The ascension as an event is hardly mentioned by Paul. It is because for Paul, just as for John, the ascension forms with the resurrection a single event of Jesus’ glorification or exaltation. Paul would describe this mystery in different ways, other than calling it “ascension”: God greatly exalted Jesus (Phil 2:9); Jesus was taken up in glory (1 Tm 3:16). Now in heaven, exalted at the right hand of God, Jesus “gives gifts to men” (Eph 4:8). Through his redemptive death, resurrection, and ascension Jesus has become the source of spiritual gifts for the Church on earth.
