Give a reason · 1 Peter 3:15
Isn't the Bible full of contradictions?
The objection
The Gospels disagree on names, numbers and the order of events. If God inspired the Bible it shouldn't contradict itself, and if it does, why trust any of it?
What the evidence shows
- 01The Gospels do differ in detail.
Mark has one young man at the tomb, Luke has two men. Mark has the Last Supper as the Passover meal; John has Jesus crucified on the day of preparation.
- 02Scholars read the Gospels as ancient biographies.
They fit Greco-Roman biography, a genre usually written soon after the subject's death with substantial historical material, selected for a purpose.
The Christian case
- 01Ancient biographers worked this way.ArgumentMichael Licona
Licona argues the Gospel differences match the standard writing practices of Greco-Roman biographers, not careless error.
- 02Selection, not invention.ArgumentLuke 1:1–3
Luke says he drew on eyewitness sources and set out an orderly account. John says he left much out (John 20:30–31).
What Scripture says
“But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.”John 20:31 (KJV)MeaningJohn states his purpose: belief, not a complete record.
“It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,”Luke 1:3 (KJV)MeaningLuke claims careful research behind his account.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV)MeaningThe church's view of Scripture as inspired and useful.
Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (1769 Authorized Version), public domain.
Where Christians differ
Many evangelicals hold the 1978 Chicago Statement's strict view of inerrancy. Others hold Scripture fully trustworthy in what it teaches without harmonizing every detail.
What skeptics say
Bart Ehrman's Jesus, Interrupted (2009) argues the Bible has real contradictions that scholars know about and most churchgoers are never told.
Did you know?
Around AD 166–169, a Christian named Tatian wove the four Gospels into one continuous story, the Diatessaron. Christians noticed the differences early.
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“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:”1 Peter 3:15 (KJV)
Sources
- Mark 16:5; Luke 24:4, BibleGateway (KJV)
- Mark 14:12; John 19:14, BibleGateway (KJV)
- Gospel, Wikipedia
- Michael Licona, Wikipedia
- Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy, Wikipedia
- Jesus, Interrupted (2009), Wikipedia
- Diatessaron, Wikipedia