Studies 1 to 7
Biblical Apologetics
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CTD011
The colt and the donkey?
Article CTD011 responds to an alleged contradiction about the number of animals at Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. Mark and Luke mention a colt, while Matthew mentions a donkey and her colt. The author shows that this is not a contradiction but a difference of focus: Matthew, writing for a Jewish audience, emphasizes the literal fulfillment of the prophecy in Zechariah 9.9. Jesus rode only one animal, the colt, but the donkey's presence is mentioned for its prophetic and practical context.
Matthew 21.7 (King James Version) :And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
CTD012
Peter’s discovery?
Article CTD012 addresses an alleged contradiction between John 1.41 and Matthew 16.17 concerning Peter's discovery of Jesus' messianic identity. These two passages actually describe two complementary stages: an initial human announcement made by Andrew, followed by an inward divine revelation confirmed by Jesus himself. Peter's faith is a gradual journey, not a single event.
Matthew 16.13-17 (King James Version) :When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
CTD013
Jesus’ meeting with Peter?
Article CTD013 addresses a classic objection: where did Jesus first meet Peter and Andrew? Matthew places the encounter in Galilee, John on the banks of the Jordan. The article demonstrates that these are two distinct stages: an initial encounter in Judea (John), followed by a definitive call in Galilee (Matthew). The two accounts are complementary, not contradictory, and illustrate the gradual development of the disciples' calling.
John 1.41-42 (King James Version) :He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
CTD014
Jairus' daughter
Article CTD014 examines the alleged contradiction between Matthew 9.18 and Mark 5.23 concerning the condition of Jairus's daughter. Matthew says she is dead, Mark that she is dying. The analysis shows that these accounts are complementary: Mark describes a narrative progression in which the death occurs along the way, while Matthew condenses the event by presenting the final condition directly. There is no contradiction, but two distinct editorial styles recounting the same miracle.
Mark 5.22 (King James Version) :And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet,King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
CTD015
The staff for the journey
Article CTD015 addresses an Islamic objection concerning an alleged Gospel contradiction: did Jesus permit or forbid a staff on the disciples' mission? Mark 6.8 permits it, while Matthew 10.9-10 and Luke 9.3 seem to forbid it. The analysis shows that Matthew and Luke state the general principle of travelling unencumbered, while Mark clarifies that a staff, an everyday object already owned, is not covered by this prohibition. There is therefore no contradiction, but complementary teaching.
Luke 9.2-3 (King James Version) :And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
CTD016
John the Baptist risen from the dead?
Article CTD016 examines the alleged contradiction between Matthew 14.2, Mark 6.14 and Luke 9.7-9 concerning Herod Antipas' opinion of Jesus. Luke portrays Herod as uncertain, while Matthew and Mark report his private statement identifying Jesus with John the Baptist raised from the dead. The author demonstrates that there is no contradiction but a complementary narrative, explained by the publishing constraints of the first century.
Luke 9.7-9 (King James Version) :Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead;And of some, that Elias had appeared; and of others, that one of the old prophets was risen again.And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
CTD043
In which language did Jesus speak?
Article CTD043 addresses the alleged contradiction between Matthew (“Eli, Eli…”) and Mark (“Eloï, Eloï…”) regarding Jesus’ cry on the cross. Linguistic analysis shows that Jesus spoke Aramaic (as evidenced by “sabachthani” in both texts) and that the difference between “Eli” (the Hebrew form) and “Eloï” (the Aramaic form) simply reflects each evangelist’s adaptation to his readership. There is no contradiction.
Matthew 27.46 (King James Version) :And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org