Episode 12: Descended to the Dead | We Believe: A Study of the Apostles Creed
Understanding "He Descended to the Dead" in the Apostles' Creed
When we recite the Apostles’ Creed, there’s a phrase that often stirs up confusion and debate: "He descended to the dead." This phrase comes after the mention of Jesus’ crucifixion, death, and burial, and for many, it raises significant theological questions. Where exactly did Jesus go after He died? What does it mean for us today? Let’s break it down and look at the historical and biblical context behind this phrase, and what it might mean for our faith.
The Place of the Dead: Sheol and Hades
One of the most important things to understand is the meaning of Sheol and Hades, terms that refer to the realm of the dead in ancient Jewish and Greek thought. These words don’t exactly correspond to the modern ideas of heaven or hell but refer to a more neutral place where the dead reside.
In Luke 16, we encounter the story of the rich man and Lazarus. When both men die, Lazarus is carried to "Abraham’s side"—which can be understood as a place of comfort and peace—while the rich man ends up in torment. This story gives us a glimpse of the place of the dead, known as Sheol in Hebrew or Hades in Greek. The Bible speaks of a chasm separating the two places that cannot be crossed (Luke 16:26), illustrating the stark difference between the two destinies.
So, when the Apostles' Creed speaks of Jesus descending to the dead, many theologians believe this is referring to His descent into Sheol or Hades, where He proclaimed victory over death and the powers of evil. This aligns with the belief that after His death, Jesus went to the realm of the dead to declare His triumph over sin, death, and hell, bringing hope to those who had died before His coming.
What Happened There: Preaching to the Spirits
A significant passage to consider is found in 1 Peter 3:18-20, where we read that after Jesus’ death, He "made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits." Some interpret this as Jesus preaching to Old Testament saints, telling them that salvation had been completed through His death and resurrection. This moment is not about offering a second chance for salvation but rather about declaring that the victory over sin and death had been won.
This concept of Jesus proclaiming victory over evil spirits is also echoed in Colossians 2:15, which speaks of Jesus disarming the powers and authorities and triumphing over them by the cross. Essentially, His descent to the dead was part of His cosmic victory, declaring His sovereignty over all spiritual forces—both good and evil.
Theological Implications and Our Hope
The phrase "He descended to the dead" reminds us of the full extent of Jesus’ sacrifice. He didn’t just die; He descended into the deepest parts of existence to confront sin, evil, and death head-on. By doing this, He ensured that no place, no person, and no spiritual power would be beyond His reach.
For us today, this brings immense hope. It means that Jesus' death wasn’t the end of the story but the beginning of something greater. His descent into the dead is a testament to His willingness to go to any length to save us. It’s a powerful reminder that the victory of the cross extends to all realms of existence, both seen and unseen.
In conclusion, while the phrase "He descended to the dead" might feel mysterious or even unsettling, it actually underscores the completeness of Jesus’ work. He went to the depths of death and emerged victorious, offering us the hope of eternal life. As we continue to reflect on the Apostles' Creed, let’s remember the depth of Christ's love and the vastness of His victory on our behalf.
