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No. Jesus went to Hades while in the grave (Acts 2:27, 31; cf.
Lk. 23:43).
Some people believe that Jesus went to hell after dying on the
cross.
- Because, older translations (e.g., KJV), which use English
words differently than we use them today, use the word "hell"
instead of our present-day word "Hades."
- For example, the KJV translates the Greek word for Hades
and the Greek word for hell, into the same English word ("hell").
It does not distinguish between the two different Greek words
(hades and geenna).
- Note: Tartarus (Greek tartaroo) is also translated
"hell." It only appears in 2 Pet. 2:4, and denotes the abode
of sinful angels awaiting judgment (cf. Jude 1:6).
- Because, incorrect interpretations of 1 Pet. 3:18-20 have resulted
in some people concluding that Jesus preached in hell.
While in the Grave, Jesus Went to Hades (Paradise)
Upon Jesus' death, He (and one of the thieves crucified with
Him) went to Hades (Acts 2:27, 31). There are two realms in Hades
---- one is a place of comfort and rest, the other is a place of
torment (Lk. 16:19-31).
Before His death, Jesus tells us that He would go to Paradise
after dying on the cross (Lk. 23:43), which corresponds to the Hadean
realm of comfort and rest (Lk. 16:19f).
Confusion with Older Translations
Some older translations use the English word "hell" to represent
Hades (i.e., the temporary abode of souls awaiting judgment), in
addition to the place of eternal torment. If we're not careful when
reading older translations, we can erroneously assume that the English
word "hell," is used in them, the same way we use it today. And,
we could falsely conclude that Jesus went to the place of eternal
torment, after dying on the cross.
Unlike some older translations, newer translations distinguish
between hell and Hades. For example, compare Acts 2:27, 31 in the
old King James Version with the New King James Version. You will
see that the old King James Version uses the word "hell" and the
New King James Version uses the word "Hades." Peter tells us that
Jesus was in Hades while His body was in the grave (Acts 2:27, 31).
He was not in hell (the place of eternal torment).
Confusion Regarding 1 Peter 3:18-20
Peter tells us that Jesus was put to death in the flesh and
made alive in the spirit, in which He went and preached to the spirits
now in prison, who once were disobedient during the building of
the ark (1 Pet. 3:18-20).
Understanding Jesus' preaching relating to people living in the
days of Noah is not essential for salvation. There are two popular
suggestions, one that Jesus was preaching through Noah, and one
that Jesus went to the Hadean realm of torment and preached to these
souls. For information on these views, see B.W.
Johnson and Matthew
Henry.
I believe that Jesus' preaching mentioned in 1 Pet. 3:18-20 was
accomplished through Noah ---- Jesus is the eternal Word (Jn. 1:1),
and Noah was a preacher of righteousness (2 Pet. 2:5), therefore
Jesus was preaching through Noah (Jn. 1:1; 2 Pet. 2:5).
Whether Jesus preached through Noah, or personally preached in
Hades, notice that Jesus did not go to hell and preach ---- 1 Pet.
3:18-20 does not tell us that Jesus went to hell, after His crucifixion.
Conclusion:
Where was Jesus while His body was in the grave? The Bible
tells us He was in Hades, Paradise (Acts 2:27, 31; Lk. 23:43). Jesus
did not go to hell (the place of eternal torment), while His body
was in the grave.
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