Charles Ellicott Commentary Luke 16:31

"And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, if one rise from the dead." — Luke 16:31 (ASV)

If they hear not Moses and the prophets.—We are accustomed, rightly enough, to look on our Lord’s own Resurrection as leading to the great fulfillment of these words. We should not forget, however, that there was another fulfillment that followed them more immediately.

In a few weeks, or even days, according to the best harmonists, word came that Lazarus of Bethany was sick (John 11:1). Yet a few days later, Lazarus did rise from the dead; cured, we may believe, of whatever love for this world’s good things had hindered his spiritual growth, he was a witness to the power of Christ to raise, both from the shadow-world of Hades and from the darkness of spiritual death, to newness of life. And yet, that wonder also brought about no repentance; Scribes and Pharisees, and Sadducees and priests, simply consulted together so that they might put Lazarus to death as well (John 12:10).

We can hardly believe that the coincidence of name and fact in this instance was unintentional.