What Happened During Those 3 Days?

Q. I would like to know what Jesus did those 3 days when he died on the cross prior to resurrection.  Was there a battle?  If so, what was it for exactly?  I have had some interpretation on it but not much scripture.

A. Some teach that when the Lord went into the grave it was to endure 3 more days of torment at the hands of the devil, but I don’t buy it, primarily because His last words were “It is finished.” (John 19:30)  Remember, the Greek word John used there was very familiar to his early readers.  It was a legal term that meant “Paid In Full”. Jesus couldn’t have said that if His torment wasn’t finished yet.

But there are also 2 verses in Peter’s first letter that speak of his time there. 1 Peter 3:19 says that He preached to the imprisoned spirits of those who had disobeyed in the days of Noah.  1 Peter 4:6 says that He also confirmed the gospel to those who had died believing in a coming redeemer.  In effect He said that their faith had been justified, and they should get ready to accompany Him to Heaven.  He couldn’t have done these things while being tortured as Satan’s captive.