(Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
All Commentaries on Ephesians 4:9 Go To Ephesians 4
Ambrosiaster
AD 400
The truth incarnate is that he is said to have descended in order to ascend, unlike humans, who have descended in order to remain there. For by decree they were held in the lower world. But this decree could not hold the Savior. He has conquered sin. Therefore, after his triumph over the devil, he descended to the heart of the world, so that he might preach to the dead, that all who desired him might be set free. It was necessary for him to ascend. He had descended to trample death underfoot by the force of his own power, then only to rise again with the former captives.
