Many believers will object that, through the device of dream revelation, God provided for both Jesus’ escape to Egypt and his safe resettlement in Nazareth some time afterward, thereby thwarting Herod’s plans to have him killed. But this hardly demonstrates wisdom or virtue on God’s part, given that the crisis that God seeks to redress…
Tag: Matthew
Matthew vs. Paul: Bart Ehrman and the faith vs. works controversy revisited
If Matthew, who wrote some twenty-five or thirty years after Paul, ever read any of Paul’s letters, he certainly did not find them inspiring, let alone inspired. Matthew has a different view of the law from Paul. Matthew thinks that the followers of Jesus need to keep the law. In fact, they need to keep…
Does Matthew quote the wrong prophet? Bart Ehrman on Jeremiah and Zechariah
Why does Matthew quote the wrong prophet? When Matthew indicates that Judas betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, he notes (as by now we expect of him) that this was in fulfillment of Scripture: “Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah, ‘And they took the thirty pieces of silver…and they…
Jesus rode into Jerusalem on one or two donkeys? The Triumphal Entry in the Gospels
When Jesus entered Jerusalem during the Triumphal Entry, how many animals did he ride? It seems like there should be an obvious answer: he rode one animal, a donkey or a colt. And that in fact is what is said in three of the Gospels, including Mark 11:7. In Matthew’s Gospel, however, this triumphal act…
God’s Word and Contradictions: Sworn Enemies, Part 3
Scriptures: Romans 16:25-27 1 Corinthians 15:3-19 2 Timothy 3:14-17 James 2:18-24 James 4:1-6 2 Peter 1:16-21 2 Peter 3:14-16 Service Music Opening Selection: “Speak To My Heart” (artist: Donnie McClurkin) “Word of God Speak” by Mercy Me “Word of Life” by Jeremy Camp Intermediate Selection: “Ancient Words” by Michael W. Smith Inspirational Selection:…
Women at the Tomb: Examining Bart Ehrman’s claim of contradictory reports
Who actually went to the tomb? Was it Mary alone (John 20:1)? Mary and another Mary (Matthew 28:1)? Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome (Mark 16:1)? Or women who had accompanied Jesus from Galilee to Jerusalem — possibly Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and “other women” (Luke 24:1; see…
God’s Word and Contradictions: Sworn Enemies, Part 2
Scriptures: John 17:14-17 Acts 1:15-22 Acts 17:10-11 Acts 18:24-28 Romans 15:1-4 Service Music Opening Selection: “Speak To My Heart” (artist: Donnie McClurkin) “Word of God Speak” by Mercy Me “Word of Life” by Jeremy Camp Intermediate Selection: “Ancient Words” by Michael W. Smith Inspirational Selection: “Speak, O Lord” by Keith & Kristyn Getty Closing…
One young man, one angel, or two angels? Bart Ehrman on the Gospel discrepancies
The same problem occurs in the accounts of Jesus’ resurrection. On the third day after Jesus’ death, the women go to the tomb to anoint his body for burial. And whom do they see there? Do they see a man, as Mark says, or two men (Luke), or an angel (Matthew)? This is normally reconciled…
Matthew’s wise men and Luke’s shepherds: answering the claim of contradiction
But it’s misleading to say “Matthew and Luke.” One might better say “Matthew vs. Luke,” for the Gospels bearing their names contradict each other on almost every detail. The popular image of shepherds and wise men side by side before the cradle? Matthew says wise men. Luke says shepherds. Neither says both. [Tom Flynn,…
God’s Word and Contradictions: Sworn Enemies, Part 1
Audio Message: Scriptures: Matthew 26:47-56; Mark 12:18-27; Luke 4:16-21 Luke 24:44-48; John 7:38-42; John 10:34-36; John 13:18-19; John 17:9-17 Service Music Opening Selection: “Speak To My Heart” (artist: Donnie McClurkin) “Word of God Speak” by Mercy Me “Word of Life” by Jeremy Camp Intermediate Selection: “Ancient Words” by Michael W. Smith Inspirational Selection: “Speak,…
“Before the rooster crows”: reconciling Jesus’ prediction in Mark 14 and Matthew 26
In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus tells Peter that he will deny him three times “before the cock crows twice.” In Matthew’s Gospel he tells him that it will be “before the cock crows.” Well, which is it —before the cock crows once or twice? When I was in college I purchased a book that was intent…
Defending the Gospels of Matthew and Luke: A Response to Richard Dawkins
When the gospels were written, many years after Jesus’ death, nobody knew where he was born. But an Old Testament prophecy (Micah 5:2) had led Jews to expect that the long-awaited Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. In the light of this prophecy, John’s gospel specifically remarks that his followers were surprised that he was…
