List of Acclaimed Contradictions in the Bible and their and Answers
Table of Contents
Overview – Contradictions in the New Testament
Presented here is a comprehensive compilation of over 130 reputed contradictions found within the New Testament, as meticulously documented on the reputable Talk Origins website. This comprehensive list encompasses a vast majority of the acclaimed contradictions that the Bible’s critics have brought forward, carefully examined, and subsequently refuted.
Jesus Lineage was from Solomon or Nathan
MT 1:6-7 The lineage of Jesus is traced through David’s son, Solomon.
LK 3:23-31 It is traced through David’s son, Nathan.
MT 1:16 Jacob was Joseph’s father.
LK 3:23 Heli was Joseph’s father.
MT 1:17 There were twenty-eight generations from David to Jesus.
LK 3:23-38 There were forty-three.
Answer:
Genealogical records traditionally accorded priority to the male lineage, thus Mary’s lineage is presented through her husband’s name, while Matthew’s account focuses on Joseph’s genealogy. In contrast, Luke’s account traces the lineage of Mary, evident through the language employed in Luke 3:23. Joseph, the esteemed stepfather of Jesus, is identified as the son of Jacob, as documented in Matthew 1:16. The genealogy mentioned in Luke 3 pertains to Mary’s father, identified as Joseph, the son of Heli.
When Was the Annunciation of Jesus
MT 1:18-21 The Annunciation occurred after Mary had conceived Jesus.
LK 1:26-31 It occurred before conception.
MT 1:20 The angel spoke to Joseph.
LK 1:28 The angel spoke to Mary.
Answer:
The angel appears to Mary before and Joseph after.
Was Jesus Accepted by His Family
MT 1:20-23, LK 1:26-33 An angel announces to Joseph and/or Mary that the child (Jesus) will be “great,” the “son of the Most High,” etc., and ….
MT 3:13-17, MK 1:9-11 The baptism of Jesus is accompanied by the most extraordinary happenings, yet ….
MK 3:21 Jesus’ own relatives (or friends) attempt to constrain him, thinking that he might be out of his mind, and ….
MK 6:4-6 Jesus says that a prophet is without honor in his own house (which certainly should not have been the case considering the Annunciation and the Baptism).
Answer:
It is unclear to which of the family members the revelation of who Jesus was, was given to, or which family members did not believe in Jesus. Non-belief does not mean there is a contradiction in the Bible, just because you are a family member of a prophet doesn’t mean you will automatically believe them. This is because family members know your mistakes, embarrassing situations and see how human you are. People compare themselves with their family members more easily and can become jealous, embarrassed, or critical of them (Mark 6.4).
Was His Name to Be Jesus or Emmanuel
MT 1:23 He will be called Emmanuel (or Immanuel).
MT 1:25 Instead, he was called Jesus.
Answer:
The Son of God has many names (Isa 9.6). Emmanuel means God with us.
The Slaughter of Infants
MT 2:13-16 Following the birth of Jesus, Joseph and Mary flee to Egypt, (where they stay until after Herod’s death) in order to avoid the murder of their firstborn by Herod. Herod slaughters all male infants two years old and under. (Note: John the Baptist, Jesus’ cousin, though under two is somehow spared without fleeing to Egypt.)
LK 2:22-40 Following the birth of Jesus, Joseph and Mary remain in the area of Jerusalem for the Presentation (about forty days) and then return to Nazareth without ever going to Egypt. There is no slaughter of the infants.
Answer:
Not all four gospels record all the events in the other gospel. Luke does not mention the slaughter of children but Matthew does. The infant John was most likely not in Bethlehem at the time.
Prophecy of Being Called a Nazarene
MT 2:23 “And he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: He will be called a Nazarene.’” (This prophecy is not found in the OT and while Jesus is often referred to as “Jesus of Nazareth”, he is seldom referred to as “Jesus the Nazarene.”)
Answer:
The word for Nazarene is heavily associated with the Hebrew word Netzer which means branch or shoot. Jesus was the Branch as prophesied in Isaiah 11.1 – a shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse. This may have been a reference to Jesus sprouting up from an obscure village.
The town of Nazareth was a small town 55 miles north of Jerusalem. It was a place whose in habitants where seriously looked down on, as seen in John 1.46. This may be a reference to the prophecy in Ps 22.6-7 that says I am a worm and not a man scorned by everyone.
The Nazarenes where scorned by everyone, which may have been a foreshadowing of His hometown. A Nazarene became a by-word for the Jewish people, calling someone a ‘Nazarene’ in this time was like calling someone ‘despised and rejected.’One of the names for early Christians was Nazarenes (Acts 24.5), even Muslims to day call Christians Nasara.
When Does John the Baptist Recognize Jesus as Messiah
MT 3:11-14, JN 1:31-34 John realized the true identity of Jesus (as the Messiah) either prior to the actual Baptism, or from the Baptism onward. The very purpose of John’s baptism was to reveal Jesus to Israel.
MT 11:2-3 After the Baptism, John sends his disciples to ask if Jesus is the Messiah.
Answer:
John the Baptist never called Jesus the Messiah so we do not know when he recognized Him as such. Its possible while he was in jail he heard false rumors so he sent his disciples to ask Jesus directly. Or perhaps his faith was being tested in jail, so he sent his disciples to inquire of Jesus.
Hell is a Furnace or Darkness
MT 3:12, 13:42 Hell is a furnace of fire (and must therefore be light).
MT 8:12, 22:13, 25:30 Hell is an “outer darkness” (and therefore dark).
Answer:
Hell is described in various manners as a place of torment and unending suffering, utilizing these various terms. This is a spiritual place that is described in various metaphors for us to try to understand via physical concepts. Most likely it is something that is so terrible we really cannot even describe it in human terms.
Jesus or John Saw the Spirit Descending
MT 3:16, MK 1:10 It was Jesus who saw the Spirit descending.
JN 1:32 It was John who saw the Spirit descending.
Answer:
Yes, they both saw the Spirit.
What Did the Heavenly Voice Say to Jesus
MT 3:17 The heavenly voice addressed the crowd: “This is my beloved Son.”
MK 1:11, LK 3:22 The voice addressed Jesus: “You are my beloved Son….”
Answer:
God very well may have said both, or as God spoke the words it allowed each person to understand what He was saying as if it was directly to them, making both statements true.
Wilderness or Wedding after Jesus Baptism
MT 4:1-11, MK 1:12-13 immediately following his Baptism, Jesus spent forty days in the wilderness resisting temptation by the Devil.
JN 1.19 – 2:11 Three days after the Baptism, Jesus was at the wedding in Cana.
Answer:
Jesus was tempted in the wilderness immediately after the baptism as seen in Mark 1.9-11. John’s gospel takes place in verse 19 after Jesus returns from his 40 days in the wilderness. Verse 19-34 is John the Baptist giving his account (his testimony) of what he saw, months before when he baptized Jesus.
What Was the Order of the Devils Temptation to Jesus
MT 4:5-8 The Devil took Jesus to the pinnacle of the temple, then to the mountain top.
LK 4:5-9 First to the mountain top, then to the pinnacle of the temple.
Answer:
Mathew records the chronological order of the events that took place. Luke does not mention the chronology but rather just the events that took place.
When Did Jesus Call Peter
MT 4:18-20, MK 1:16-18 Jesus calls to Peter while he is fishing.
LK 5:2-11 Jesus tells Peter to fish after a night of catching nothing. After filling the boat he fell down and worshipped Jesus.
JN 1:35-42 Peter follows Jesus after the preaching of John the Baptist.
Answer:
These are all different time in the beginning of Jesus ministry when His disciples did not follow Him full time. There was a time Jesus called the twelve disciples to follow Him full time in Matt 10.1-2. Peter experienced three callings from Christ; First in John 1.37- to believe and follow Jesus, second Matt 4.18- the call to be a fisher of men and third in Matt 5.1 – the call to be one of the twelve disciples.
The Gospels Accounts of Jesus Sermon of the Mount
MT 5:1 – 7:29 Jesus delivers his most noteworthy sermon while on the mount.
LK 6:17 – 49 Jesus delivers his most noteworthy sermon while on the plain.
(Note: No such sermons are mentioned in either MK or JN and Paul seems totally unfamiliar with either the sermon on the mount or the sermon on the plain.)
Answer:
The four gospels record various events throughout Jesus ministries, and all of Jesus sayings are mentioned throughout the entire New Testament. Paul referred to it in 1 Corinthians 7.12.
Good Works are to be Seen or Secret
MT 5:16 Good works should be seen.
MT 6:1-4 They should be kept secret.
Answer:
Good works are meant to bring glory to God and to be done so that others would glorify God in Heaven. Matt 6 teaches us we are not to do good works to be noticed or honored by others. It is important to understand the lesson in both these verse and be humble about good deeds.
All or Specific Foods are Clean
MT 5:17-19, LK 16:17 Jesus underscores the permanence of the law.
LE 10:8 – 11:47, DT 14:3-21 The law distinguishes between clean and unclean foods.
MK 7:14-15, MK 7:18-19 Jesus says that there is no such distinction.
