Jesus Never Went to Hell

[346 words] Though some translations erroneously use the English word “hell” and much tradition suggests Jesus went to hell, they are mistaken.  Matthew 16:18 (NASB95) says, “I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” One enters Hades at the time of death. Jesus is saying His death will not prevent His building the church. Sadly the ESV uses the word “hell” and puts “gates of Hades” in a footnote. Hades is the correct word in this passage. Acts 2:30-31 (ESV) says, “Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption.” This…