I’ve always struggled with the part of the Apostles Creed that says Jesus descended into hell, where he stayed for three days before his resurrection. Those who argue that this is the case will often refer to 1 Peter 3:18-19 as evidence that Jesus did just that. They argue that it is clear that Jesus proclaimed the Gospel to the fallen souls in Hell. They have a particular way of teaching what Peter said in this passage to support their position. The defense of this position rests somewhat on the English translation of the word “preached.” According to the King James Version (KJV) It says, “…He went and preached to the spirits in prison.”
The context of this passage, along with comments in other Bible books, disputes this interpretation. The context makes it clear that the “spirits in prison” are the evil angels of Genesis 6:1–4 (or their offspring). This is also clear in that their disobedience is mentioned in 2 Peter 2:4 and Jude 6. The context makes it clear that it took place after his resurrection, not before. Also, verse 18 concludes with, “He was made alive in the spirit, in which he went…” The phrase “in the spirit” is often used to refer to the third person of the trinity, whose major mission is to declare and convict of the glorious success of Jesus’ ministry on earth. Further, “in prison” may not be the same as the Hell of eternal damnation for unrighteous humans.
There are many biblical problems with this teaching. I want to argue that Jesus didn’t preach. He “proclaimed.” The ESV and other translations use the word “proclaim” instead of “preach.” It’s much better because it captures the original idea. It means to make an official announcement. The issue is not the gospel, as some argue. If so, it implies that those who die will have a second chance to be saved. The scriptures make it clear that “it is appointed for man to die once, and then the judgment.” There’s not a 2nd chance after death to come to faith. Rather, the issue is the victorious proclamation to fallen angels of His unequivocal victory over temptation and sin. Verse 20 clearly indicates to whom the proclamation is being made. It is addressed to the disobedient in the “days of Noah.” Jesus is asserting his triumph over the sin issue. Jesus came to undo the original fall. He brings redemption to fallen man, and he proclaims his victory over the fallen angels who were tested and failed. Jesus was tested and succeeded.
The story of the fallen angels of Genesis 6, which brought about the flood, tells of an angelic infiltration into the human race. These angels could not repent, but they were brought to subjection. Verse 22 says that Jesus “Has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.” Norm Geisler puts it this way, “1 Peter 3:19 is about Christ announcing the victory of His death and resurrection to the fallen spirit world that was defeated by His actions. There is no reference to leading saved spirits out of a compartment in Hades and taking them to heaven.” Paul tells the Colossians that Jesus “Disarmed principalities and powers. He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it” (Colossians 2:15). The significance of this for you and me is well phrased by D. A. Carson. He writes, “Jesus’ victory over evil spiritual beings, proclaimed at his ascension, means that Christians need not fear their power (3:14, 19–22).”[1]
[1] Carson, D. A., and Douglas J. Moo. 2005. An Introduction to the New Testament. Second Edition. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.