In this episode of Theology Is Fun, Dr. Corey and Dr. Ben tackle one of the most debated and mysterious phrases in Christian theology: the line in the Apostles’ Creed that says “He descended into hell.” What does that statement actually mean—and is it even biblical?

Recorded during Easter weekend, Corey and Ben explore the question of what happened between Good Friday and Easter morning. While Scripture clearly tells us that Jesus died, was buried, and rose again on the third day, Christians throughout history have wrestled with what Jesus was doing during those three days.

As they walk through several key passages—including 1 Peter 3, Acts 2, Psalm 16, and Ephesians 4—they unpack the historical interpretations surrounding Christ’s “descent.” Did Jesus proclaim victory over the powers of darkness? Did He enter the realm of the dead to demonstrate the reality of His death? Or does the phrase simply refer to the suffering He endured on the cross?

Along the way, the conversation dives into early church history, the development of the Apostles’ Creed, and the distinction between biblical authority and helpful theological summaries. Corey and Ben also discuss the important difference between Hades and Gehenna, why Jesus’ suffering was fully completed on the cross, and why Christians can debate this issue while still agreeing on the central truth of the resurrection.

Together they discuss:

• What the phrase “He descended into hell” in the Apostles’ Creed actually means
• The biblical passages that shape this debate (1 Peter 3, Acts 2, Psalm 16, Ephesians 4)
• The difference between Hades, Sheol, and Gehenna in Scripture
• The three major theological views about what Jesus did between His death and resurrection
• Why Jesus’ suffering was fully completed on the cross
• How early Christians wrestled with difficult passages about spirits in prison
• Why the resurrection—not the descent—is the central hope of the gospel

While Christians may disagree about the details of those three mysterious days, the core message remains the same: Jesus truly died, was buried, and rose again on the third day, defeating sin, death, and Satan once and for all.

Key theme: What Happened Between Good Friday and Easter?

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