New testament contradictions
A popular topic among biblical scholars and skeptics alike! While the New Testament (NT) is considered to be a reliable and accurate account of the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, there are indeed some apparent contradictions and discrepancies within its pages. Here are some examples:
1. The Genealogies of Jesus
Matthew 1:1-17 and Luke 3:23-38 provide two different genealogies of Jesus. Matthew's genealogy is traced back to Abraham, while Luke's is traced back to Adam. The two lists differ in several names and the order of the names.
2. The Birthplace of Jesus
Matthew 2:1 says Jesus was born in Bethlehem, while Luke 2:4 says he was born in Nazareth.
3. The Number of Angels at Jesus' Tomb
Matthew 28:2-3 says there were two angels at Jesus' tomb, while Luke 24:4 says there were more than two.
4. The Time of Jesus' Resurrection
Matthew 28:1 says Jesus was crucified at the third hour (9:00 AM), while Mark 15:25 says it was the sixth hour (12:00 PM).
5. The Appearance of Jesus to the Disciples
John 20:19 says Jesus appeared to the disciples behind locked doors, while Luke 24:33-43 says he appeared to them while they were on the road to Emmaus.
6. The Number of People at the Last Supper
Matthew 26:20 says Jesus had 12 apostles at the Last Supper, while John 13:26 says there were only 11.
7. The Timing of Jesus' Baptism
Matthew 3:13-17 says Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, while Luke 3:21-22 says Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist after John had already been arrested.
8. The Purpose of Jesus' Baptism
Matthew 3:13-15 says Jesus was baptized to fulfill all righteousness, while Mark 1:9-11 says Jesus was baptized to identify with sinners.
9. The Length of Jesus' Ministry
Matthew 4:23 says Jesus began his ministry in Galilee, while Mark 1:14 says he began his ministry in Judea.
10. The Number of People Who Saw Jesus Ascend into Heaven
Acts 1:9 says Jesus was seen ascending into heaven by his disciples, while Luke 24:50-51 says only Peter, James, John, and two angels saw him ascend.
Now, before we dive into the possible explanations for these contradictions, it's essential to note that:
- The NT was written in a different cultural and linguistic context than modern times.
- The authors of the NT were not historians in the modern sense, but rather theologians and eyewitnesses who aimed to convey the significance of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.
- The NT is not a single, cohesive narrative, but rather a collection of letters, gospels, and other writings that were written over several decades.
With these factors in mind, here are some possible explanations for the contradictions:
- Different perspectives: The authors of the NT wrote from their own unique perspectives, which may have led to differences in their accounts.
- Emphasis on different aspects: The authors may have emphasized different aspects of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, which could have resulted in apparent contradictions.
- Inconsistencies in transmission: The NT was transmitted orally before being written down, which may have introduced errors or inconsistencies.
- Symbolic or metaphorical language: Some apparent contradictions may be due to the use of symbolic or metaphorical language, which can be difficult to interpret.
Ultimately, while the NT contains apparent contradictions, they do not necessarily undermine the reliability or accuracy of the accounts. Many scholars believe that the NT is a reliable and trustworthy record of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, despite the apparent contradictions.