The question of whether Jesus went to hell after His crucifixion is a topic that has intrigued theologians and laypeople alike for centuries. The Bible does not provide a straightforward answer, but through a careful examination of Scripture and Christian tradition, we can gain a clearer understanding of this profound mystery.
First, it is important to clarify what is meant by "hell" in this context. The term "hell" can be somewhat ambiguous because it is used to translate several different Hebrew and Greek words in the Bible. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word "Sheol" is often translated as "hell," but it more accurately refers to the grave or the abode of the dead. In the New Testament, the Greek word "Hades" serves a similar function to Sheol, while "Gehenna" refers to a place of final punishment for the wicked. Another term, "Tartarus," is used once in 2 Peter 2:4 to describe a place of darkness where fallen angels are held.
When discussing whether Jesus went to hell, most theologians are referring to His descent into Hades or Sheol, the realm of the dead, rather than Gehenna, the place of eternal punishment.
One of the key biblical texts related to this topic is found in the Apostles' Creed, a statement of faith that dates back to the early Christian church. The Creed states that Jesus "was crucified, died, and was buried; He descended into hell; on the third day He rose again from the dead." This phrase, "He descended into hell," has been the subject of much debate and interpretation.
Scripture provides several passages that can help illuminate this line of the Creed. For instance, in Acts 2:27, Peter quotes Psalm 16:10 in his sermon at Pentecost, saying, "For You will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let Your Holy One see corruption." Here, Peter is applying the words of the psalmist to Jesus, indicating that while Jesus' soul went to Hades, it was not abandoned there, nor did His body experience decay.
Another relevant passage is Ephesians 4:8-10, which says, "Therefore it says, 'When He ascended on high He led a host of captives, and He gave gifts to men.' (In saying, 'He ascended,' what does it mean but that He had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)" This passage suggests that Jesus descended to the "lower regions," which many interpret as the realm of the dead, before His ascension.
Additionally, 1 Peter 3:18-20 provides insight into what Jesus may have done during this descent: "For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which He went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared." This passage indicates that Jesus, in His spirit, went and proclaimed to the "spirits in prison," which many theologians understand to be the souls of those who had died in disobedience.
The purpose of Jesus' descent into Hades has been interpreted in various ways. Some theologians, like those in the early church, believed that Jesus went to Hades to proclaim His victory over sin and death and to liberate the righteous who had died before His coming. This view is supported by the imagery of Jesus leading a host of captives in Ephesians 4:8. Others believe that Jesus' descent was a continuation of His suffering, experiencing the full extent of human death and separation from God.
C.S. Lewis, in his book "Miracles," offers a perspective on this descent. He suggests that Jesus' descent into Hades was part of His identification with humanity, experiencing the full reality of death so that He could fully overcome it. Lewis writes, "In the Christian story, God descends to re-ascend. He comes down; down from the heights of absolute being into time and space, down into humanity; down further still, if embryologists are right, to recapitulate in the womb ancient and pre-human phases of life; down to the very roots and seabed of the Nature He has created. But He goes down to come up again and bring the whole ruined world up with Him."
It is also worth noting that the concept of Jesus' descent into hell has been a point of contention among different Christian traditions. The Eastern Orthodox Church, for example, emphasizes that Jesus' descent was a triumphant victory over death and Hades, often depicted in iconography as Jesus breaking the gates of Hades and freeing the captives. The Roman Catholic Church, while affirming the descent, focuses on Jesus' solidarity with the dead and His proclamation of the Gospel to them.
In summary, while the Bible does not provide a detailed account of Jesus' activities between His death and resurrection, several passages suggest that He descended to the realm of the dead, Hades, where He proclaimed His victory over sin and death. This descent underscores the completeness of Jesus' sacrifice and His identification with humanity in every aspect of our existence, even in death. By descending into Hades, Jesus demonstrated His power over death and His ability to bring life and salvation to all who believe in Him.
