The Ancient Witnesses

Chapter 8: The Fulfillment of Time • 275

slept formerly in the land of the dead; and He descended to them, to rescue and save them.’” 19 “What Prophet said that?” asked an Alexandrian witness. “Isaiah,” Irenaeus shot back. “Show us the verse,” he replied, and his fellow Alexandrians began to chant, “Show the verse!” Mentor, aided by Irenaeus, searched for the passage. “In any case,” said Irenaeus when they could not find it, “all true believers affirm that our Lord descended to the dead.” “Why does he say that?” I asked. “It’s in the Apostles’ Creed,” said Father Greg, “where it says He descended into hades. ” “We always said He descended into hell ,” said Joseph. “I know,” said Father Greg, “but that’s just wrong.” 20 “So, He descended into Hades is what the eastern Church says?” I asked. “No,” replied the priest, “we prefer the Nicene Creed which does not mention a descent into Hades at all.” Mentor, surrounded by witnesses arguing with him, was unable to restore order, so we moved nearer the lectern to listen in. Among the Chiliasts , a very elderly father called Papias prophesied to anyone who would listen, including Preacher who seemed to be in awe of him.

19 Irenaeus, Against Heresies , 5.31.1 (ANF 1.560).

20 He descended to Hades , the lower parts or underworld according to the creed’s original language.