Ephesians 4:7-9

4:7

But – Contrast. Previous verses stressed oneness, unity. Here Paul turns the page to demonstrate a contrast

to each of us – individuality, differentiation. We are not the same

grace – Here Paul is clearly not talking about unmerited favor. Or if that inadequate definition is included here, it is only in a secondary aspect. This has to do with my function within the “one body.”

has been given – even this function, this unique contribution, in the “one body” is itself a gift, not earned. Not a talent which can be used for good or evil, for God, self or Satan. This gift of grace is given to us who are in the body and given for the body which means it is given for God’s use and glory
as Christ apportioned [NLT: generosity] – Christ decided which grace and how much grace to gift each person with. Both terms used in these translations have a weak side: NLT’s “generosity” emphasizes the giving but neglects that in this context the gifting of grace has restrictions, i.e., that not everyone can get as much of this gifting as he/she wants. It suggests, or leaves open, the possibility, that if I want a certain gift or more of a certain gift I already have, all I have to do is ask, because the supply is unlimited and the Giver is generous. But NIV’s “apportioned” has the opposite weakness. It keeps Christ in control of who gets what and how much. But it leaves open the implication that there is a limited supply of gifting grace. This, of course, is not true. So perhaps a better interpretation would combine the terms: “as Christ generously apportioned.”

4:8

This is why it says – Looking to Scripture for confirmation. Sometimes Paul’s use of Scriptural support baffles me.

When he ascended on high – past tense, already accomplished

he led captives in his train – picture of victorious conqueror

and gave gifts to men – original from Ps 68:18, says, “received” instead of “gave.” Confusing switch

4:9

What does – Paul seems to get sidetracked briefly with an explanatory comment

“he ascended” – Acts 1, Jesus ascended before the eyes of the disciples; in spirit world there is also His exaltation resulting from His humble obedience

mean – significance

except that he also descended – We think in reverse of this, that “what goes up must come down.” That is because our only point of reference is terrestrial. But if we adopt God’s perspective then our point of reference becomes celestial. And from that perspective, “what goes down [descends] must come up [ascends].”
to the lower, earthly regions – Not talking about Hades or descending into the earth. This refers to humiliation of becoming human and living among mortals.