9. What does "he went up" mean? It can only mean that he also came down to the lower, earthly places.
10. The One who came down is the same as the One who went up higher than all the heavens. He did it in order to fill all of creation.
11. He is the One who gave some the gift to be apostles. He gave some the gift to be prophets. He gave some the gift of preaching the good news. And he gave some the gift to be pastors and teachers.
12. He did it so that they might prepare God's people to serve. If they do, the body of Christ will be built up.
13. That will continue until we all become one in the faith and in the knowledge of God's Son. Then we will be grown up in the faith. We will receive everything that Christ has for us.
14. We will no longer be babies in the faith. We won't be like ships tossed around by the waves. We won't be blown here and there by every new teaching. We won't be blown around by the cleverness and tricks of people who try to hide their evil plans.
15. Instead, we will speak the truth in love. We will grow up into Christ in every way. He is the Head.
16. He makes the whole body grow and build itself up in love. Under the control of Christ, each part of the body does its work. It supports the other parts. In that way, the body is joined and held together.
17. Here is what I'm telling you. I am speaking for the Lord as I warn you. You must no longer live like those who aren't Jews. Their thoughts don't have any purpose.