Book of Ephesians - Chapter 4 - Verse 9

This verse from Ephesians 4:9 references the ascension of Jesus Christ and delves into the depths of Christian theology. The phrase "he ascended" is a reference to Christ's ascension into Heaven after his resurrection. The verse then poses a rhetorical question, asking what it means that Christ ascended, implying that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth. This is often interpreted as a reference to Christ's descent into hell following his crucifixion, as described in some interpretations of the Apostles' Creed. This descent is seen as part of Christ's redemptive work, where he conquered death and liberated the souls of the righteous who were awaiting salvation. Overall, this verse highlights the complex nature of Christ's divinity and the importance of his sacrifice in Christian belief.