He Descended Into Hell (Wait… What?)

In this theologically rich and emotionally resonant episode of The Gospel Gumbo, we unpack one of the most misunderstood phrases in the Apostles’ Creed: “He descended into hell.” What does it mean that Jesus went to hell? Was he punished after death—or is something deeper going on? We explore Scripture, history, and doctrine to reveal the truth: Jesus truly died, entered the realm of the dead, and then rose in victory. We follow the arc from descent into death to the glorious ascension into heaven, where Christ now reigns.

With passages from Acts 2, Ephesians 4, Romans 10, 1 Peter 3, Psalm 88, and Philippians 2, this episode confronts ancient heresies, affirms orthodox theology, and brings comfort to those in deep sorrow: there is no place too dark for Christ. He has been there. And he has conquered. 

We close by reflecting on the Creed itself:

He descended into hell.

On the third day he rose again.

He ascended into heaven.

Thanks for listening.

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