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…
