Did Jesus Descend into Hell? Exploring the Meaning of the Apostles' Creed Phrase.

Did Jesus Descend into Hell on Saturday?

One of the most debated topics among Christians is whether Jesus descended into hell after his death on the cross. The Apostles’ Creed states that “he descended into hell,” and many people interpret this to mean that Jesus spent time in the realm of the dead between his death and resurrection. However, there is much debate among theologians about what this phrase really means.

The Traditional Interpretation

The most common interpretation of the phrase “he descended into hell” is that Jesus went to the place of the dead to preach the gospel to Old Testament saints so that they might be set free for the full experience of heaven. This view is based primarily on two passages in 1 Peter:

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits—to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. (1 Peter 3:18-20, NIV)

For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit. (1 Peter 4:6, NIV)

The traditional interpretation holds that Jesus went to the realm of the dead to proclaim the gospel to those who had died before his coming, so that they might be set free from their captivity and enter into heaven. This view is supported by a number of early Church fathers, including Tertullian, Ambrose, Augustine, and Gregory the Great.

Alternative Interpretations

While the traditional interpretation is the most common, there are other possible interpretations of the phrase “he descended into hell.” One alternative interpretation is that Jesus went to hell to proclaim his victory over sin and death. This view is based on the idea that Jesus needed to fully conquer sin and death, and that by going to hell he was able to demonstrate his complete triumph over the forces of evil.

Another alternative interpretation is that the phrase “he descended into hell” simply means that Jesus went to the realm of the dead, without any specific purpose or mission. This view is based on the fact that the phrase “descended into hell” is not found in the Bible, but rather is a later addition to the Apostles’ Creed.

The Biblical Evidence

While the phrase “he descended into hell” is not found in the Bible, there are several passages that may shed light on the question of whether Jesus went to the realm of the dead after his death on the cross.

The Thief on the Cross

In Luke 23:43, Jesus says to the thief on the cross, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (NIV). Some have argued that this passage indicates that Jesus went directly to heaven after his death, rather than spending time in the realm of the dead. However, others have pointed out that the word “paradise” may refer to the Jewish concept of the “Bosom of Abraham,” which was a place of rest for the righteous dead. If this is the case, then Jesus and the thief would have gone to the realm of the dead before ascending to heaven.

The Resurrection of the Dead

In 1 Corinthians 15:20-23, Paul writes, “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him” (NIV). This passage suggests that Jesus was the first to be raised from the dead, and that the rest of the dead will be raised when he returns. If Jesus had gone to the realm of the dead to proclaim the gospel to Old Testament saints, it is unclear why they would need to be raised from the dead again when Jesus returns.

The Descending and Ascending Son of Man

In John 3:13-14, Jesus says, “No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up” (NIV). This passage suggests that Jesus was the only one who had ascended to heaven up to that point. However, in John 6:62, Jesus says, “What if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before?” (NIV). This passage suggests that Jesus had already descended from heaven before his incarnation, and that he would ascend back to heaven after his death and resurrection, rather than spending time in the realm of the dead.

Conclusion

While the phrase “he descended into hell” is a matter of debate among Christians, there is no clear biblical evidence that Jesus spent time in the realm of the dead between his death and resurrection. While it is possible that Jesus went to the realm of the dead to proclaim the gospel to Old Testament saints, there are other possible interpretations of the phrase, and the biblical evidence is not conclusive. Ultimately, the question of whether Jesus descended into hell is not essential to the Christian faith, and Christians should be able to hold differing views on the matter without causing division or controversy.