The rich man objects: 'And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.' The word 'Nay' (οὐχί, ouchi) rejects Abraham's answer—the rich man thinks Scripture is insufficient. His counterclaim: 'if one went unto them from the dead' (ἐάν τις ἀπὸ νεκρῶν πορευθῇ πρὸς αὐτούς, ean tis apo nekrōn poreuthē pros autous), 'they will repent' (μετανοήσουσιν, metanoēsousin). He assumes resurrection testimony would succeed where Scripture failed. This exposes a fundamental misunderstanding: he thinks the problem is insufficient evidence, but the real problem is rebellious hearts that suppress truth (Romans 1:18-23). No amount of evidence convinces those determined to reject God. The most spectacular miracle won't overcome willful unbelief.
Historical Context
The rich man's assumption reflects the common error that skeptics would believe if they just received more compelling evidence. But human unbelief isn't primarily intellectual—it's moral and spiritual. People reject God not because evidence is lacking but because they love darkness rather than light (John 3:19-20). Even spectacular miracles don't produce lasting faith. Many who saw Jesus' miracles rejected Him (John 12:37). Pharisees witnessed Lazarus' resurrection yet plotted to kill him (John 12:10-11). When Jesus Himself rose from the dead, guards were bribed to spread lies (Matthew 28:11-15). The issue isn't evidence but heart transformation that only the Holy Spirit can produce (John 16:8-11, 1 Corinthians 2:14).
Questions for Reflection
Why doesn't more evidence or spectacular miracles produce genuine faith?
How does this verse expose the difference between intellectual objections and moral rebellion?
What does this teach about the Holy Spirit's necessary role in conversion?
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Analysis & Commentary
The rich man objects: 'And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.' The word 'Nay' (οὐχί, ouchi) rejects Abraham's answer—the rich man thinks Scripture is insufficient. His counterclaim: 'if one went unto them from the dead' (ἐάν τις ἀπὸ νεκρῶν πορευθῇ πρὸς αὐτούς, ean tis apo nekrōn poreuthē pros autous), 'they will repent' (μετανοήσουσιν, metanoēsousin). He assumes resurrection testimony would succeed where Scripture failed. This exposes a fundamental misunderstanding: he thinks the problem is insufficient evidence, but the real problem is rebellious hearts that suppress truth (Romans 1:18-23). No amount of evidence convinces those determined to reject God. The most spectacular miracle won't overcome willful unbelief.