Nov 84 min read

Where did Jesus go between His death and resurrection?

The question of where Jesus went between His death on the cross and His resurrection on the third day is one that has intrigued theologians, scholars, and Christians for centuries. This period, often referred to as the "descent into hell" or the "harrowing of hell," raises significant theological implications and is grounded in various passages from Scripture. To understand this event, we need to explore both the Old and New Testaments, analyse key biblical texts, and consider the historical creeds of the Christian faith.

Biblical Evidence

1. Jesus' Promise to the Thief on the Cross

One of the most direct pieces of evidence regarding where Jesus went after His death comes from His conversation with the thief on the cross. In Luke 23:43, Jesus tells the repentant thief, “Truly I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” The term "Paradise" here is often understood as a reference to the abode of the righteous dead, a place of comfort and peace. This suggests that immediately after His death, Jesus’ spirit went to Paradise, where the spirits of the righteous awaited the final resurrection.

2. Jesus' Spirit Commended to the Father

In Luke 23:46, Jesus’ final words on the cross were, "Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit." This statement reflects Jesus entrusting His spirit to God the Father. It indicates that His spirit departed from His body at the moment of death and went to be with the Father in heaven. This verse supports the idea that Jesus' spirit went to a place of divine presence immediately after His death.

3. 1 Peter 3:18-20: Proclamation to the Spirits in Prison

Another crucial text that offers insight into where Jesus went after His death is found in 1 Peter 3:18-20:

“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 suggests that between His death and resurrection, Jesus made a proclamation to “the spirits in prison.” These spirits are generally understood to be the souls of those who perished in the flood during Noah's time. The nature of this proclamation is debated, but it is often interpreted as a declaration of His victory over sin and death. This indicates that Jesus’ spirit descended to a place where these spirits were held, which some interpret as Hades or Sheol.

4. Ephesians 4:8-10: The Descent into the Lower Parts of the Earth

Ephesians 4:8-10 also provides insight into Jesus' activities during this period:

“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 parts of the earth? He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.)”

The phrase “descended into the lower parts of the earth” is understood by many theologians to refer to Jesus' descent to the realm of the dead. This descent was necessary before His ascension, and it is often interpreted as part of His mission to proclaim victory over death and to lead the righteous dead into the fullness of their redemption.

Theological Implications

1. The Harrowing of Hell

The concept of the “harrowing of hell” refers to the belief that Christ, during the time between His death and resurrection, descended into Hell (or Hades/Sheol) to proclaim His victory and to liberate the souls of the righteous who had died before His coming. This belief is rooted in early Christian tradition and is affirmed in the Apostles' Creed, which states that Jesus "descended into hell." The term "hell" here is understood not as the place of eternal damnation but rather as the abode of the dead.

2. Paradise and Hades

The distinction between Paradise and Hades is important for understanding where Jesus went after His death. In Jewish thought, Hades (or Sheol) was a general term for the place of the dead, divided into sections for the righteous and the wicked. Jesus’ reference to Paradise suggests that He went to the section of Hades where the righteous awaited their final redemption. This is further supported by the parable of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31, where Lazarus is comforted in “Abraham’s bosom,” a place of rest and peace for the righteous dead, distinct from the place of torment for the wicked.

3. Victory Over Death

The descent of Christ into the realm of the dead has profound implications for the doctrine of salvation. By descending into Hades, Jesus demonstrated His victory over death and the grave. He entered the place of the dead not as one defeated but as a conqueror, proclaiming the ultimate triumph of life over death. This victory is central to Christian hope, as it assures believers that death has been defeated, and eternal life is secured through Christ.

Conclusion

The question of where Jesus went between His death and resurrection touches on deep theological truths about His mission, His victory over death, and the hope of eternal life for believers. The Scriptures indicate that Jesus’ spirit went to Paradise, where He was with the Father, and that He also descended to the realm of the dead to proclaim His victory and to set free the captives who awaited their redemption. This event, known as the "harrowing of hell," underscores the completeness of Christ’s work in conquering death and securing salvation for all who believe. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus opened the way for eternal life, offering the promise of resurrection and victory over death to all who trust in Him. As believers reflect on this profound mystery, they are reminded of the hope and assurance found in Christ alone.