TI 4:1-4 All foods are clean according to Paul.
MT 5:17-19, LK 16:17 Jesus did not come to abolish the law.
EP 2:13-15, HE 7:18-19 Jesus did abolish the law.
RO 14:21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor anything that might cause your brother to stumble or be offended.
CN 2:16 Let no one pass judgment on you in matters of food and drink.
Answer:
The Jewish law of the Old Testament had two aspects; the ceremonial and the moral law. The ceremonial law ceased once Christ died as it was a foreshadowing of things to come (Col 2.17). However the moral code still applies and points people to their need for Savior (Gal 3.24-25).
In Romans Paul is sharing the way to prevent causing offense to those who do not understand certain spiritual things or whose faith is weak (Romans 14.1).
Is the Use of the Word Fool a Sin
MT 5:22 Anyone who calls another a fool is liable to Hell.
MT 7:26 Jesus says that anyone who hears his words and does not do them is a fool. (Note: The translation now prevalent, “like a foolish man,” in MT 7:26 is a dishonest attempt to alleviate the obvious inconsistency here in that the oldest Greek manuscripts use the same Greek word translated “fool” in MT 5:22 and “like a foolish man” in MT 7:26.)
MT 23:17-19 Jesus twice calls the Pharisees blind fools.
MT 25:2, 3, 8 Jesus likens the maidens who took no oil to fools. (Note: Again, this is the same Greek word translated “fool” in MT 5:22 and MT 23:17-19.)
1CO 1:23, 3:18, 4:10 Paul uses fool with regard to Christians becoming fools for Christ. (Note: Again, this is the same Greek word translated “fool” in MT 5:22 and MT 23:17-19.)
Answers:
This is a misunderstanding of how the word fool is being used and the context of the conversation. Jesus warns in Matthew 5 not to say to your brother ‘You Fool’ in hatred and anger, as this kind of attitude will lead to destruction in your life. The term fool and foolish is used many times to describe actions that are not wise. It’s a common word used in many different context.
Love or Hate Your Enemies
MT 5:39, MT 5:44 Jesus says: “Do not resist evil. Love your enemies.”
MT 6:15, 12:34, 16:3, 22:18, 23:13-15, 17, 19, 27, 29, 33, MK 7:6, LK 11:40,
44, 12:56 Jesus repeatedly hurls epithets at his opponents.
MT 5:39, MT 5:44 Do not resist evil. Love your enemies.
LK 19:27 God is likened to one who destroys his enemies.
MT 5:39, MT 5:44 Do not resist evil. Love your enemies.
JN 1:9-11 Shun anyone who does not hold the proper doctrine.
MT 5:43-44, MT 22:39 Love your enemies. Love your neighbor as yourself.
MT 10:5 Go nowhere among the Gentiles nor enter a Samaritan town.
Answer:
Context and situations are important. We are to love our enemies but not to throw our pearls to swine, meaning to just throw away precious things meaninglessly like our lives (Matt 7.6). If someone continues to reject and hate you or is a teacher of false doctrine we are to rebuke them with the truth in love (Eph 4.15) and eventually if they continue to turn away, you leave them to their ways (Matt 18.17). However if they ever repent we are to accept and love them and forgive all wrong (Matt 18.15).
Will Heaven Pass Away
MT 5:45, 7:21 God resides in heaven.
MK 13:32 The angels reside in heaven
AC 7:55, HE 12:2 Jesus is at the right hand of God, in heaven.
1PE 1:3-4 Believers will inherit eternal life in heaven.
MT 24:35, MK 13:31, LK 21:33 Heaven will pass away.
Answer:
All of this is true and to be understood in the same sense that the Earth will pass away yet will abide forever. When Adam sinned all of creation became corrupt, and therefore all of creation was damned to eventually wear out and decay into nothing, as we see in the second law of thermodynamics, that all creation tends toward disorder and decay. However God will recreate all things as they were meant to be including the Heavens and the Earth. I the same way all believers will be resurrected in new bodies (Rev 21.1).
Do or Do Not Care About Tomorrow
MT 6:25-34, LK 12:22-31 Take no thought for tomorrow. God will take care of you.
TI 5:8 A man who does not provide for his family is worse than an infidel.
Answer:
God does not want us to be worried about the future because we are to trust He will take care of everything. This is a separate issue form taking care of your family, as taking care of your family requires us to provide for them and their needs, i.e. giving food to your children.
Do or Do Not Judge a False Prophet
MT 7:1-2 Do not judge.
MT 7:15-20 Instructions for judging a false prophet.
Answer:
Jesus complete saying in Matt 7 is not to judge others lest you be judged, as the same judgement you use will be used against you. The Bible lays out clear understanding on how to properly discern a situation and judge if something is true or not. Further the Bible teaches us to love truth and remove lies and error from our lives (2 Thess 2.10).
Faith or Works Saves You
MT 7:7-8, LK 11:9-10 Ask and it will be given. Seek and you will find.
LK 13:24 Many will try to enter the Kingdom but will be unable.
MT 7:21 Not everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
AC 2:21, RO 10:13 Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
AC 2:39 Those God calls to himself will be saved.
MT 7:21, LK 10:36-37, RO 2:6, 13, JA 2:24 We are justified by works, not by faith.
JN 3:16, RO 3:20-26, EP 2:8-9, GA 2:16 We are justified by faith, not by works.
RO 4:9 Faith was reckoned to Abraham as righteousness.
JA 2:21 Abraham was justified by works (which made his faith perfect).
RO 2:13 Doers of the law will be justified.
RO 3:20, GA 3:11 They will not be justified.
Answer:
We are saved through faith alone not by works (Eph 2.8-9), however we are considered righteous by the works we do and not by faith alone (James 2.24 NIV). Justification is to be proven right before God; it is not the same thing as salvation. A good tree is considered good because it bears good fruit, however it is not the good fruit that makes it a good tree, but rather the proof that it is a good tree is evidence by the fact that is bears good fruit.
In Romans 2.30 – The problem with this is the fact that no human can perfectly keep the law. We have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (Rom 3.23-24).
The Centurion or His Elders Approached Jesus
MT 8:5-12 The centurion approaches Jesus to ask to heal his servant.
LK 7:2-10 The centurion sends elders to do the asking.
Answer:
In ancient times those of wealth or power would send others as their representatives to make requests or perform tasks on their behalf. So the centurion asked through the elder to make request of Jesus as his representatives. We see other examples of this in scripture in Matt 27.59 – it was not the rich man Joseph or Arimathea that wrapped Jesus in a shroud but his servants. Mark 15.15 it was not Pilate that whipped Jesus but his soldiers. In John 4.2 it was not Jesus that baptized but his disciples clarified in the text.
Did Jesus Heal All or Some
MT 8:16, LK 4:40 Jesus healed all that were sick.
MK 1:32-34 Jesus healed many (but not all).
Answer:
In various circumstances and in various places, Jesus would heal many or all that where sick or demon possessed. He may not have healed all the people for many different reasons, like time or people not desiring to be healed (Matt 13.58).
How Many Demoniacs Where Healed at the Tomb
MT 8:28-33 Two demoniacs are healed in the Gadarene swine incident.
MK 5:2-16, LK 8:26-36 One demoniac is healed in this incident.
Answer:
Mark and Luke do not say there was only one; however they only focus on the one demoniac and his story. Only speaking about one of two events or persons does not negate the fact there were two events or persons.
Was The Rulers Daughter Dead or Dying
MT 9:18 The ruler’s daughter was already dead when Jesus raised her.
LK 8:42 She was dying, but not dead.
Answer:
Luke8.49 confirms she had died. Jesus mentioned in verse 52 that she was only asleep as often Jesus referred to death as sleep (John 11.11-19), but 53 confirmed she had died once again.
The Disciples Could or Could Not Heal
MT 10:1-8 Jesus gives his disciples the power to exorcise and heal…
MT 17:14-16 (Yet) the disciples are unable to do so.
Answer:
The disciples wondered this thing as well (v.19), and Jesus explains clearly that more powerful demons or entities can only come out by prayer and fasting (Matt 17.21).
Discrepancy of the Twelve Disciples Names
MT 10:2, MK 3:16-19 The twelve apostles (disciples) were: Simon (Peter), Andrew his brother, James the son of Zebedee, John his brother, Philip,Bartholemew, Thomas, Matthew the tax collector, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus (Labbaeus), Simon, and Judas Iscariot.
LK 6:13-16 The above except that Thaddaeus (Labbaeus) is excluded, and Judas the son of James is added (and Judas Iscariot remains).
AC 1:13, 26 Same as MT and MK except that, like LK Thaddaeus (Labbaeus) is excluded, Judas the son of James is included, and Mathias is chosen by the others to replace Judas Iscariot.
Answer:
Judas was a popular name in the first century; it meant ‘Jehovah leads.’ Jerome a 4th century scholar gives us some further information about him as the man with three names; Thaddeus, Lebbaeus and Judas (not Iscariot).
