"He led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men," Ephesians 4:8.
Who did this? Christ did. Christ collected all opposing forces into their own captivity and paraded them boldly to the very heights. And, Christ gave gifts to people. The human custom of a victor receiving the spoils of war gets turned upside down with Jesus. He gives, rather than receives. He gives gifts. To whom? To people. To what people? To another collection. (That is, not to the captured opposers, right?) So, what other collection? The collection, the congregation of people comprising the one body. Namely, those people who confess Christ as Lord. Christ, triumphant, gave us gifts.
When we get insights or encouragements from a brother or sister today we receive the gifts Christ has given us. And, growing up together in the love of Christ, we give him thanks.
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