← Reliability of the Scriptures and doctrines

Apparent Contradictions in the Gospels

  • 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.

    Isaiah 62.11 (King James Version) :
    Behold, the LORD hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • 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 16.17 (King James Version) :
    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
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • 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
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • 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 5.35 (King James Version) :
    While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • 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.

    Mark 6.7-9 (King James Version) :
    And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse:But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • 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
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • 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.

    Luke 4.16-21 (King James Version) :
    And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate