Thursday, October 6, 2022

Ron Abel on problems with the traditional readings of Luke 16:19-31

 

1. It is noteworthy that this passage mentions neither heaven nor souls.

2. Since this passage is cited as a literal description of actual events (and not as a parable) it is helpful to show that even the immortal soulist cannot take this passage as a literal description. The following is the evidence:

a. The passage speaks about bodies not souls, e.g., eyes, bosom (v. 23) tip of finger and tongue (v. 24).

b. Souls are said to be immaterial (the material body being left in the grave), how then could Lazarus (if really a soul) be carried by angels? (v. 22).

c. The passage states that there was a great gulf fixed between Abraham and the rich man, yet they could both see and converse with each other (v. 26). Is the great gulf to be taken literally?

d. Is heaven literally a place where conversations can be carried on between those enjoying bliss and those agonizing in hell?

e. How could Lazarus go literally to Abraham’s bosom? Abraham (as now) was unquestionably dead and without his reward (Heb. 11:8, 13, 39, 40). (Ron Abel, Wrested Scriptures: A Christadelphian Handbook of Suggested Explanations to Difficult Bible Passages, ed. John Allfree [rev ed.; Birmingham: The Christadelphian, 2011], 177)

 

Further Reading:


I. Howard Marshall on the Egyptian Background to Luke 16:19-31


Bart Ehrman on Setne and Si-Osire and Luke 16:19-31


Kevin L. Barney, The Facsimiles and Semitic Adaptation of Existing Sources

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