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