Luke 16:19-31 "He Went to Hell - For Real" "Flip-the-Script"

Flip-the-script meaning (slang) To reverse a situation, especially by doing something unexpected.

Teachings on Riches (16:1–31)

1–31 fit into the larger section about heirs of the kingdom by describing how those who belong to the kingdom should use their money. The right use of wealth is the overarching theme in chapter 16.

Jesus speaks about a steward who makes friends through wealth. He also speaks against those who love money, concluding with a parable about a man whose greediness and unbelief leads to eternal torment.

Mangum, D., ed. (2020). Lexham Context Commentary: New Testament (Lk 16:1–31). Lexham Press.

The editorial comment in 17:1 reminds us that the audience for this parable is still the Pharisees; there has in fact been no break in the teaching of Jesus since v. 15.

Two themes are combined in the parable. The first is the reversal of fortunes in the next world for the rich and the poor; this sums up the theme found in 1:53 and 6:20–26 and the warning against covetousness in 12:13–21.

The second theme is that if the law and the prophets are insufficient to call the rich to repentance, even the return of someone resurrected from the dead will not achieve the desired effect.

Marshall, I. H. (1978). The Gospel of Luke: a commentary on the Greek text (p. 632). Paternoster

The account contrasts the fate of the dependent poor and the callous rich through a graphic picture of eschatological reversal (cf. 1:50–53; 16:13–15).

All the benefits that the rich man possesses in this life are lost in the next, while all that the poor man lacks on earth is provided for him in the afterlife. The account is a warning that the possession of wealth now does not necessarily mean one will possess wealth later. It also calls on the wealthy to be generous with what they have to meet the needs of those who have nothing (Tannehill 1986: 131–32).

Callous indulgence in this life will be met with an absence of blessing from God in the next. One reaps what one sows.

Bock, D. L. (1996). Luke: 9:51–24:53 (Vol. 2, p. 1360). Baker Academic.

heaven ⇔ Abraham’s bosom n. — heaven understood as a place of relief in the presence of people who have already arrived (like Abraham).

Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (16:19–31)

The parable of the rich man and Lazarus shows that one must display charity and love for the poor in order to keep the law of Moses (16:14–16). One’s financial lot in this life is no indicator of spiritual status. Instead, one must obey and treasure God.

The parable involves a wealthy man who has everything. Outside his estate lies a beggar named Lazarus, who has nothing. In death, the two men’s roles are reversed, with the rich man suffering in Hades and Lazarus receiving comfort in heaven. When the rich man asks for comfort for himself or a warning for his brothers, he is denied both. Instead, the living must trust the Scriptures. Some will not believe even after a resurrection.

Mangum, D., ed. (2020). Lexham Context Commentary: New Testament (Lk 16:19–31). Lexham Press.

LIFE BEFORE DEATH (19-21)

Rich Man-Lives in Luxury Daily

Poor Man-Lives in Poverty Daily

Rich Man-Covered with Purple and Fine Linen

Poor Man-Covered with Sores (Ulcers)

Rich Man-Full

Poor Man-Famished

Rich Man-Waited on by Servants

Poor Man-Waited on by Dogs

LIFE’S COMMON DENOMINATOR (22)

Luke (Comments)

In the present context it refers to the place of the unrighteous dead in contrast to “Abraham’s side,” or the place of the righteous dead.

LIFE AFTER DEATH (23-26)

CONSCIOUSNESS

“Remember” - MEMORY

Luke (Comments)

In torment. The parable does not see the wicked as being annihilated but continuing in a terrible conscious and irreversible condition after death.

??? 27-31

Luke 9:51–24:53 (ii. Lazarus (16:20–21))

The Hebrew name לַעְזָר (Lazar) is a contraction of אֶלְעָזָר (Eleazar) and means “God helps.” The name is significant, for it indicates someone dependent on God.