• CTD003 Does Jesus descend from Solomon or Nathan?

    The article discusses the divergence between Jesus' genealogies in the Gospels, asking whether he descends from Solomon or Nathan. By analysing the historical contexts and various hypotheses, it concludes that this difference is not a significant contradiction but a complex question concerning biblical genealogies.

    Matthew 1.6 (King James Version) :
    And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;
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    Level: Intermediate Audience: Beginners

  • CTD004 Who is Shealtiel's father?

    This article examines the alleged contradiction in the Gospels concerning Shealtiel's father. It proposes understanding the genealogical discrepancy as a difference in the ways kinship was established in biblical times, rather than as a contradiction.

    Deuteronomy 25.5-6 (King James Version) :
    If brethren dwell together, and one of them die, and have no child, the wife of the dead shall not marry without unto a stranger: her husband’s brother shall go in unto her, and take her to him to wife, and perform the duty of an husband’s brother unto her.Noteher husband’s…: or, her next kinsmanNotebrother’s: or, next kinsman’sAnd it shall be, that the firstborn which she beareth shall succeed in the name of his brother which is dead, that his name be not put out of Israel.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • CTD006 Who is Jeconiah's father?

    The article explores an apparent contradiction in the Bible concerning Jeconiah's father between Matthew and Chronicles. By analysing these perspectives, it shows that these are differences in the presentation of genealogies, without genuine contradictions.

    2 Kings 24.6 (King James Version) :
    So Jehoiakim slept with his fathers: and Jehoiachin his son reigned in his stead.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • CTD007 The exact number of generations in Matthew?

    The article examines the apparent discrepancy between thirteen and fourteen generations announced in Matthew 1.17, resolved by including Mary in the genealogy. This reflects a theological intention in which the Messiah is not fathered by a man but conceived by the Holy Spirit, thus restoring the coherence of Scripture.

    Matthew 1.12-16 (King James Version) :
    And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor;And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud;And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob;And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • CTD009 Was John the Baptist the Elijah who was to come?

    Jesus regards John the Baptist as the prophesied Elijah, indicating a symbolic mission, but John denies this identity literally, according to John 1:19-21. This distinction between mission and personal identity clarifies an apparent biblical contradiction.

    John 1.19-21 (King James Version) :
    And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • CTD010 Would Jesus inherit David's throne?

    The article clarifies an apparent contradiction concerning Jesus and David's throne. It explains how the genealogies in Matthew and Luke, though distinct, complement one another to establish Jesus' legitimacy both legally and by natural descent, without a connection to Jehoiakim's cursed line.

    Jeremiah 36.30 (King James Version) :
    Therefore thus saith the LORD of Jehoiakim king of Judah; He shall have none to sit upon the throne of David: and his dead body shall be cast out in the day to the heat, and in the night to the frost.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • CTD019 Jesus' testimony?

    The article 'CTD019 - Jesus' testimony?' examines an alleged contradiction in the Gospel of John concerning Jesus' testimony. Jesus acknowledges human legal standards but emphasises the divine truth of his identity. In John 5,31, he aligns himself with human criteria for truthfulness, while in John 8,14, he affirms the validity of his divine testimony.

    John 8.12 (King James Version) :
    Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • CTD021 The cursed fig tree?

    This article explores the supposed contradiction between two biblical accounts of the fig tree cursed by Jesus in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, finding complementary perspectives in them.

    Mark 11.20-21 (King James Version) :
    And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • CTD023 Peter's denial?

    This article examines the apparent contradiction in the Gospels concerning Peter's denial. It concludes that, although John and Mark present variations, they agree on the fulfilment of Jesus' prediction. The accounts are complementary, not contradictory.

    Mark 14.72 (King James Version) :
    And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • CTD024 Does Jesus carry his cross?

    The article explores the alleged biblical contradiction between the Gospels concerning whether Jesus carried his cross alone or with the help of Simon of Cyrene. The analysis reveals that the accounts are complementary, showing that Jesus began carrying the patibulum but was helped by Simon under Roman compulsion. The Gospels agree on the historical sequence, emphasising the need to read Gospel texts in their overall context.

    Matthew 27.31-32 (King James Version) :
    And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • CTD025 The veil of the temple?

    This article discusses the alleged contradiction concerning the timing of Jesus' death and the tearing of the Temple curtain. The authors of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke do not aim at precise chronology but symbolically emphasise the opening of access to the divine presence.

    Luke 23.44-46 (King James Version) :
    And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • CTD026 The parables?

    This article discusses Jesus' parables, clarifying the absence of contradiction between their public and private interpretations. Parables are a teaching tool, not secret teachings.

    Matthew 13.10-11 (King James Version) :
    And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • CTD028 The robbers on the cross?

    This article explores how the accounts of Mark and Luke concerning the robbers crucified with Jesus complement each other. Mark describes the initial mockery, while Luke reveals one robber's repentance, highlighting his spiritual development.

    Luke 23.32-33 (King James Version) :
    And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • CTD029 When did Jesus ascend to heaven?

    This article explores the apparent contradiction between Luke 23.43 and John 20.17 concerning Jesus' ascension. It proposes that the term "today" indicates the certainty of the divine promise rather than an immediate action, highlighting the harmony of the Gospels when examined in their eschatological context.