Was Peter an Apostle to the Gentiles or Not
MT 10:2, 5-6 Peter was to be an apostle to the Jews and not go near the Gentiles.
AC 15:7 He was an apostle to the Gentiles.
Answer:
The gospel was to first be preached to the Jews, and after they rejected Him, the gentiles where given God’s grace (John 1.11, Acts 13.47).
Jesus Charged the Disciples to Take Nothing or Something for the Journey
MT 10:9-10 Do not acquire for yourself money, nor bags, nor clothes, sandals (shoes) or staves.
MK 6:8-9 Take nothing for your journey except a staff – no bread, bag, money or belt. Wear shoes but no extra shirt.
Luke 9.3 – Take nothing for your journey – no staff, bag, clothing or money.
Answer:
In Matthew 10 the word for acquire is actually provide, therefore it is saying in the Greek ‘go as you are and do not take time to procure for yourself anything in addition to what you already have.’ Or in other words, take what you have and go, do not take extra time to get stuff for your journey. All three accounts points to Jesus telling His disciples to hurry up and go.
Jesus Bring Peace or a Sword
MT 10:34, LK 12:49-53 Jesus has come to bring a sword, fire, and division–not peace.
JN 16:33 Jesus says: “In me you have peace.”
Answer:
Jesus is the prince of peace (Isa 9.6) because true peace only comes to those who put their faith in Christ. For those who do not put their faith in Christ, they will be in opposition to those that do, therefore a sword or conflict between the two faiths or mindsets.
Saved by What
MT 10:22, 24:13, MK 13:13 He that endures to the end will be saved.
MK 16:16 He that believes and is baptized will be saved.
JN 3:5 Only he that is born of water and Spirit will be saved.
AC 16:31 He that believes on the Lord Jesus will be saved.
AC 2:21 He that calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.
RO 10:9 He who confesses with his mouth “Jesus is Lord” and believes in his heart that God raised him from the dead will be saved.
1JN 4:7 He who loves is born of God (and presumably will be saved.)
Answer:
To understand the doctrine of salvation you need to consider all the verses in the Bible that teaches on the subject. These are some of those verses, and when you understand salvation you see how they all work together. Salvation is an immense word. Believers are born again spiritually when they put their faith in Christ. God baptizes them in the fire of the Holy Spirit (Matt 3.11) and are washed with the water of God’s word (Eph 5.26). Believers live a life of believing in God and confessing that Jesus is Lord by the Holy Spirit (1 Corin 12.3).
Was Jesus Afraid
MT 10:28, LK 12:4 Jesus says not to fear men. (Fear God only.)
MT 12:15-16, JN 7:1-10, 8:59, 10:39, 11:53-54 Jesus hid, escaped, went secretly, etc.
Answer:
Jesus was concerned by the timing of His sacrifice (Matt 26.18, John 7.6) therefore avoided confrontations that would have ended up in that outcome until the appointed time. When the time came, He boldly completed His mission.
John the Baptist a Prophet or Not
MT 11:7-15, 17:12-13 Jesus says that John the Baptist was a prophet, and more.
JN 1:21 John himself says that he is not a prophet, nor is he Elijah.
Answer:
John did not say he was not a prophet, but that he was not THE Prophet (John 1.21), referring to the prophet Moses predicted would come that would be like him (Deut 18.18, Acts 3.22). This Prophet was a prediction, and one of the titles about the Messiah.
Jesus Hides or Reveals
MT 11:25, MK 4:11-12 Jesus thanks God for hiding some things from the wise while revealing them to “babes.” He says that he uses parables so that the meaning of some of his teachings will remain hidden to at least some persons, and specifically so that they will not turn and be forgiven.
MK 4:22 Jesus said there is nothing hidden that will not be known
Answer:
Jesus said that one day all things will be known. When you die and when the end time’s judgment comes, everything will be revealed.
Is Overturning Money Changers Meek
MT 11:29 Jesus says that he is gentle (meek) and humble (lowly).
Matt 21.12, JN 2:15 Jesus makes a whip of cords, drives the money changers from the Temple, overturns their tables, and pours out their coins.
Answer:
Jesus drove out the money changers from the temple because they where thieves (Matt 21.13), profiting from God’s people. Humility and meekness is not timidity or weakness. It is considering others above yourself.
Old Testament Priests Profane the Sabbath
MT 12:5 Jesus says that the law (OT) states that the priests profane the Sabbath but are blameless.
(No such statement is found in the OT)
Answer:
The OT Law states no work is to be done on the Sabbath, but the priests continue doing their duties on the Sabbath (Num 28.9-10, Mark 2.27).
Either For or Against Jesus
MT 12:30 Jesus says that those who are not with him are against him.
MK 9:40 Jesus says that those who are not against him are for him.
(Note: This puts those who are indifferent or undecided in the “for him” category in the first instance and in the “against him” category in the second instance.)
Answer:
There is no in-between in God’s kingdom, either you believe or put your faith in God or you don’t. Either you choose to eat form God’s table or the Devils (1 Corin 10.21). This is why there are only one of two destinies, Heaven or Hell.
Does Jesus Give Signs or Not
MT 12:39, MK 8:12, LK 11:29 Jesus says that he will give no “sign.”
JN 3:2, 20:30, AC 2:22 Jesus proceeds to give many such “signs.”
Answer:
Context is always important in the Bible to understand what is being done or said. Jesus chose not to give a sign to the Pharisees because they demanded it, or to satisfy His enemies that scorned Him. However He gave signs to others to show them who He was and to reward believers.
Is Jesus Limited by Faith in Miracles
MT 13:58, MK 6:5 In spite of his faith, Jesus is not able to perform mighty miracles.
MT 17:20, 19:26, MK 9:23, 10:27, LK 17:6, 18:27 Jesus says that anything is possible to him who believes if he has the faith of a grain of mustard seed. All things are possible with God. A mountain can be commanded to move and it will move.
Answer:
Jesus is not limited by the faith of others, however God will typically not move in the midst of hard hearted unbelievers, leaving them in their unbelief (Rom 1.28).
Did Jesus Lie about Going to the Feast
MT 5:37, 15:19, MK 7:22, JN 8:14, 44, 14:6, 18:37 Jesus says that you should answer a plain “yes” or “no,” that his purpose is to bear witness to the truth, and that his testimony is true. He equates lying with evil.
JN 7:2-10 Jesus tells his brothers that he is not going to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Tabernacles, then later goes secretly by himself.
Answer:
Verse 6 makes it clear, when He says my time is not yet. This means that He was not going down, Yet or at that moment. He had to be careful about when and how he appeared to the Jews since He did not want to trigger the events that would lead to His sacrifice yet.
Beware of the Leaven of Herod or the Sadducees
MT 16:6, 11 Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
MK 8:15 Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Herod.
Answer:
Leaven was a common term associated with sin. Jesus was warning His listeners not to be contaminated by the sin or leaven of all these different false leaders and teachers.
Was Peter the Church Foundation or Satan
MT 16:18 Jesus founds his church on Peter and will give him the keys of the kingdom.
MT 16:23 Jesus calls Peter [a] “Satan” and “a hindrance,” and accuses him of being on the side of men rather than that of God.
AC 15:1-21 James presides over the first Council of Jerusalem and formulates the decree regarding the accepting of Gentiles which is sent to the other churches. (Note: Tradition has it that James was appointed as the first Bishop or Pope, not Peter.)
Answer:
Context is important in these verses. Peter made a confession of faith which is what Jesus said He would build His church on. Then Peter getting prideful made a worldly comment propagated by the Devil, which Jesus then rebuked him for. All events perfectly make sense.
Pope is a term not used until the 4th century a.d. however James was the Bishop of Jerusalem and the first Church, all apostles had similar responsibilities.
Six or Eight Days to the Transfiguration
MT 17:1-2 And after six days Jesus took Peter James and John and showed them the Transfiguration.
LK 9:28-29 It takes place about eight days afterwards.
Answer:
Matt 17 specifically says after six days, and Luke says about 8 days; so after six days is a seventh day leading into the 8th. The journey was a long process, possible a day’s journey or more into the mountain.
James and John or Their Mother Asked For a Favor
MT 20:20-21 The mother of James and John asks Jesus a favor for her sons.
MK 10:35-37 They ask for themselves.
Answer:
Most likely the conversation happened between all four of them, since they were all involved.
All Authority Is or Is Not Christ’s
MT 20:23, MK 10:40 Jesus responds that it is not his to give.
MT 28:18, JN 3:35 All authority has been given to Jesus.
Answer:
Jesus didn’t say He didn’t have the authority to give it, He told them it has already been decided for whom it will be given (Matt 20.23).
Jesus Heals One or Two at Jericho
MT 20:29-34 Jesus heals two blind men on the way to Jericho.
MK 10:46-52 He heals one blind man.
Answer:
We know two where healed but Matthew focuses on the one man that was healed. Mark never says a second man wasn’t healed.
Sequence of Events of Jesus Triumphal Entry
MT 21:1-17 The sequence was: triumphal entry, cleansing of the temple, Bethany.
MK 11:1-19 Triumphal entry, cleansing of the temple.
LK 19:28-48 Triumphal entry, cleansing of the temple, daily teaching in the temple.
JN 12:1-18 Cleansing of the temple (early in his career), Supper with Lazarus, triumphal entry, no cleansing of the temple following the triumphal entry.
MT 21:12-13 The cleansing of the temple occurs at the end of Jesus’ career.
JN 2:13-16 It occurs near the beginning of his career.
Answer:
Bethany is right outside of Jerusalem. Christ went there to sleep and then returned to teaching the temple (Matt 21.18-23). According to record, Jesus cleansed the temple twice, once at the beginning of His ministry in John, and once after His triumphal entry as recorded in the other gospels. John records the earlier cleansing and doesn’t record or preclude the other.
Jesus or His Disciples Find the Animal
MT 21:2-6, MK 11:2-7, LK 19:30-35 The disciples follow Jesus instructions and bring him the animal (or animals, in the case of MT).
JN 12:14 Jesus finds the animal himself.
Answer:
John simply mentions that Jesus found an ass and made an entrance; it doesn’t say He went and brought the animal. The other gospels give the specifics on how Christ found it (through miraculous knowledge) and instructed the disciples to get it with its mother.
Jesus Has Two or One Donkey During Triumphal Entry
MT 21:7 Jesus rides two animals during his triumphal entry.
MK 11:7, LK 19:35, JN 12:14 Only one animal is involved.
Answer:
Jesus rides the colt while his mother follows along, most likely carrying other items since donkeys and mules where pack animals.
How Long Did it Take for the Cursed Fig Tree Die
MT 21:19-20 The fig tree withers immediately after being cursed by Jesus. And when the disciples saw it they marveled.
MK 11:13-14, 20-21 The disciples first notice that the tree has withered the day following.
Answer:
Understanding the chronology and context of the events here is important. In Matthew we have no idea how long of time elapsed between verse 19 and 20, but simply gave a summary of this event. Mark gives us the entire story in chronological order; Jesus cursed the tree, they went into Jerusalem, when they left Jerusalem they took notice of the tree.
Was Zechariah the Son of Barachias or Jehoida
MT 23:35 Jesus says that Zacharias (Zechariah) was the son of Barachias (Barachiah).
2CH 24:20 Zacharias was thought to be the son of Jehoida (Jehoiada), the priest.
Answer:
In Zechariah 1.1 we have the statement that the prophet Zechariah was the son of Barachias, the son of Iddo the Seer. Jesus is not talking about the Zechariah mentioned in 2 Chronicles 24.20. Zechariah the prophet lived during the time of Darius (c. 520 b.c.) about 3 centuries after the Zechariah in 2 Chronicles, who lived during the reign of King Joash (c. 835 – 796 b.c.).
Disciples Will Die or Live Forever
MT 24:9 Even some of the disciples of Jesus will be killed.
JN 8:51 If anyone keeps Jesus’ words, he will never see death.
HE 9:27 [All] men die once, then judgment follows.
Answer:
The Bible teaches that all men will die physically. The Bible teaches us once we believe in Christ we have eternal life within us and have already spiritually passed from death to life (John 5.24, 6.53).
The Kingdom is Accompanied by Wonders or is Within
MT 24:29-33, MK 13:24-29 The coming of the kingdom will be accompanied by signs and miracles.
LK 17:20-21 The kingdom does not come with observation but is within you.
Answer:
Both statements are true. You don’t have to see or experience signs and wonders to have the kingdom of God be within you, as God’s kingdom is received by faith in Christ.
How and When Is Jesus Anointed
MT 26:6-13, MK 14:3 The anointing of Jesus takes place in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper.
LK 7:36-38 It takes place at the house of a Pharisee in Galilee.
MT 26:7, MK 14:3 The oil is poured on Jesus’ head.
LK 7:38, JN 12:3 On his feet.
MT 26:7, MK 14:3, LK 7:37 An unnamed woman does the anointing.
JN 12:3 It is Mary.
Answer:
These are different accounts by different people at various times, some at the beginning Jesus ministry some at the end. One performed by a repentant sinner or unnamed woman, another by Mary of Bethany.
Judas or the Disciples Reproached the Woman
MT 26:8 The disciples reproach her.
MK 14:4 “Some” reproach her.
JN 12:4-5 Judas Iscariot reproaches her.
Answer:
Judas Iscariot, who was a disciple, reproached her and may have caused others around him to complain with him.
Judas Betrayal was Before or After the Last Supper
MT 26:20-29, MK 14:17-28, JN 13:21-30 Jesus forecasts his betrayal prior to the communion portion of the supper.
LK 22:14-23 After the communion portion.
Answer:
The communion happens in Luke 22 verse 15 – 20, and then proceeds to tell His disciples about the betrayal in verse 21.
Order of Communion Events
MT 26:26-29, MK 14:22-25 The order of the communion was: bread, then wine.
LK 22:17-20 It was: wine, then bread.
Answer:
All verses are bread than wine. Luke 22 verse 19 is the bread, and then verse 20 is the wine.
Peter’s Denial and the Number of Cock Crows
MT 26:34, LK 22:34, JN 13:38 Peter was to deny Jesus before the cock crowed.
MK 14:30 Before the cock crowed twice.
MK 14:66-72 The cock crows after both the first and second denials.
(Note: These discrepancies have been “translated out” in some Bible versions.)
MT 26:74 The cock crowed once.
MK 14:72 The cock crowed twice.
Answer:
Roosters in ancient times where used to signal portions of the night, like an alarm clock. They were accustomed to crowing twice in a night. The first crowing was around 12am, which few people noted, and the second was the ‘main’ crowing which occurred just before daybreak roughly around 3am, which typically signaled worker to begin working. The rooster crowed twice. Mark records the first crowing in 14.68. And to use the term ‘before the rooster crows’ is to refer to this timeframe, just before daybreak.
Disciples Fall Asleep One or Three Times
MT 26:40-45, MK 14:37-41 The disciples fall asleep three times.
LK 22:45 One time.
Answer:
Luke simply does not recorded each time they fell asleep.
Judas Kiss of Betray
MT 26:49-50, MK 14:44-46 Jesus is betrayed by Judas with a kiss, then seized.
LK 22:47-48 Jesus anticipates Judas’ kiss. No actual kiss is mentioned.
JN 18:2-9 Jesus voluntarily steps forward to identify himself making it completely unnecessary for Judas to point him out. No kiss is mentioned.
Answer:
The mob came to Jesus, Jesus anticipated the kiss, Judas came up to him and kissed him, Judas walked back to the mob, Jesus asked who you seek. Each gospel tells the majority of the this account.
Did Jesus Hear the Ear of the Servant
MT 26:51, MK 14:47, JN 18:10 The ear of a slave is cut off and left that way.
LK 22:50-51 The severed ear is miraculously healed by Jesus.
Answer:
Luke records the account of Jesus healing the servants ear, the other gospels don’t account for it.
Disciples are to Have Swords or Not
MT 26:52 Dispose of swords. All who take the sword will perish by it.
LK 22:36-38 Buy swords.
Answer:
We see very quickly right after the Last Supper, the Lord rebukes Peter for using one of the swords (Matt 26.52, John 18.10), and heals the damage done by him. Jesus is telling his disciples to equip themselves with the spiritual sword of God’s word. The disciples again did not understand Jesus metaphor, this is something they continually struggled with, and put two swords on the table saying here are two swords. Jesus rebuking them said “it is enough,” speaking of the conversation, knowing they didn’t understand what He was talking about.
After Jesus is Arrested He Speaks with Caiphas or Annas
MT 26:57, MK 14:53, LK 22:54 After his arrest Jesus is first taken to Caiphas, the high priest.
JN 18:13-24 First to Annas, the son-in-law of Caiphas, then to Caiphas.
Answer:
Matthew, Mark and Luke do not state which place Jesus was taken first. John reveals He was first taken to Annas.
When Was Jesus Hearing
MT 26:18-20, 57-68, 27:1-2, MK 14:16-18, 53-72, 15:1 Jesus’ initial hearing was at night on Passover. In the morning he was taken to Pilate.
LK 22:13-15, 54-66 The initial hearing took place in the morning on Passover.
JN 18:28, 19:14 It took place the day before Passover, on the Day of Preparation.
Answer:
We know the trial took place and Jesus was crucified on the day of the preparation (John 19.14). Most likely Jesus and His disciples ate an early Passover, the other gospel do not state what day or part of the Passover it was held on.
Did the Sanhedrin Hold a Trail or Inquiry
MT 26:59-66, MK 14:55-64 Jesus was tried by the entire Sanhedrin (the chief priests and the whole council).
LK 22:66-71 There was no trial but merely an inquiry held by the Sanhedrin.
JN 18:13-24 There was no appearance before the Sanhedrin, only the private hearings before Annas and then Caiphas.
Answer:
Matthew Mark and Luke all parallel each other’s account as it was a brief hearing before the official assembly of the Sanhedrin after being interrogated during the night. John doesn’t mention this brief trial.
How Did Jesus Answer the High Priest
MT 26:63, LK 22:70 The high priest asks Jesus if he is the Son of God.
MK 14:61 He asks Jesus if he is the Son of the Blessed.
MT 26:64, LK 22:70 Jesus answers: “You have said so,”
MK 14:62 He answers directly: “I am.”
MT 27:11-14 Jesus answers not a single charge to the testimony that was given about Him.
JN 18:33-37 Jesus answers all charges at his hearing before Pilate.
MT 27:11, MK 15:2, LK 23:3 When asked if he is King of the Jews, Jesus answers: “You have said so,” (or “Thou sayest”).
JN 18:33-34 He answers: “Do you say this of your own accord?”
Answer:
All of these accounts are correct, being interrogated you are asked the same question multiple times. It is recorded that Jesus did not give an answer to the testimony that was given against Him, however He answer other questions.
Peters Process of Denying Jesus
MT 26:69-70 Peter makes his first denial to a maid and “them all.”
MK 14:66-68, LK 22:56-57, JN 18:17 It was to one maid only.
MT 26:71-72 Peter’s second denial is to still another maid.
MK 14:69-70 (Apparently) to the same maid.
LK 22:58 To a man, not a maid.
JN 18:25 To more than one, “they.”
MT 26:73-74, MK 14:70-71 Peter’s third denial is to bystanders (two or more).
LK 22:59-60 To “another” (one).
JN 18:26-27 To one of the servants.
Answer:
Peters account denying Christ three times:
Matthew: 1.) Maid asked – Peter denied -> 2.) Another Maid said to those nearby – Peter denied again -> 3.) They that stood by asked – Peter again denied
Mark: 1.) Maid asked – Peter denied out loud -> 2.) The Maid said to those nearby – Peter denied again out loud -> 3.) They that stood by asked – Peter again denied
Luke: 1.) Main asked – Peter denied -> 2.) Another saw him and asked – Peter denied -> 3.) Another confidently affirmed him to be a Galilean – Peter said man I know not what you say.
John: 1.) Maid asked – Peter denied -> 2.) They saw him and asked – He denied -> 3.) A man asked didn’t I see you with Him – Peter denied again.
There were many people around the fire in the city at that time. This I why the ‘they’ is continually referred to on the second account whom the maid was talking to. The man is a part of the group that asked in the third account.
Did Judas or the Chief Priests Buy the Field
MT 27:3-7 The chief priests bought the field.
AC 1:16-19 Judas bought the field.
MT 27:5 Judas threw down the pieces of silver, then departed.
AC 1:18 He used the coins to buy the field.
Answer:
The chief priests invested the money in Judas name when he threw the money back at them.
Judas Hung Himself or Fell
MT 27:5 Judas hanged himself.
AC 1:18 He fell headlong, burst open, and his bowels gushed out.
Answer:
Yes, Judas hung himself, the rope broke and he fell headlong bursting open his gut and his bowels gushed out.
Release of Barabbas
MT 27:20 The chief priests and elders are responsible for persuading the people to ask for the release of Barabbas.
MK 15:11 Only the chief priests are responsible.
LK 23:18-23 The people ask, apparently having decided for themselves.
Answer:
The chief priests and elders stirred up the people to have Barabbas released.
Was Jesus Robe Purple or Scarlet
MT 27:28 Jesus is given a scarlet robe.
MK 15:17, JN 19:2 A purple robe.
Answer:
Color of this type looked very similar in the first century, depending on the observer light and angle. A darker shade of either red or purple could accurately describe either color, or two different types of dye may have had been used on the robe.
Simon or Jesus Carried the Cross
MT 27:32, MK 15:21, LK 23:26 Simon of Cyrene carries Jesus’ cross.
JN 19:17 Jesus carries his own cross with no help from anyone.
Answer:
Both accounts are true. Roman crucifixions required the condemned to carry their own cross. However Jesus becoming too weak from blood loss had assistance half way through from Simon.
Reading of the Sign Above Jesus
MT 27:37 The inscription on the cross read: “This is Jesus the King of the Jews.”
MK 15:26 “The King of the Jews.”
LK 23:38 “This is the King of the Jews.”
JN 19:19 “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.”
Answer:
All are fragments of the whole saying: “This is Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews”. It was written in three languages, perhaps in slightly various ways.
Both or One of those Crucified with Him Taunted
MT 27:44 Both of those who are crucified with Jesus taunt him.
LK 23:39-42 Only one taunts Jesus, and he is rebuked by the other for doing so.
Answer:
Mark 15.32 show both initially began taunting Him. Eventually something changed his mind and he repented, asking Jesus for forgiveness and rebuking the other thief.
Did God Forsake Jesus or Not
MT 27:46 Jesus asks God, the Father, why he has been forsaken.
JN 10:30 Jesus says that he and the Father are one.
MT 27:46-50, MK 15:34-37 Jesus’ last recorded words are: “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”
LK 23:46 “Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit.”
JN 19:30 “It is finished.” (Note: Even though both MT and MK represent direct quotes and are translated similarly, the actual Greek words used for God are different. MT uses “Eli” and MK uses “Eloi.”)
Answer:
Jesus became sin for us, therefore being forsaken by the Father while He died for us. Jesus is a part of the Godhead showing the tremendous suffering God went through for the sake of humanity, showing us His love for us. Jesus spoke all these things in His final moments on the cross; we have seven recorded saying of Jesus last moments on the cross.
Jesus Did or Did Not Drink Vinegar While on the Cross
MT 27:48, LK 23:36, JN 19:29 Jesus was offered vinegar to drink.
MK 15:23 It was wine and myrrh, and he did not drink it.
JN 19:29-30 Whatever it was, he did drink it.
Answer:
It was a Jewish tradition to offer pain relief for those suffering on the cross, using a vinegar/ wine/ myrrh mixture which He refused at first (Matt 27.34). Afterwards being offered again He accepted the mixture (John 19.30).
What Did the Centurion Say at the Cross
MT 27:54 The centurion says: “Truly this was the son of God.”
MK 15:39 He says: “Truly this man was the son of God!”
LK 23:47 He says: “Truly this man was innocent” (or “righteous”).
Answer:
The Centurions entire saying was most likely “Truly this man was the innocent (righteous) Son of God!”
Where the Women Far or Near
MT 27:55, MK 15:40, LK 23:49 The women looked on from afar.
JN 19:25-26 They were near enough that Jesus could speak to his mother.
Answer:
They where some distance away but still near enough to be able to hear Him.
Order of Events at Jesus Tomb
MT 27:62-66 A guard was placed at the tomb (the day following the burial).
MK 15:42- 16:8, LK 23:50-56, JN 19:38-42 (No guard is mentioned. This is important since rumor had it that Jesus’ body was stolen and the Resurrection feigned.)
MK 16:1-3, LK 24:1 (The women were aware of the stone, they were not aware of a guard.)
MT 28:1 The first visitors to the tomb were Mary Magdalene and the other Mary (two).
MK 16:1 Both of the above plus Salome (three).
LK 23:55 – 24:1, 24:10 Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and “other women” (at least five).
JN 20:1 Mary Magdalene only (one).
MT 28:1 It was toward dawn when they arrived.
MK 16:2 It was after sunrise.
LK 24:1 It was at early dawn.
JN 20:1 It was still dark.
MT 28:1-2 There was an earthquake and an angel rolled back the stone.
MK 16:4, LK 24:2, JN 20:1 The stone had already been rolled (or taken) away.
MT 28:2 An angel arrived during an earthquake, rolled back the stone, then sat on it (outside the tomb).
MK 16:5 No earthquake, only one young man sitting inside the tomb.
LK 24:2-4 No earthquake. Two men suddenly appear standing inside the tomb.
JN 20:12 No earthquake. Two angels are sitting inside the tomb.
MT 28:6-8 The women ran from the tomb “with great joy.”
JN 20:1-2 Mary told Peter and the other disciple that the body had been stolen.
Answer:
Jesus tomb was guarded by most likely as many soldiers as the Jews could get permission to hire. After seeing the angel the guard would have ran in fear (Matt 28.4). The women came to the tomb and met the angels that rolled back the stone after the earthquake. Some gospels mention the earthquake others don’t.
Some gospels only focus on the one angel that spoke with the women and don’t speak about the other angel. Looking in the tomb they did not see Jesus but met him right outside thinking at first he was the Gardner. Jesus tells them to go tell the disciples, they left with great joy. Their journey to the tomb began at dark and by the time they returned it was sunrise.
Did the Women Tell About the Resurrection
MT 28:8 The visitors ran to tell the disciples.
MK 16:8-10 The angels said to the women go and tell everyone. Trembling and bewildered they fled from the tomb, they said nothing to anyone because of fear. Mary went and told those mourning and weeping.
LK 24:9 They told the eleven and all the rest.
JN 20:10-11, 18 The disciples returned home. Mary remained outside, weeping. She found Jesus and she went and announced it to the disciples
Answer:
Yes all accounts line up.
Jesus First Appearance After the Resurrection
MT 28:8-9 Jesus’ first Resurrection appearance was fairly near the tomb.
