Where Did Jesus Go When He Died?

Today we look at the theological question of what Jesus did between His death and resurrection, focusing on the phrase "He descended into hell" from the Apostles' Creed. It explores ancient and biblical conceptions of the afterlife, especially the concept of Sheol, and explains how Jesus' descent was a proclamation of victory over death rather than additional suffering.

Key Insights:

• Understanding "Hell" in the Apostles' Creed: The term "hell" in the Apostles' Creed is better understood as "the place of the dead" or Sheol, not a place of punishment, reflecting the ancient worldview of a three-tiered cosmology.

• Three-Tiered Cosmology: The ancient worldview divided the universe into heavens, earth, and under the earth, with Sheol as the realm of the dead, which included both a place of torment and a place of paradise.

• Christus Victor: Jesus' descent into Sheol was not for punishment but to proclaim victory over death and hell, an aspect of atonement theology known as Christus Victor, emphasizing His triumph and the subsequent giving of spiritual gifts.

• Biblical References: Various scriptures, including Philippians, Revelation, and Psalms, are used to illustrate the concept of Jesus descending to the dead and proclaiming His victory, aligning with the broader biblical narrative of His exaltation.

• Transformation of Paradise: With Jesus' resurrection, the nature of paradise is transformed, highlighting the victory and glory of the risen Christ, who dispenses spiritual gifts to His followers.

• 2 Corinthians 12:2-3

  I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows

• Philippians 2:10

  So that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth

• Revelation 5:13

  And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying,

  “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
  be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”

• 1 Peter 3:18-19

  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.

• Romans 10:6-7

  But the righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).

• Ephesians 4:7-10

  But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. 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.)

• Psalm 68:18

  You ascended on high,
  leading a host of captives in your train
  and receiving gifts among men,
  even among the rebellious, that the Lord God may dwell there.

• Acts 2:24-27

  God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. For David says concerning him,

  “‘I saw the Lord always before me,
  for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken;
  therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced;
  my flesh also will dwell in hope.
  For you will not abandon my soul to Hades,
  or let your Holy One see corruption.

• Psalm 16:8-11

  I have set the Lord always before me;
  because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.

  Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
  my flesh also dwells secure.
  For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
  or let your holy one see corruption.

  You make known to me the path of life;
  in your presence there is fullness of joy;
  at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Reflective Questions:

1. How does understanding the ancient conception of Sheol change your perspective on the phrase "He descended into hell"?

2. In what ways does the concept of Christus Victor enhance your understanding of Jesus' work between His death and resurrection?

3. How does the transformation of paradise through Jesus' victory impact your view of the afterlife?