you can use as a guide.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Your Word says according to Ephesians 4:8, that you have given gifts to us. Your Word
also says that the Holy Spirit is a gift to mankind (Luke 11:13); to guide us while we are
here on earth. I know that you will soon return, but I don’t want to be found not using the
gifts that you have called me to use for your kingdom and for your glory. I humbly ask the
Holy Spirit to help me identify or reveal to me my gifts– my God-given unique abilities. I
want my days here to count for the Glory of Yeshua who has given me eternal life. Provide
the resources, locate the helpers and prepare my mind and heart to maximize my gifts
effectively. Thank you for receiving my prayer and answering me in Yeshua’s Mighty and
Matchless Name. – Amen!
