We know that Jesus died on a Friday and resurrected on a Sunday, but what happened on Saturday? What occurred between His death and resurrection?

One of the prominent historical writings from the fourth century is the Apostles’ Creed, which is a summary of the early Church’s beliefs. It states:

“I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; He descended to hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there He will come to judge the living and the dead.”

The creed mentions that Jesus ‘descended to hell.’ The scriptural reference for this is taken from the book of Ephesians:

Ephesians 4:8-10 (KJV): “8 Wherefore He saith, when he ascended up on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)”

Since we have established the background from where this question arises, we will look at a set of common arguments made by scholars regarding this.

Argument #1 – Translation and Meaning of “Descended”

Some scholars suggest that the early writers of the Apostles’ Creed might have misunderstood the phrase “he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?” The original intention of the verse might have meant that Jesus came down to earth to demonstrate His love for us.

Some interpret “the lower parts of the earth” as a reference to the grave rather than Hell itself. They argue that even a woman’s womb is described as “lowest parts of the earth” (Psalm 139:15).

Therefore, the phrase could simply mean caves, graves, or enclosures on the earth, as opposed to higher parts, like mountains. Additionally, hell is more accurately described as “under the earth” (Philippians 2:10).

Argument #2 – Historical and Creedal Context

Some scholars argue that the phrase “the lower parts of the earth” was not part of the earliest versions of the Apostles’ Creed and was added in the 4th century. Unlike the Bible, the creed is not divinely inspired but a human declaration of faith. Historically, the clause about the descent was intended to convey that Jesus truly experienced death as all humans do. While His body remained in the grave, His soul went to the realm of the dead, referred to as Sheol or Hades

Argument #3 – Jesus Went to Heaven

Some scholars claim that Jesus went directly to heaven to be with the Father. This is supported by Jesus’ statement to the criminal on the cross: “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). A few verses later, Jesus adds, “Father, into Your Hands I commit My spirit” (Luke 23:46), affirming His spirit was in heaven.

Argument #4 – Proclamation to the Spirits

Some scholars suggest that Jesus went to preach to the souls imprisoned in hell.

1 Peter 3:18-20 states: “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.”

There are two interpretations of this passage. Some argue that Jesus gave an opportunity for those in hell to hear the gospel and be saved. Others argue that Jesus did not go to offer salvation but to proclaim His victory over death and declare His triumph as the Messiah.

In conclusion, regardless of which of the four arguments you may side with we should not deviate from the fact that the work of Christ was finished on the cross. Jesus endured the full wrath of God on the cross, finishing His atoning work there (John 19:30).

Even if we look at the Reformed perspective they generally hold that Jesus’ descent refers to His experiencing the fullness of death, including separation from the Father, which He expressed on the cross (Matthew 27:46).  His work of redemption was completed on the cross, and His proclamation to the spirits was a declaration of victory, not a continuation of suffering or a second opportunity for salvation.