He Gave Gifts to Men

Paul writes that Jesus “gave gifts to his people” in Ephesians 4. The backdrop to this gift giving is Psalm 68, which envisions YHWH being enthroned on Mount Zion. In this short message, Peter summarizes Paul’s allusion to the psalm and shows that the gifts Jesus gave to his people are spiritual giftings.

Main Passages

Therefore it is said, “When he ascended on high he made captivity itself a captive; he gave gifts to his people.” . . . The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers. (Ephesians 4:8, 11)

You ascended the high mount, leading captives in your train and receiving gifts from people, even from those who rebel against the Lord God’s abiding there. (Psalm 68:18)