{"collection":"chr","html_url":"https://unchartedknowledge.5gfusion.net/browse/chr/ecf/203/2030863.htm","path":"chr/ecf/203/2030863.htm","source_url":"https://sacred-texts.com/chr/ecf/203/2030863.htm","text":"14. He Was Crucified Under Pontius Pilate and Was Buried: He Descended into Hell. The Apostle Paul teaches us that we ought to have \u201cthe eyes of our understandp. 549 ing enlightened\u201d 3283 \u201cthat we may understand what is the height and breadth and depth.\u201d 3284 \u201cThe height and breadth and depth\u201d is a description of the Cross, of which that part which is fixed in the earth he calls the depth, the height that which is erected upon the earth and reaches upward, the breadth that which is spread out to the right hand and to the left. Since, therefore, there are so many kinds of death by which it is given to men to depart this life, why does the Apostle wish us to have our understanding enlightened so as to know the reason why, of all of them, the Cross was chosen in preference for the death of the Saviour. We must know, then, that that Cross was a triumph. It was a signal trophy. A triumph is a token of victory over an enemy. Since then Christ, when He came, brought three kingdoms at once into subjection under His sway (for this He signifies when he says, \u201cThat in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things on earth, and things under the earth\u201d), 3285 and conquered all of these by His death, a death was sought answerable to the mystery, so that being lifted up in the air, and subduing the powers of the air, He might make a display of His victory over these supernatural and celestial powers. Moreover the holy Prophet says that \u201call the day long He stretched out His hands\u201d 3286 to the people on the earth, that He might both make protestation to unbelievers and invite believers: finally, by that part which is sunk under the earth, He signified His bringing into subjection to Himself the kingdoms of the nether world.","title":"Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Ser. II, Vol. III: Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.: Section 14. He Was Crucified Under Pontius Pilate and Was Buried: He Descended into Hell","type":"page"}