Did Jesus descend to hell after he died on the cross?

This question has long intrigued theologians and believers alike. The concept is mentioned in the Apostles’ Creed, which states that Jesus “suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead” (my emphasis). 

The early Church fathers discussed a descent into Sheol or Hades, the realm of the dead. Some translations of the Creed interpret this as a descent into hell, sparking debate among various Christian traditions. This idea primarily stems from 1 Peter, which suggests what might have occurred during the period between Christ’s death and resurrection.

1 Peter 3:19 speaks of Jesus preaching “to the imprisoned spirits - to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah”, suggesting that after his crucifixion, Jesus went to proclaim his victory to these particularly wicked beings in Genesis 6. 

This is not preaching in the sense of offering salvation, but rather a declaration of his triumph over sin and death. Similarly, 1 Peter 4:6 states: “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.” At first sight, this passage may seem odd, but it affirms a broader proclamation to the dead, though whether this refers to hell is unclear.

Furthermore, Luke 23:43 records Jesus promising the repentant thief: “Today you will be with me in paradise”, which seems to contradict the notion of a descent into hell. This highlights the complexity of translating ancient concepts such as Sheol or Hades into contemporary language, where distinctions between “the place of the dead” and “hell” are not always clear.

The theological implications of this descent have been extensively studied, with some interpretations viewing it as the “harrowing of hell”, where Jesus liberates the souls of the righteous. This is vividly depicted in Greek Orthodox icons, where Jesus is shown leading Adam and Eve out of the underworld, symbolising his victory over death. However, this view is not universally accepted, and I myself am not convinced that this is what the New Testament is saying. 

Many scholars have continued to explore the significance of Holy Saturday – the day between Good Friday and Easter. This period, and the question of what is to be said about Jesus’ activity or experience through this time, represents a profound mystery. But it offers nonetheless an opportunity to contemplate Jesus’ solidarity with the deepest human suffering and alienation. 

Ultimately, while scripture and tradition provide various perspectives, the precise nature of Christ’s descent remains a topic of theological exploration. But the imagery of Jesus bringing divine presence into the depths of human anguish offers a powerful reflection on the extent of his sacrificial love.

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