The Apostles’ Creed, recited by millions of Christians worldwide, includes the striking phrase: “He descended into hell.” This declaration has been a cornerstone of Christian dogma for centuries, but what if its origins aren’t as clear-cut as believers might think? A closer look at early texts, especially the Gospel of Nicodemus, reveals a complex history that raises serious questions about this doctrine.
The Christian Dogma: Where Does It Come From?
The idea that Jesus descended into hell after his crucifixion and before his resurrection is known as the “Harrowing of Hell.” According to traditional Christian theology, Jesus went to the underworld to free the souls of the righteous who had died before his sacrifice. This concept is loosely supported by a few ambiguous Bible verses, such as 1 Peter 3:19-20, which mentions Jesus preaching to “the spirits in prison.”
The Bible suggests that Jesus descended into hell between his death and resurrection in 1 Peter 3:18-22, Ephesians 4:9, and 1 Peter 4:6.
- 1 Peter 3:18-22 speaks of Jesus being “made alive in the spirit, in which also he went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison.” This has been interpreted by some as Jesus descending to the realm of the dead to preach to souls who had died before his coming. However, the passage is vague, and scholars debate whether “spirits in prison” refers to human souls or fallen angels.
- Ephesians 4:9 mentions that Jesus “descended into the lower parts of the earth,” which some interpret as a reference to hell. Others argue this simply means Jesus was buried, as “lower parts” could metaphorically describe the grave.
- 1 Peter 4:6 states, “For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead.” This could suggest Jesus preached to the dead after his crucifixion, though interpretations vary, with some seeing it as referring to people who heard the gospel while alive but were dead at the time of writing.
The Gospel of Nicodemus
The most vivid account of Jesus’ descent into hell comes from the Gospel of Nicodemus, also known as the Acts of Pilate. Written in the 4th century, this apocryphal text provides dramatic details about Jesus’ journey to the underworld. It describes how Jesus confronts Hades and Satan, shatters the gates of hell, and liberates the souls of Adam, Eve, and other Old Testament figures. The narrative paints a picture of cosmic victory, with Jesus as a triumphant savior overpowering the forces of darkness.
While captivating, the Gospel of Nicodemus is not part of the canonical Bible and was composed long after the events it describes. Scholars like Bart D. Ehrman argue that such texts were crafted to fill theological gaps, offering explanations where the canonical scriptures were silent. The story serves a symbolic purpose, reinforcing the image of Jesus as a universal redeemer.
The Influence of Pagan Mythology
Interestingly, the “descent to the underworld” motif is not unique to Christianity. Greco-Roman myths are filled with tales of gods and heroes journeying to the underworld, such as Orpheus, Hercules, and Odysseus. Karen L. King and Bart D. Ehrman suggest that these myths likely influenced the development of Christian doctrines as the faith spread throughout the Roman Empire. The Gospel of Nicodemus reflects this cultural syncretism, blending Christian theology with mythological themes familiar to ancient audiences.
Jesus’ descent into hell reflects early Christian efforts to explain His role in cosmic salvation, bridging scriptural interpretation with theological development across various manuscripts and traditions.
Sources:
- Ehrman, Bart D. How Jesus Became God
- King, Karen L. The Gospel of Mary of Magdala
- The Gospel of Nicodemus (Acts of Pilate)
- The Apostles’ Creed