LK 24:13-15 It was in the vicinity of Emmaus (seven miles from Jerusalem).
JN 20:13-14 It was right at the tomb.
MT 28:1-18 The order of Resurrection appearances was: Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, then the eleven.
MK 16:9-14 It was Mary Magdalene, then two others, then the eleven.
LK 24:15-36 It was two, then Simon (Peter?), then the eleven.
JN 20:14 – 21:1 It was Mary Magdalene, then the disciples without Thomas, then the disciples with Thomas, then the eleven disciples again.
1CO 15:5-8 It was Cephas (Peter?), then the “twelve” (which twelve, Judas was dead?), then 500+ brethren (although AC 1:15 says there were only about 120), then James, then all the Apostles, then Paul.
Answer:
None of the accounts in Matt, Luke or John claim to be His first appearance. Mark 16.9 shows Jesus first appearance to Mark which corroborates all accounts. Jesus order of appearance go like this: First to Mary (John 20.17), than to the woman carrying the message (Matt 28.9), that afternoon to Peter (Luke 24.34, 1 Corin 15.5), than to Emmaus the traveler (Mark 16.14, than to all disciples except Thomas (Luke 24.6, John 20.19), eight days later to Thomas (John 20.26).
Christ revealed Himself in Galilee to the disciples by Lake Tiberias (John 21.1) and then on a mountain to about five hundred (1 Corin 15.6). Last, Jesus appeared to James (1 Corin 15.7) in Bethany and then to the eleven disciples (Matt 28.16, Mark 16.14, Luke 24.50). All these events took place over 40 days (Acts 1.3).
Jesus Said Do Not Hold Onto Me
MT 28:9 On his first appearance to them, Jesus lets Mary Magdalene and the other Mary hold him by his feet.
JN 20:17 Jesus said to Mary “do not hold onto me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Instead go tell my brothers that I am ascending.”
JN 20:27 A week later, although he has not yet ascended to the Father, Jesus tells Thomas to touch him.
Answer:
Jesus specifically said do not hold onto me, as if she was currently holding on to Him and did not want to let him go and/or wanted to stay with Him and not leave His side. Instead He wanted her to go and tell everyone about His coming ascension.
Did the Disciples Believe or Not
Matthew 28.17 – When they saw Him they worshipped Him, but some doubted.
MK 16:11, LK 24:11 – When they heard that Jesus was alive and she had seen Him, they did not believe it.
Answer:
The disciples did not believe the women’s report until they saw Jesus themselves. Even then it took awhile for them to believe.
Does Jesus Instruct His Disciples to Baptize
MT 28:19 Jesus instructs his disciples to baptize.
1CO 1:17 Although he considers himself a disciple of Jesus, Paul says that he has not been sent to baptize.
Answer:
Paul admits afterwards that he had baptized multiple people, he is making a point that the focus of his ministry is to preach the gospel.
Prophecy in Mark 1.2
MK 1:2 Jesus quotes a statement that he says appears in Isaiah. (No such statement appears in Isaiah.)
Answer:
This prophecy comes from Malachi 3.1. Jesus never said it was from Isaiah but from the prophets. Remember that the book of the Old Testament where bound together and often referred to by the primary book or writer i.e. the Pentateuch was called the books of Moses.
Jesus Ministry Began Before or After John the Baptists Arrest
MK 1:14 Jesus began his ministry after the arrest of John the Baptist.
JN 3:22-24 Before the arrest of John the Baptist.
Answer:
Mark 1.14 dose not claim to be the beginning of Jesus Ministry. This portion recorded in Mark of Jesus ministry in Galilee is recounted in John.
Can Demons Say Jesus is Lord
MK 1:23-24 A demon cries out that Jesus is the Holy One of God.
1 JN 4:1-2 Everyone who confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God. (Note: This would mean that the demon is of God.)
Answer:
Confessing Christ as described in 1 John 4.1-2, as in confessing His as Lord, is to submit oneself in repentance and servitude to Christ. This is not something demons can do but only humans, as explained in salvation theology and seen in 1 Peter 1.12 that angels long to look into. When the demons cry out that Jesus is the Son of God, they are calling Him who He is, not making a confession of putting their trust in Him through faith. We see this with the spirit of divination on the girl in Acts 16.17, she followed Paul and Luke proclaiming who they and where but did not have a confession of faith.
Is the Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit Unforgivable
MK 3:29 Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is an unforgivable sin.
AC 13:39, CN 2:13, 1JN 1:9 All sins are forgivable.
Answer:
The doctrine of salvation teaches that Jesus forgives all of the sins of mankind (1 John 2.2). However there are a few difficulties that people have with this verse in Mark 3.29, and others like it concerning a falling away in Hebrews 6.4-8, and that for those who deliberately sin after being receiving the knowledge of the truth, there is no longer a sacrifice for sin (Heb 10.26-27). However just as we see in Mark 3.29, Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees about not calling the Holy Spirit an evil spirit. This comes from an evil heart of unbelief which is what we see the continuous warning against throughout all of Hebrews.
Does Jesus Speak Openly or in Secret
MK 4:11-12, 11:25 Jesus says that he uses parables so that the meaning of some of his teachings will remain secret to at least some persons. He explains the meanings of the parables only to his disciples. He thanks God for hiding some things from the wise while revealing them to “babes.”
JN 18:20 Jesus says that he always taught openly, never secretly.
Answer:
In John 18.20 Jesus is speaking to His accusers who were seeking to kill Him. He told them that He never taught secretly like those who seek to cause rebellion against the state or rulers, but taught all of His saying openly, which was true. One of the things they where accusing Jesus of was being a rioter and rebellion (Luke 23.2) instigating an insurrection.
Herod’s Belief about Jesus
MK 6:16 Herod was the source of the belief that John had been raised from the dead.
LK 9:7 Others were the source. Herod was perplexed by the belief.
Answer:
Each account goes together perfectly. Herod head about the things Jesus was doing, and was perplexed or amazed at the testimonies of people telling them. He said I beheaded John who is this I hear these things about (Luke 9.9), because he began to believe that it was John come back from the dead.
After Feeding 5000 They Went to Gennesaret or Capernaum
MK 6:53 After the feeding of the 5000, Jesus and the disciples went to Gennesaret.
JN 6:17-25 They went to Capernaum.
Answer:
Gennesaret was a small region on the west shore of the lake. Jesus passed through this location multiple times on His way to Capernaum (Matt 14.34).
Is ‘Defraud Not’ A Commandments
MK 10:19 Jesus lists “defraud not” as one of the commandments.
EX 20:3-17 There is no such commandment in the Ten Commandments or elsewhere in the OT)
Answer:
Leviticus 19.13 states you shall not defraud your neighbor. The Old Testament listed some 613 law from Moses.
Was Jesus Crucified in the 3rd or 6th Hour
MK 15:25 It was the third hour when Jesus was crucified.
JN 19:14-15 And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King
Answer:
Matt 27.45 and Luke 23.44 state that Christ was on the cross about the 6th hour and died about the ninth hour. John says the final condemnation and crucifixion where about the 6th hour. In ancient times the day was divided into four part, they did not have the level or precision of time that we have today. The common way to tell time was by notating the position of the sun in the sky.
Early morning was 6-9am; the Third hour was 9-12p; the sixth hour was 12-3p; and the ninth hour was 3-6pm. Beyond this it was considered night. These collected accounts reveal that the timing was somewhere between the 3rd and the 6th hour. Two accounts that corroborate each other.
The Women or Joseph of Arimathea Anointed Jesus Body
MK 16:1-2 The women came to the tomb to anoint the body.
JN 19:39-40 Nicodemus and Joseph of arimathea anointed Jesus body in myrrh and aloes – 75 lbs worth.
The body had already been anointed and wrapped in linen cloth.
LK 23:55-56 The women followed Joseph to the tomb, saw how the body had been laid, then went to prepare spices with which to anoint the body.
Answer:
The women may not have been aware of Nicodemus had already providing for the anointments. They also may have wanted to see Him and brought these along as an excuse to go into the tomb, or perhaps wanted to anoint Him again.
Did the Women Enter Jesus Tomb
MK 16:5, LK 24:3 The women actually entered the tomb.
JN 20:1-2, 11 They did not.
Answer:
John never said they did not go into the tomb. They were all over the place in amazement of what was going on. Upset that His body was gone, in amazement when they saw the Angel’s, in Awe when they found Jesus. They were inside and outside the tomb in various states.
Order of Events Leading to the Ascension
MT 28:16-20 – no account of ascension
MK 16:14-19 After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God
LK 24:50-51 50 When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven.
AC 1:9-12 It took place outdoors, after 40+ days, at Mt. Olivet.
Answer:
All accounts are synonymous.
When Did the Holy Spirit Come
LK 1:15 John the Baptist had the Holy Spirit from before his birth or the birth of Jesus.
LK 1:41 Elizabeth had it long before Jesus went away.
LK 1:67 So did Zechariah.
LK 2:25 So did Simeon.
LK 11:13 It is obtained by prayer (presumably at any time).
