Exposition Of The Orthodox Faith

The soul [2245] when it was deified descended into Hades, in order that, just as the Sun of Righteousness [2246] rose for those upon the earth, so likewise He might bring light to those who sit under the earth in darkness and shadow of death [2247] : in order that just as He brought the message of peace to those upon the earth, and of release to the prisoners, and of sight to the blind [2248] , and became to those who believed the Author of everlasting salvation and to those who did not believe a reproach of their unbelief [2249] , so He might become the same to those in Hades [2250] : That every knee should bow to Him, of things in heaven, and things in earth and things under the earth [2251] . And thus after He had freed those who had been bound for ages, straightway He rose again from the dead, shewing us the way of resurrection.