He Descended into Hell

That he descended into hell is also plainly foretold in the Psalms, where it is said, “You have brought me also into the dust of death.” And again, “What profit is there in my blood, when I have gone down into corruption?” And again, “I sank into the deep mire, where there is no bottom.” Moreover, John says, “Are you the one who is to come (into hell, without doubt), or are we to look for another?” That is why Peter too says that “Christ, put to death in the flesh but made alive in the Spirit that dwells in him, went down to the spirits who were shut up in prison, who in the days of Noah did not believe, to preach to them.” There what he did in hell is also made known. The Lord also says through the prophet, as though speaking of the future, “You will not leave my soul in hell, nor will you let your Holy One see corruption.” And again, in prophetic language, he speaks of it as already fulfilled: “O Lord, you have brought my soul up out of hell; you have saved me from those who go down into the pit.” Next there follows: [a]