JN 7:39, JN 16:7, AC 1:3-5 The Holy Spirit cannot come into the world until after Jesus has departed.
JN 20:22 In his first resurrection appearance before the assembled disciples, Jesus gives them the Holy Spirit.
AC 1:3-5, AC 2:1-4 The Holy Spirit was received much later (on Pentecost.)
Answer:
The Holy Spirit is a part of the Godhead (Col 2.9). The Holy Spirit has operated in the world and through God’s people since the beginning. When Jesus returned to Heaven He sent the Holy Spirit in a special way to assist believers (John 16.7).
Who is Responsible for Unbelief
LK 8:12 The Devil causes unbelief.
MK 4:11-12 Jesus is responsible for unbelief in at least some cases.
2TH 2:11-12 God is ultimately responsible for unbelief in at least some cases.
Answer:
People ultimately choose what they will believe via their own free will. However if they continually reject the truth, God will give them over to a reprobate mind (Rom 1.28). The Devil indeed tried to influence people toward unbelief.
Do or Do Not Boast or Proud
LK 18:9-14 Do not boast of your virtue.
RO 11:20, 1PE 5:5 Do not be proud.
RO 15:17, 2CO 1:12, HE 3:6, 2CO 2:14, 5:12, 11:17 Paul boasts of his faith and says that one should be proud of it.
Answer:
Believers are to boast about God and the wonderful things God has done in their life (2 Corin 10.17). That is what Paul exhorts if believers to boast in God to give Him the glory.
When Did Satan Enter Judas
LK 22:3-23 Satan entered Judas before the supper.
JN 13:27 It was during the supper.
Answer:
Satan was working in and through Judas many times, in speaking with and betraying Jesus, so both accounts are accurate.
Thief on the Cross When to Paradise That Day or Later
LK 23:43 Jesus promises one of those crucified with him that they will be together, that very day, in Paradise.
JN 20:17, AC 1:3 Jesus was not raised until the third day and did not ascend until at least forty days later.
Answer:
After Jesus died He went into paradise spiritually (1 Peter 3.18-19) and took the souls of believers with Him into heaven at His ascension (v22). The locality of Paradise is different than Heaven. Paradise is next to Sheol in the heart of the Earth, Heaven is the domain of God.
Is God Greater Than Jesus
JN 1:1, 10:30 Jesus and God are one.
JN 14:28 God is greater than Jesus.
JN 1:1 Jesus was God incarnate.
AC 2:22 Jesus was a man approved by God.
JN 10:30 Jesus and the Father are one, (i.e., equal).
JN 14:28 The Father is greater than Jesus.
Answer:
Jesus was equal with God but made Himself of no reputation (Phil 2.5-7) but took the form of a servant. This is a great mystery of incarnation as seen in Isaiah 53, that He laid aside all His splendor for us. Jesus was God made flesh (John 1.14).
Believers are to Judge or Not
JN 3:17, 8:15, 12:47 Jesus does not judge.
JN 5:22, 5:27-30, 9:39, AC 10:42, 2CO 5:10 Jesus does judge.
JN 5:22 God does not judge.
RO 2:2-5, 3:19, 2TH 1:5, 1PE 1:17 God does judge.
JN 5:24 Believers do not come into judgment.
MT 12:36, 2CO 5:10, HE 9:27, 1PE 1:17, JU 1:14-15, RE 20:12-13 All persons (including believers) come into judgment.
Answer:
All points are true, you have to understand the context of each point. All beings that have sinned will face judgment. Believers has passed from death to life already (John 5.24), however they will face a judgment from Christ for rewards, called the bema seat (2 Corin 5.10). God will judge all the dead at the last resurrection as we see in Revelation 20.11-15.
Jesus Testimony about Himself is True or Not
JN 5:31 Jesus says that if he bears witness to himself, his testimony is not true.
JN 8:14 Jesus says that even if he bears witness to himself, his testimony is true.
Answer:
Jesus is referring to Deuteronomy 17.6 that states the testimony of two or more witnesses is to be taken as true. In John 8 the Pharisees confront Jesus and Jesus affirms this law in verse 17, and says the Father is His second witness in verse 18. We see the same thing in both chapter 5 and 8.
Choice or God leads us to Jesus
JN 5:38-47 Men have a choice as to whether or not to receive Jesus.
JN 6:44, 65 No one can come to Jesus unless he is drawn by the Father.
Answer:
John 1.12 says that those who receive Christ and believe in His name, God gave the right to become children of God. Romans 8.28 says God works all thing together for the good of those that love God and are called according to His purpose. John 6.40 says it is My Fathers will that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life. Jeremiah 31.3 says that God draws us with an everlasting love.
The Bible makes it clear that God’s calling is upon those that believe, it is mans responsibility to believe.
Scripture Quoted in John 7.38
JN 7:38 Jesus quotes a statement that he says appears in scripture (i.e., the OT). Out of his heart will flow rivers of living waters.
(No such statement is found in the OT.)
Answer:
Jeremiah 2.13 says “My people have committed two sins; they have forsaken me the spring of living water and have dug their own cisterns that cannot hold water.” If God is the fountain of living water, we are supposed to drink it as implied in the text, further from believers will flow this living water. Jesus expounded upon the verses and the meaning of verses in the Old Testament.
Jesus Followers Can Be Lost or Not
JN 10:27-29 None of Jesus’ followers will be lost.
1TIM 4:1 Some of them will be lost.
Answer:
Those that abandon the faith are non-believers or those that received the word but it did not mix with faith (Heb 4.2). True believers will continue in the faith and never turn away.
JN 17:12 Jesus has lost none of his disciples other than Judas.
JN 18:9 Jesus said “I did not lose a single one of those You gave Me.
Answer:
Jesus will never lose those that are His, all believers are saved for they are given by the Father. Judas Iscariot was not a believer, but a perfect example of the false believer.
The World Belongs to Jesus or the Devil
JN 12:31 The Devil is the ruler (or “prince”) of this world.
1CO 10:26, RE 1:5 Jesus is the ruler of kings–the earth is his.
Answer:
God is the King of kings and Lord of lords (Rev 19.16). The Devil stole the ruler ship of the Earth from humanity and became the prince of this world that we wrestle with (Eph 6.12). In the spiritual world there are Rulers over rulers and Lords over lords.
Does Jesus Tell His Disciples Where He is Going
JN 13:36 Peter asks Jesus where he is going. Jesus replied, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.”
JN 14:5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus said I am the way.
JN 16:5 But now I go away to Him who sent Me, and none of you asks Me, ‘Where are You going?’ But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart.
Answer:
Jesus is not making a specific statement here; He is asking the question again for them because none of them understood what He was talking about throughout the conversation. He wanted them to understand that He was leaving the world and going to His Father in Heaven. They kept thinking He was talking about leaving the country (John 13.37).
Son of Perdition in the Old Testament
JN 17:12 Mentions a “son of perdition” as appearing in scripture (meaning the OT).
(Note: There is no “son of perdition” mentioned in the OT.)
Answer:
Christ never said there was a ‘son of perdition’ that appeared in the Old Testament by that exact name. He simply says that the scriptures are fulfilled ‘in’ the son of perdition being lost. Jesus called Judas the son of perdition, and the scriptures mentioned about this man being fulfilled are in the following; Ps 41.9, Ps 109.8 and Acts 1.20.
Is the Truth Evident or Does Jesus Bear it
JN 18:37 Jesus came into the world to bear witness to the truth.
RO 1:18-20 The truth has always been evident.
Answer:
Both statements are true. God’s glory is evident all around us and Jesus came to bear witness to those truths.
Prophecy in John 20.9
JN 20:9 They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.
(No such statement is found in the OT.)
Answer:
Psalms 16.10 states ‘Because You did not abandon Me to Hell, nor will You let Your Faithful One see decay.’ This is one of the prophecies about Christ rising form the dead.
All of Jesus Works Could or Could Not Be Put Into a Book
JN 21:25 The world probably could not contain the books if all that Jesus did were to be recorded.
AC 1:1 The author of Acts has already written about all that Jesus began to do.
Answer:
In Acts 1.1 Luke referring to his former book (the Gospel according to Luke) he wrote about all that Jesus began to do and teach. He never stated that he wrote about every single thing Jesus did.
Are We to Obey the Laws of Men
AC 5:19, 12:6-11 The disciples take part in a jailbreak made possible by an angel.
AC 5:40-42 The disciples disobey the Council and continue to teach and preach Jesus.
RO 13:1-4, 1PE 2:13-15 Obey the laws of men (i.e., government). It is the will of God.
AC 5:29 Obey God, not men.
RO 13:1-4, 1PE 2:13-15 Obey the laws of men (i.e., government). It is the will of God.
Answer:
Believers are to obey God always. God created governments to enforce Gods law by protecting the people and punish evil doers. God allows governments to become corrupt due to the evil or disobedience of the people, when this happens the morality of governors will become corrupt (Ecc 5.8). When the corrupt governments oppose God, it is the duty of a believer to obey God’s laws.
Paul’s Companions Hear a Voice or Not
AC 9:7 Those present at Paul’s conversion heard the voice but saw no one.
