Objections answered
Isn't the Bible full of contradictions?
Most alleged contradictions are differences of detail and emphasis, the kind expected from independent witnesses. Read in context, the Gospels agree on everything central.
How to read the differences
Ancient writers summarised speeches, arranged events by theme and named only some of the people present. One Gospel mentions one angel at the tomb and another two: if there were two, there was one. Differences like these are what independent witnesses produce.
A useful rule: before calling something a contradiction, ask whether both statements could be true at once.
11Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.
Acts 17:11 (WEB) · context
3it seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the first, to write to you in order, most excellent Theophilus;
Luke 1:3 (WEB) · context
Sources
- Craig L. Blomberg, The Historical Reliability of the Gospels, 2nd edition (IVP, 2007)
- Michael R. Licona, Why Are There Differences in the Gospels? (Oxford, 2017)
Why the evidence matters
If Jesus rose, His offer is real
God loves you and gave His Son so that whoever believes in Him should not perish.