• 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.

    Luke 3.27 (King James Version) :
    Which was the son of Joanna, which was the son of Rhesa, which was the son of Zorobabel, which was the son of Salathiel, which was the son of Neri,
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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.

    Matthew 1.17 (King James Version) :
    So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.
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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.

    John 3.16-17 (King James Version) :
    For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
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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.

    Matthew 11.14 (King James Version) :
    And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.
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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.

    2 Samuel 7.12-16 (King James Version) :
    And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever.I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men:But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee.And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.
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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 11.12-14 (King James Version) :
    And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry:And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.
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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.

    John 13.38 (King James Version) :
    Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.
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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.

    Mark 15.21-22 (King James Version) :
    And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull.
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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.

    Matthew 27.50-51 (King James Version) :
    Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
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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.

    Matthew 27.5 (King James Version) :
    And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.
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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.

    Proverbs 21.18 (King James Version) :
    The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.
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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.

    Mark 3.16 (King James Version) :
    And Simon he surnamed Peter;
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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.

    Luke 22.39-46 (King James Version) :
    And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.
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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 17.4 (King James Version) :
    I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.
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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.

    Genesis 5.24 (King James Version) :
    And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.
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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.

    Mark 16.1 (King James Version) :
    And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.
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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.

    Luke 9.3 (King James Version) :
    And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.
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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.

    Luke 11.28-32 (King James Version) :
    But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet.For as Jonas was a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation.The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.
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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.

    Mark 10.2-8 (King James Version) :
    And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him.And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you?And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away.And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept.But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife;And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.
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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.

    Mark 10.17-18 (King James Version) :
    And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.
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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.

    Matthew 21.19 (King James Version) :
    And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate