Did Jesus Go to Hell Between His Death and Resurrection?

TL;DR

The question of whether Jesus went to hell between death and resurrection is debated, with various theological interpretations.
The Apostles’ Creed’s phrase “He descended into hell” is often seen metaphorically, suggesting Jesus fully experienced death.
Key scriptures like 1 Peter 3:18-20 and Ephesians 4:8-10 have diverse interpretations regarding Jesus’ actions post-death.
This concept mainly highlights Jesus’ victory over death and sin, rather than a literal descent into hell.

Understanding the Apostles’ Creed: “He Descended into Hell”

The Apostles’ Creed, an early Christian statement of faith, includes the phrase “He descended into hell,” which has sparked significant theological debate. This phrase is not directly quoted from Scripture but emerged in the early church as part of its doctrinal formulations. The interpretation of this phrase varies among Christian traditions:

Metaphorical Interpretation: Many theologians and biblical scholars interpret this phrase metaphorically. In this view, “descending into hell” signifies the completeness of Jesus’ human experience, particularly in death. It emphasizes that Christ fully embraced human mortality and underwent death in all its aspects, just as all humans do.
Literal Interpretation: Some hold a more literal view, suggesting that Jesus actually went to the realm of the dead or hell. This interpretation often connects with notions of Jesus freeing the righteous who had died before His crucifixion or proclaiming victory over evil forces.
Historical Development: The historical development of the creedal statement is also significant. The phrase “descended into hell” was not present in the earliest versions of the Creed and was only added later. This addition reflects the theological and doctrinal evolutions within the early church.

Biblical Passages and Varied Interpretations

Several scriptures are often cited in discussions about Jesus’ supposed descent into hell, each subject to various interpretations:

1 Peter 3:18-20: This passage describes Christ being “made alive in the spirit,” through which He “proclaimed to the spirits in prison.” This is one of the most debated passages, with interpretations ranging from Christ preaching to deceased souls in hell, to a symbolic victory announcement over fallen angels. Some theologians see this as a reference to Christ’s proclamation of victory to the spirits of the disobedient from Noah’s time, rather than a general preaching to all the dead.
Ephesians 4:8-10: Paul writes about Christ descending “to the lower, earthly regions” and then ascending. This passage is interpreted by some as referring to the Incarnation and burial of Christ, rather than a descent into hell. Others see it as an affirmation of Christ’s victory over all realms, both earthly and spiritual.
Psalm 16:10 and Acts 2:27: These verses, which mention God not abandoning His Holy One to the realm of the dead, are sometimes interpreted as a reference to Jesus’ resurrection. They are seen as prophetic statements about Christ’s victory over death, rather than describing a sojourn in hell.

Theological Implications of Jesus’ Descent

The debate over whether Jesus descended into hell has profound theological implications:

Christ’s Suffering and Death: The concept that Jesus might have descended into hell underscores the extent and depth of His suffering. It suggests that Jesus not only died a physical death but also experienced the depths of separation from God that hell represents. This interpretation underscores the completeness of Christ’s atonement for sin.
Victory over Evil: If interpreted as a proclamation of victory, Jesus’ descent signifies His triumph over all evil and spiritual powers. This aligns with the New Testament theme of Christ’s victory over death and Satan, offering hope and assurance of His ultimate authority.
Solidarity with Humanity: The idea also represents Jesus’ solidarity with the entirety of the human condition, including death. This aspect highlights the Christian belief in Jesus as both fully God and fully human, capable of empathizing with all aspects of human existence.

Conclusion

In summary, the concept of Jesus descending into hell between His death and resurrection is a complex and multifaceted topic in Christian theology. While rooted in the Apostles’ Creed and explored through various scriptural passages, interpretations vary widely. The key theological takeaway is the emphasis on Jesus’ complete victory over death and sin and His participation in the full human experience, including death.

“The Work of Christ” by Robert Letham – This book delves deeply into various aspects of Christ’s work, including interpretations of His death, resurrection, and the nature of His descent.
“Systematic Theology” by Wayne Grudem – Grudem’s comprehensive guide to Christian theology offers insights into different interpretations of Christ’s descent into hell and its implications for Christian belief.