That’s a lot of question’s for a novice like me so I’ll do my best. First not everything in the passage can be explained literally.

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geomic1 said:
A few questions:
1. Did you ever wonder how the rich man from his location in Hades could look over and see Lazarus in “Abraham’s bosom”?

My Bible says “in hell” not Hades and that there is a “great gulf fixed” which can not be passed and apparently he could see thru the smoke.

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2. And what kind of comfort would anyone find in “Abraham’s bosom” if they could simply look far away and see others suffering in flames?

Comfort is in Abraham's bosom for Lazarus in type his bosom is either God or the heavenly's and though the righteous shall see the misery of the wicked and the wicked shall see the righteous God will be being glorified.

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3. Then do you really think those in hell, or Hades, would be talking to “Father Abraham”?
Jews used to call Abraham their father or the rich man could be referring to mercy (covenant) promised to Abraham.

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4. And why do you think the story has the rich man addressing Abraham instead of God?
Abraham, well this could be figurative and could be interpreted with Mathew 22:32 I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living

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5. And would a “wicked” man even be concerned about his brothers? I am not suggesting that I do not believe in eternal punishment, but is this a good passage to support that view? I do believe that the whole chp. is speaking to the Jewish leadership who were lovers of money

Would the rich man be concerned about his brethren, well he was in torment so I believe a man could say just about anything.
Thanks Bill's <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/my2cents.gif" alt="" />

Last edited by William; Tue Oct 11, 2005 7:25 PM.