A quick defense of Purgatory

1 Corinthians 3:11-15 - The most straightforward text, where Paul describes saved Christians whose works will be tested by fire after death. Some will "suffer loss" but still "be saved, but only as through fire" 

2 Maccabees 12:40-45 - Judas Maccabeus prays and offers sacrifices for soldiers who died in battle while wearing pagan amulets, and he is commended for acting "very well and honorably" 

Matthew 12:32 - Jesus states that "whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come" — implying that there are at least some sins that can be forgiven in the next life Is 'purgatory' 

Matthew 5:25-26 - The "prison" alluded to where you won't "get out till you have paid the last penny" was interpreted by early fathers like Tertullian, Cyprian, Origen, Ambrose and Jerome as purgatory 

Other passages cited: Malachi 3:3 (refining like gold and silver), Isaiah 4:4 (spirit of judgment and burning), and Psalm 66:12 (going through fire and water) 

Jewish Precedent: The doctrine was "part of the true faith since before the time of Christ. The Jews already believed it before the coming of the Messiah... Orthodox Jews to this day believe in the final purification, and for eleven months after the death of a loved one, they pray a prayer called the Mourner's Kaddish" What the Early 

Early Church Fathers:Clement of Alexandria and Origen are considered "the first explicit witnesses" to purgatory doctrine Catholic AnswersCatholic Answers. Other early supporters included Tertullian, Cyprian, Irenaeus, Ambrose, Augustine, Jerome, and John Chrysostom. Spans time from 100 to 500 AD.

Liturgical Practice: Prayer for the dead is attested since at least the 2nd century, evidenced by the tomb inscription of Abercius, Bishop of Hierapolis. 

Archaeological Evidence: Scholars have proved that many pictures in the Catacombs refer to Purgatory, showing the faithful praying for the dead and biblical figures depicted as protectors of souls catholicism