In John Damascene we find lines which sum up the development of the theme of the descent of Christ into Hades in Eastern patristic writings of the 2nd¾8th centuries:
The soul [of Christ] when it is deified descended into Hades, in order that, just as the Sun of Righteousness rose for those upon the earth, so likewise He might bring lightSWEDE%26submit%3DSearch%26charset%3Dutf-8&use_rte=1#_ftn1 name=_ftnref1>[28] to those who sit under the earth in darkness and the shadow of death: 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 blindSWEDE%26submit%3DSearch%26charset%3Dutf-8&use_rte=1#_ftn2 name=_ftnref2>[29], and became to those who believed the Author of everlasting salvation and to those who did not believe, a denunciation of their unbelief, so He might become the same to those in Hades: That every knee should bow to Him, of things in heaven, and things in earth and things under the earthSWEDE%26submit%3DSearch%26charset%3Dutf-8&use_rte=1#_ftn3 name=_ftnref3>[30]. And thus after He had freed those who has been bound for ages, straightway He rose again from the dead, showing us the way of resurrectionSWEDE%26submit%3DSearch%26charset%3Dutf-8&use_rte=1#_ftn4 name=_ftnref4>[31].
According to John Damascene, Christ preached to all those who were in hell, but His preaching did not prove salutary for all, as not all were capable of responding to it. For some it could become only `a denunciation of their disbelief', not the cause of salvation. In this judgement, Damascene actually repeats the teaching on salvation articulated not long before him by Maximus the Confessor. According to Maximus, human history will be accomplished when all without exception will unite with God and God will become `all in all'SWEDE%26submit%3DSearch%26charset%3Dutf-8&use_rte=1#_ftn5 name=_ftnref5>[32]. For some, however, this unity will mean eternal bliss, while for others it will become the source of suffering and torment, as each will be united with God `according to the quality of his disposition' towards GodSWEDE%26submit%3DSearch%26charset%3Dutf-8&use_rte=1#_ftn6 name=_ftnref6>[33]. In other words, all will be united with God, but each will have his own,