![]() ![]() How is Jesus’ implied ascent into paradise immediately after his death related to his “descent into Hades” (Matt 12:40 Acts 2:31 Rom 10:7) at his death? Perhaps the answer is that Jesus’ sweeping cosmic movement from earth to exaltation in heaven was by way of a temporary visit to Hades where he announced to the “imprisoned spirits” his victory over death and Hades (cf. Victory over death and Hadesīut a question naturally arises. This can be expressed as table fellowship with Abraham (Luke 16:23) as inhabiting resting places in the Father’s house (John 14:2) or eternal abodes (Luke 16:9) as active fellowship with Christ in paradise (Luke 23:43) or heaven (John 12:26 2 Cor 5:8 Phil 1:23) or, in the case of martyrs, as waiting under the heavenly altar (Rev 6:9). From the viewpoint of faith, which sees the invisible, they are in proximity to God. Acts 13:36) or residing in Hades (Acts 2:27, 31), the invisible realm in the heart of the earth (Matt 12:40) in which all the dead are temporary residents. From the viewpoint of the living who witnessed the burial of the dead and saw them disappear from view, they are resting in the grave (John 5:28–29 1 Thess 4:16–17 cf. What a prospect!Īs to the locality of the Christian dead before their resurrection, there are two representations in the NT. Prepositions that in themselves suggest simply a passive juxtaposition in space introduce, when applied to interpersonal relationship, the idea of dynamic mutual fellowship (see also part 2, ch. But with this said, it seems inadequate to conclude that the believer’s dwelling with the Lord implies no more than incorporation in Christ, or their spatial juxtaposition to Christ (as when a chair is said to be “with” a table), or their being in a state of suspended animation (“soul-sleep”). ![]() In themselves, the prepositions need mean no more than “in the presence of” and contain no idea of reciprocity of action. (Luke 23:43)Īlthough three different Greek prepositions are used in these verses (usually all translated by the English “with”), a single reality is represented-conscious fellowship with Christ after death. Today you will be with ( meta) me in paradise.I am longing to break camp and so be with ( syn) Christ, for this is a far, far better state. I am torn between these two alternatives.We are confident, I repeat, and prefer to depart from this body and take up residence with ( pros) the Lord. ![]() In each passage, it is implied that there is no interval between the moment of death and the time of arrival in Christ’s presence. This verse is one of three NT texts that depict the status of believers between their death and their resurrection. Either way, it is a place of transcendent blessedness because of the presence of the resurrected Christ. “Today” means “this very day”-that is, “before the present day ends, when we are being crucified.” The Greek word order shows that “today” belongs with the phrase “with me,” not with “I solemnly assure you.” “Paradise” here refers to the dwelling place of the righteous dead, which is either synonymous with the third (= the highest) heaven or located within the third heaven (see 2 Cor 12:4), the abode of God. “I solemnly assure you, today you will be with me in paradise” (v. 41), and his belief in the afterlife along with Jesus’ kingship and rule in that afterlife (v. 41) and implied repentance, his assertion of Jesus’ innocence (v. Jesus also recognizing his confession of guilt (v. Through his reply, Jesus was not only responding to the man’s persistent request, indicated by the imperfect-tense elegen (“he said”). “Remember me” is an earnest plea not simply for passing notice (“Spare a thought for me!”) but for mercy in the royal court when Jesus assumes his kingly status and power. In this excerpt adapted from Navigating Tough Texts, Harris offers an explanation of what Jesus meant in Luke 23:43 in this second of seven statements he made while hanging on the cross.Īlthough one of the criminals crucified with Jesus poured abuse on him and taunted him (Luke 23:39), the other reprimanded his fellow criminal and then directed a request to Jesus: “Remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Luke 23:42). Harris (author of the excellent resources Colossians and Philemon and Prepositions and Theology in the Greek New Testament) helps inquisitive minds navigate such passages. In Navigating Tough Texts: A Guide to Problem Passages in the New Testament, Murray J. Sometimes Jesus’ words are confusing-like when he told the thief on the cross, “Today you will be with Me in Paradise” in Luke 23:43. Facebook Twitter Reddit Pinterest Email LinkedIn ![]()
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