Ephesians 4:8

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

Therefore, it says [Psa. 68:18], “When He ascended on high [i.e., to heaven], He led a procession of captured prisoners [behind Him] [Note: This originally referred to God leading His people in triumph over Israel’s enemies, but here is applied to Christ], and gave gifts to [various] people.”

Cross References

Colossians 2:15

[In doing this] Christ disarmed the rulers and authorities [i.e., evil forces] and made a public display of them, triumphing over them through the cross. [Note: This could possibly be rendered “God triumphed over them through Christ”].

Ephesians 4:11

And He gave some people [the gift of being] apostles; and some people prophets; and some people evangelists; and some people pastors [i.e., elders] and teachers,