Expert: Sal - 2/26/2004

Question
Hi Sal. I have a question. Where was Jesus in the 3 days that his body was in the tomb. Can you point out biblically where I can find the answer? Thanks for your time.  

Answer
Dear Mike:

There is no concrete answer to your question. The Bible does not give a clear answer here. There are several possibilities which my research turned up.

1) Jesus was unconscious in the tomb until his Resurrection.
2) Jesus went to be with the Father.
3) Jesus went to preach the Gospel in other lands, such as to the American Indians.
4) Jesus went to preach the Gospel to the spirits in Hades.

I personally believe that #4 has the most Biblical support although it is not definitive. The prime text is I Peter 3:18-20. Since the Fall of Adam and Eve heaven was closed to mankind. So all the those who died went to Hades to await judgment. Both the good and the bad went there. Apparently there were two part to Hades. One part was for the righteous, this part was pleasurable and was referred to as being "in Abraham's Bosom". The other part was for the unrighteous and it was painful and hopeless.

If you would like a detailed explanation for my chosing #4, I will be glad to provide it.

Thanks for the interesting question!

God Bless You,
Sal