" This verse seems to indicate that "the body" ( so¯ma) and "the soul" ( psuche¯) are separate, even using the word "both" ( kai) to distinguish between the two ."
Mad: SEEMS to, only when thinking in churchese. The "Soul" is not some kind of spirit thing that is us in a physical body; man BECAME a living soul when God breathed life into him. God's spirit thru the physical body enabled OUR spirit (remember how God's bears witness to ours?). So the body dies, as well as the lifeforce that is "Our" spirit. God's spirit returns to him, We then not only die- but will never be resurrected. It is the SECOND Death- with no ransom to deliver.
"I've been teaching simple faith in the good news Christ gave the criminal"
Mad: What Good News was that?
Luke 23: 40- But the other answered, and rebuking him said, Dost thou not even fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. 42 And he said, Jesus, remember me when thou comest in thy kingdom.
43 And he said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To-day shalt thou be with me in Paradise.
(Or "Truly I tell you here and now- you WILL be with me in paradise!" No commas in Koine Greek)
Did Jesus tell him about his sacrifice, or soon resurrection, or what God would do at the Appointed Time? What 'gospel' did Jesus tell this man? That he would be resurrected and would be with Jesus? YES! That WAS good news to that thief; to be forgiven and to have his approval!
Is THAT the 'good news' you preach? You forgive sin, too? You will be resurrecting people too?
What escapism.