[SkyDancer]

Okay - what do they have to do with anything? Paul never wrote about it , neither did Matthew, Mark, Luke or John. I put them over anyone that comes along later with some theory which it is. This Purgatory came out od some obscure passage in the Apocrypha. St. Jerome considered this verse a clear proof of purgatory. Malachi 3:3 he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver

It's what's termed metaphorically speaking- Also: "Psalm 91:4 He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will take refuge" Now God is a big chicken. Again, a metaphor.

So if you're not a son of Levi you've nothing to worry about.

Metaphorically speaking.

[Petrosius]

Just refuting your implied claim that Purgatory was an invention of the Middle Ages. Rather, the idea of a refining (purging) fire goes back to the early Church.