Originally Posted by ExCordeChristi

I always thought He was releasing the righteous souls from hell, who couldn't enter into Heaven because the door to heaven was still locked (as all men were sinners and unworthy to enter) until Jesus came, the perfect sacrifice, and was able to open the gates of Heaven for those who had lived righteous lives but had not been part of the New Covenant. He preached to them the New Covenant, and they were able to enter into Heaven.