NOTES for Eph 4:7-13

When we look at the parallel passage in the Psalter quoted by the Apostle Paul, we see that there is a slight but significant difference. The epistle says: Therefore it is said, “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.” But the Psalter says: “You have ascended on high, You have led captivity captive; You have received gifts among men, even from the rebellious, that the Lord God might dwell there.” What does “led captivity captive” mean? He made those who had been captives of Satan His own captives; in effect, He redeemed them in order then to set them free. But the words “gave gifts” and “received gifts” are a little more difficult. It must be said that this difference occurs not only in the Russian translation but also, for example, in the Vulgate. The apostle is therefore deliberately introducing a new meaning. In fact, this is something very important. A gift. The gifts brought to the infant Jesus are precisely what unites this apparent discrepancy: gifts to the One who offered Himself as a gift. He receives gifts and gives a gift, the greatest gift. How wonderful that this reciprocity suddenly becomes clear in what seemed to be a simple variant reading, almost an error. The Holy Gifts. “This bloodless sacrifice,” “the sacrifice of praise,” which is “the mercy of peace.” Suddenly we merge, and it becomes impossible to distinguish what Christ gives me from what I give Him. O. Henry has a story called “The Gift of the Magi” about two very poor lovers who desperately want to give each other a Christmas present, but have no money. She secretly cuts off her beautiful hair, sells it, and buys him a chain for his watch, while he sells the watch and buys her a comb for her hair. From a material point of view it all looks so absurd and unfortunate, yet in truth this is happiness. These are the very gifts that we bring to one another and to God every day of our lives. Let everything turn out awkwardly. We give what is most precious.