Matthew Poole and continuators on Ephesians 4:8

8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high , he led captivity captive , and gave gifts unto men .

The Psalmist.

Christ, God manifested in the Flesh and then what was spoken by the Psalmist Prophetically in the second Person, is spoken by the Apostle Historically in the third.

Christ ascended up on high after his Death, both as to place, in his humane nature, into Heaven; and chiefly as to his state in his being glorified.

Either led those captive who had taken us captive, or rather led them captive, whom he had taken captive; captivity being here put for captives, as elsewhere poverty for poor, 2 King. 24.14. This Christ did when having conquered sin, death, Satan, he triumphed gloriously over them in his ascension, Col. 2.15. it is spoken with allusion to conquering Princes or Generals, who in their Triumphs had their Captives attending upon their Chariots.

He alludes in this likewise to the custome of Conquerours casting Money among the people that were the Spectatours of their Triumphs, or gave largesses to their Souldiers. Christ upon his Ascension sent the Holy Ghost on the Disciples, Act. 2. and continues ever since, to furnish his Church with Gifts and Graces, see on Psal. 68.18.

Marginal references: Or, [illegible: 1 span].