A Commentary on the Apostles' Creed 28

Rufinus of Aquileia (AD 345–411) · Commentarius in Symbolum apostolorum · PL 21, 337–386

28 Section 28 PL 21, 363

28. That He descended into hell is also evidently foretold in the Psalms, where it is said, “Thou hast brought Me also into the dust of the death.” And again, “What profit is there in my blood, when I shall have descended into corruption?” And again, “I descended into the deep mire, where there is no bottom.” Moreover, John says, “Art Thou He that shall come (into hell, without doubt), or do we look for another?” Whence also Peter says that “Christ being put to death in the flesh, but quickened in the Spirit which dwells in Him, descended to the spirits who were shut up in prison, who in the days of Noah believed not, to preach unto them;” where also what He did in hell is declared. Moreover, the Lord says by the Prophet, as though speaking of the future, “Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt Thou suffer Thy Holy One to see corruption.” Which again, in prophetic language he speaks of as actually fulfilled, “O Lord, Thou hast brought my soul out of hell: Thou hast saved me from them that go down into the pit.” There follows next,—

Sed etiam quod in infernum descendit, evidenter pronunciatur in Psalmis, ubi dicit: Et in pulverem mortis deduxisti me . Et iterum: Quae utilitas in sanguine meo, dum descendero in corruptionem ? Et iterum: Descendi in limum profundi, et non est substantia . Sed et Joannes dicit: Tu es qui venturus es, (in infernum sine dubio) an alium expectamus ? Unde et Petrus dicit: Quia Christus mortificatus carne, vivificatus autem spiritu qui in ipso habitat, eis quis in carcere conclusi erant, descendit spiritibus praedicare, qui increduli fuere in diebus Noe . In quo etiam, quid operis in infernum [Al. inferno] egerit, declaratur. Sed et ipse Dominus per Prophetam dicit, tanquam de futuro: Quia non derelinques animam meam in inferno, nec dabis sanctum tuum videre corruptionem . Quod rursum prophetice nihilominus ostendit impletum, cum dicit: Domine, eduxisti animam meam ab inferno, salvasti me a descendentibus in lacum . Sequitur post haec:

Philip Schaff and Henry Wace (eds.), New York: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1890-1900. Public domain: English translation first published 1885-1900 (Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series). Latin: Migne, Patrologia Latina (1844-1855), public domain; transcription from Corpus Corporum (University of Zurich).

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