AC 22:9 They saw a light but did not hear a voice.
AC 9:7 Those present at Paul’s conversion stood.
AC 26:14 They fell to the ground.
Answer:
The word for voice in the Greek is ‘Phone,’ meaning sound, tone, speech, voice. This word has a diversity of meanings, so when it is said they hear some kind of ‘sound’ in Acts 9.7 it is accurate. The direct translation for Acts 22.9 is they did not understand, or they could not hear the ‘voice’, they understood there was something being said to Paul but they really couldn’t hear Jesus voice, the ESV gives us this translation.
Paul and his companions fell that the first instance of the light, afterwards they stood up.
Which Apostles Did Paul See After Conversion
AC 9:19-28 Shortly after his conversion, Paul went to Damascus, then Jerusalem where he was introduced to the Apostles by Barnabas, and there spent some time with them (going in and out among them).
GA 1:15-20 He made the trip three years later, then saw only Peter and James.
Answer:
Acts 9.27 says Barnabas brought Saul to the Apostles in Damascus and ‘after many days’ in verse 23 (his 3 years in Arabia) returned to Damascus then came to Jerusalem (v.26). During this time period Paul tells us that he only met the Apostles Peter and James. In Acts 22 Paul recounts these events but is told in verse 21 to go to the Gentiles, perfectly fitting Galatians 1.21.
The Governor or Jews Attempted to Seize Paul
AC 9:23 The governor attempted to seize Paul.
2CO 11:32 It was the Jews who tried to seize Paul.
Answer:
Yes, just like with Jesus, both groups set out to condemn anyone that influenced the people.
Does God Show Partiality
AC 10:34, RO 2:11 God shows no partiality. He treats all alike.
RO 9:11-13 God hated Esau and loved Jacob even before their birth.
AC 10:34, RO 2:11 God shows no partiality. He treats all alike.
RO 9:18 God has mercy on whoever he chooses, etc.
Answer:
Romans 9 deals with the doctrines of predestination and the foreknowledge of events. God tells us plainly why He chose Jacob and hated Esau, Esau was a man that rejected faith and was given to sensuality and worldliness (Heb 12.16) and Jacob was a man of faith (Heb 11.21).
Preaching in Asia was Forbidden or Not
AC 16:6 The Holy Spirit forbids preaching in Asia.
AC 19:8-10 Paul preaches in Asia anyway.
Answer:
God opened various opportunities at various times; it was God’s plan to spread the gospel over the whole world. Even if this wasn’t the case it would be an example of disobedience not contradiction.
Jesus Quoted in Acts 20.35
AC 20:35 Quotes Jesus as having said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
(No such statement of Jesus is found elsewhere in the Bible.)
Answer:
Jesus most likely said many things that are not recorded in the Gospels accounts; however the Gospels still gave to us everything God wanted us to have. Paul is simply giving us insight into one of these sayings. Jesus taught this concept throughout the gospels in principle; by giving to your enemies (Luke 6.27-31), do to others as you would have them do to you (Matt 7.12), and the Lord teaches to serve others with thankfulness and giving, as you have freely received so freely give (Matt 10.8).
Does Sin Exist Where there is No Law
RO 2:12 All who have sinned without the law will perish without the law.
RO 4:15 Where there is no law there is no transgression (sin).
Answer:
The book of Romans contains a lot of theology, and without understanding specific context of a referred verse, it can get misunderstood very easily. Romans chapter 2 explains that gentiles who did not have the law of the Jews will perish without the law of the Jews, because they had the moral law that bore witness to God’s law. Romans chapter 4 speaks about transgression, stating that you cannot sin if you didn’t know what the law was. However the truth about the moral law and conscience still remains, as our conscience bear witness of God’s law in our hearts (Rom 7.9).
Teaching is in on our Heart or From Jesus
RO 2:15 The law is written on the heart. Conscience teaches right from wrong.
1JN 2:27 Anointing by Jesus teaches right from wrong about all things.
Answer:
The anointing in 1 John2.27 is speaking to the anointing of the Holy Spirit, who teaches believers about all things in the understanding of righteousness (john 16.13). Morality is apparent to all humanity as God has put a conscience into every man.
Scripture Reference in Romans 10.11
RO 10:11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame
(no such statement in the OT.)
Answer:
Isaiah 28.16 – “whoever puts their trust in Him will not be put to shame.”
Do or Do Not Get Married
1CO 7:8-9 Widows should not marry (although it is better to marry than burn).
TI 5:14 Young widows should marry, bear children, rule the household, etc..
Answer:
Understand the reason why each teaching is in place is important. Those who are single are able to live for the Lord as there is no worldly attachment in their life (1 Corin 7.32-34), therefore if you can live your life in singleness for God this is the better way. However many cannot deal with being single without being tempted to be a busybody, getting into other people’s business, therefore they should have a spouse to keep them under control (1 Tim 5.13-16).
Number of Gods
1CO 8:4 There is only one God.
2CO 4:4 Satan is God of this world (therefore there are at least two gods).
Answer:
It is important to understand the definition and use of the word god. In Hebrew the word Elohim was used to describe any being that existed higher than humanity. God the Creator stands alone as the unique uncreated, eternal, self existing being; God is in a class of His own. All other beings were created by Him and for Him. Other created beings higher than humans are considered to be gods by many (Psalms 82).
Do or Do Not Please Man
1CO 10:33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved
GA 1:10 Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Answer:
Paul explains in 1 Corin 10 that he seeks to reach everyone by any means he can, not seeking his own profit but looking to reach out to those that are lost. In Galatians he is talking about opposing those that are perverting the gospel, and if he was trying to seek the approval of men he would not be pleasing to Christ.
Do or Do Not Be Crafty
2CO 12:16 But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile.
1TH 2:3 For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you.
Answer:
Paul in no occasion wants to deceive people to their own hurt, but desires to help everyone by sharing the gospel with them. However, he will try to help whoever he can even by means of craftiness if necessary. i.e. trying to share the gospel with someone because you care about their soul, so you wait to share it with them as a captive audience.
Bear Your Own or Others Burdens
GA 6:2 Bear one another’s burdens.
GA 6:5 Bear your own burden.
Answer:
An important lesson in life. How can you help other people (bear their burdens) if you are burdened yourself, or are under obligations that prevent you from helping others (bear your own load). There are also times in life you are able to help others bear their burden, and times in life you have to bear your own load.
Was Paul Hindered
1TH 2:2 God gave Paul the courage to continue his work.
1TH 2:17-18 Satan hindered Paul.
Answer:
Bot hare true. God gives us work for His kingdom and Satan tries to hinder us.
Is Paul a Sinner
TI 1:15 Paul says that he is the foremost of sinners.
JN 3:8-10 He who commits sin is of the Devil. Children of God do not sin.
Answer:
Paul admits his faults and we are all subject to sin as regenerated souls that are trapped in this corrupt body of death (Phil 3.21). This is a part of salvation theology.
Do or Do Not Argue with Unbelievers
TI 6:20, 2TI 2:14-16, 3:1-7 Do not argue with an unbeliever.
2JN 1:10-11 Anyone who even greets an unbeliever shares his wicked work.
1PE 3:15 Always be ready to answer any man concerning your faith.
Answer:
These are important degrees of debates and argumentation with those that will not repent from opposition with believers. Jesus tells us to try to be at peace and reach an agreement with all men (Rom 12.18). If you have a brother that will not listen, bring a witness. However if someone remains unrepentant, treat them as an outcast until they repent (Matt 18.15-17). We are always to be ready to speak with whomever God wants us to share (1 Peter 3.15). Finally if someone is a reprobate and false brother living in false doctrine, do not even greet them so it is not perceived by others that you are their friend which may stumble others (2 John 1.10)
Scripture Reference in James 4.5
JA 4:5 Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us (Or that the spirit he caused to dwell in us envies intensely; or that the Spirit he caused to dwell in us longs jealously)
(Not found in the OT.)
Answer:
James is most likely paraphrasing an Old Testament concept shown in various verses with the phrase scripture says. The Old Testament speaks of God being jealous for His people continuously, and we are spiritual beings, Exodus 20.5, 34.14; Deut 6.15; Joshua 24.19; Ps 78.58; Nahum 1.2.
All Grass is Burnt or Not in Revelation
RE 8:7 … A third of the earth was burned up, a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up …
REV 9:4 An army of locusts, which is about to be turned loose on the earth, is instructed not to harm the grass.
Answer:
Grass can recover very quickly in the right conditions. If you look at a field after a brush fire, the burnt material creates a fertile condition for grass to grow back quickly. This is because grass leaves are the only thing burnt in a fire the roots remains intact. The army of locusts comes after the grass is burnt. Another interpretation can be stated looking at verse 7, that the context of the green grass being destroyed is in the area or with the trees that were destroyed, therefore whatever was outside of the 2/3 destruction, remains untouched.
References
List of the Biggest Contradictions in the Bible – Faith Founded on Fact
Answering Supposed Contradictions in the Bible | Genesis Park
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