ABSTRACT
This chapter explores how, by the end of the fourth century, many of the concerns of later scholars regarding the descensus clause had already been raised. In particular, the problem of holding to both the doctrine of the descent and Luke 23:43 had been identified. On the other hand, the possibility of the doctrine 'solving' the problem of the eternal destiny of those who do not hear the gospel on earth had also been canvassed. The descent was already seen as a means of emphasising both Christ's true humanity and his consequent fully human death. Some writers had used this understanding to draw pastoral implications. By the end of the seventh century, references to the descent occurred in a number of credal documents throughout western Christendom: the Quicumque vult or Athanasian Creed, the Bobbio Missal, the Bangor Antiphonary and the Gallican Missal. Apollinarius' teachings had most influence in the East where the Apostles' Creed originated.
