Under Pontius Pilate, and the Descent into Hell

Those who handed the creed down to us took great care to state the time when these things were done, “under Pontius Pilate,” so that the tradition would not waver at any point, as though it were vague and uncertain. But it should be known that the clause “He descended into hell” is not included in the creed of the Roman church, nor is it in the creed of the churches of the East. It seems to be implied, however, when it is said that “He was buried.” But with the love and zeal for the divine Scriptures that fill you, you say to me, I have no doubt, “These things ought to be proved by clearer testimonies from the divine Scriptures. For the more important the things to be believed, the more they need fitting and unquestionable witness.” True. But since we were speaking to those who know the law, we passed over a whole forest of testimonies for the sake of brevity. If this too is wanted, though, let us cite a few out of many, knowing as we do that for those who are familiar with the Scriptures a very wide sea of testimonies lies open. [a]