The Descent into Hell: Its Origin and First Development

Abstract

Abstract The motif of Christ’s descent to hell is a familiar one in systematic theology—especially that written from a Roman Catholic perspective. It is often assumed that this doctrine has solid New Testament foundations; but this is not the case. This article examines the New Testament and other evidence for this emerging doctrine, arguing that it is known but not explicitly mentioned in the canonical literature, and drawing attention to the neglected early second-century apocalypse called the Ascension of Isaiah as its earliest established appearance. The article then examines some other alleged or potential non-canonical appearances of the descensus motif, asking what this doctrine meant in its first usage and offering some brief reflections as to how this first usage might determine an appropriate Christian understanding today.