    Luke 23.43 (King James Version) :
    And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • CTD030 Judas's pay?

    The article analyses an apparent contradiction in the Bible concerning the use of Judas' money. The Gospels present two perspectives on responsibility for, and attribution of, the purchase of a field, emphasising that there is no genuine contradiction but a coherent account that is more symbolic than literal.

    Matthew 27.6-7 (King James Version) :
    And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter’s field, to bury strangers in.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • CTD031 The death of Judas?

    This article examines Judas Iscariot's death, described differently in Matthew and Acts. Although these accounts seem contradictory, reading them together shows that they complement each other. Matthew speaks of Judas' hanging, while Acts describes the fall of his body, forming a coherent account.

    Acts 1.18 (King James Version) :
    Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • CTD033 Jesus as the ransom?

    This article analyses the notion of ransom in the Bible and refutes apparent contradictions. It distinguishes the uses of the term in the New and Old Testaments, highlighting their complementary nature. Jesus offers his life as a ransom for all, while Proverbs expresses a moral principle of protection for the righteous.

    1 Timothy 2.5-6 (King James Version) :
    For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • CTD037 Matthew's real name?

    The article discusses the identity of the disciple Matthew, also called Levi in some Gospels. It explains that this variation in name reflects 1st-century naming practices, when people often had several names depending on their social and religious contexts.

    Matthew 9.9 (King James Version) :
    And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • CTD040 How many times did Jesus withdraw from his disciples to pray?

    The article discusses the Gospel accounts of Jesus' prayers at Gethsemane. While Matthew and Mark report Jesus withdrawing three times to pray, Luke mentions only one withdrawal, illustrating a distinctive theological approach without contradicting the other Gospels.

    Mark 14.32-42 (King James Version) :
    And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray.And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy;And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour?Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words.And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him.And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • CTD044 What were Jesus' last words before his death?

    This article examines the alleged contradiction between Luke and John concerning Jesus' last words. Luke mentions "Father, I commit my spirit", while John reports "It is finished". The analysis reveals that these statements are complementary, illustrating two dimensions of Jesus' death: the fulfilment of salvation and the entrusting of his spirit to the Father. The differences highlight each evangelist's unique theological perspective.

    John 19.28 (King James Version) :
    After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • CTD045 Did the centurion come to Jesus in person?

    The article examines a contradiction between Matthew and Luke concerning the encounter between Jesus and the centurion at Capernaum. Matthew describes a direct encounter, while Luke mentions intermediaries. The differences are explained by the principle of representation, the progression of events, and differing editorial styles. These variations do not alter the substance of the accounts.

    Matthew 8.5-13 (King James Version) :
    And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • CTD046 Has anyone ascended to heaven apart from Jesus?

    The article examines the apparent contradiction between Jesus' statements in John 3.13 and the account of Elijah being taken up in 2 Kings 2.11. It explains that Jesus is speaking of a unique divine authority and heavenly revelation that he alone possesses, whereas Elijah is miraculously transported by God. The term “heaven” has various meanings, and definitive access to the divine presence is linked solely to Jesus.

    John 3.13 (King James Version) :
    And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • CTD047 The burial of Jesus: spices and linen shroud

    The article examines the alleged contradiction between the Gospels of John and Mark on the burial of Jesus. John reports an initial funerary preparation by Nicodemus before the Sabbath, while Mark describes an intention of the women, after the Sabbath, to complete this preparation. The article concludes that the accounts are complementary, illustrating a common tribute paid to Jesus.

    John 19.39-40 (King James Version) :
    And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • CTD061 Peter's mother-in-law

    The article analyses the Gospel accounts of the healing of Peter's mother-in-law, highlighting divergences between Matthew, Mark and Luke. It explores the theological implications of the differences and emphasises the richness contributed by each account.

    Mark 1.29-31 (King James Version) :
    And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her.And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • CTD067 The staff for the journey

    The article explores the apparent contradiction in the Gospels concerning the use of a staff on missionary journeys, comparing the accounts of Matthew, Mark, and Luke and proposing a harmonious interpretation.

    Matthew 10.9-10 (King James Version) :
    Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • CTD068 The sign of Jonah

    The article addresses the apparent contradiction concerning 'the sign of Jonah' between Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. It explains the divergences through the Gospels' different audiences and their common aim of emphasising the importance of proclaiming the kingdom of heaven.

    Matthew 16.1-4 (King James Version) :
    The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • CTD072 Word of God or word of Moses?

    This article examines a discrepancy between Matthew and Mark concerning divorce. It explains that Jesus speaks differently according to his audience: Jews, for whom divine law is intrinsically linked to Moses, and non-Jews, for whom a direct mention of Moses is more understandable. Both Gospels are considered faithful despite their distinct approaches.

    Exodus 31.18 (King James Version) :
    And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • CTD073 Eternal life

    The article "Eternal Life" discusses a young man's question to Jesus about eternal life in the Synoptic Gospels, showing that the accounts contain no significant contradiction but offer mutually enriching perspectives.

    Matthew 19.16-17 (King James Version) :
    And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • CTD076 The cursed fig tree

    The article analyses the alleged biblical contradiction between Matthew's and Mark's accounts of the cursed fig tree, concluding that the two perspectives offer a complementary understanding of the same event.

    Mark 11.20 (King James Version) :
    And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate