Introduction The Apostles’ Creed summarizes Jesus’ path of humiliation in three step: “He suffered, died, and was buried;” then it adds: “he descended into hell.” This statement raises questions. When did this happen? Where exactly did Jesus go? These are not easy questions. The “descent into hell” is the most puzzling article in the Apostle’s … Continue reading Jesus went down into hell (LD 16, q&a 44)
Tag: Christ's suffering
The death of death
Introduction The last two lessons were about the humiliation of the Son of God. He gave up his heavenly glory and became a man; as the Bible says, he “took the form of a servant” (Phil. 2:7). He suffered, not unintentionally, but deliberately. The way of humiliation went very deep, to being condemned as if … Continue reading The death of death
The way of suffering (LD 15, q&a 37-39)
Introduction Pain. Grief. Depression. Hunger. Disease. Betrayal. Loneliness. Fear. People suffer in many different ways. We spend a lot of time and energy on finding ways to avoid and reduce suffering, both individually and for mankind in general. But when we turn to the Christian gospel to find a way out of suffering, we get … Continue reading The way of suffering (LD 15, q&a 37-39)
Who was Pontius Pilate?
“He suffered under Pontius Pilate.” The Apostles’ Creed give the full name of the Roman governor who had Jesus tortured and crucified. Who was this man, and why is he so important? In New Testament times, the Holy Land was part of the Roman Empire. Judea was a notoriously province: many Jews never accepted the … Continue reading Who was Pontius Pilate?