Earlier we discussed whether Jesus healed one man or two men on His journey between Jericho and Jerusalem (Matthew 20:29–34; Mark 10:46–52; Luke 18:35–43). At least one additional problem presents itself in these three passages. Luke 18:35 says that Jesus was approaching (or, entering) Jericho. But Mark 10:46 says, “as He was leaving Jericho,” and […]
The Synoptic Gospels’ Inerrancy: Entering or Leaving Jericho? Read More »
The synoptic Gospels seem to put different words into Peter’s mouth when he makes his statement regarding the identity of Jesus. Compare the following: Matthew 16:16, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Mark 8:29, “You are the Christ.” Luke 9:20, “The Christ of God.” In our thinking the event was so
The Synoptic Gospels’ Inerrancy: What Did Peter Say? Read More »
In ancient Israel people often used the Persian reed (Arundo donax—a tall reed growing up to eighteen feet or more high; also known as giant cane) for a walking stick. Other uses for this reed included fishing rods, measuring rods, and musical pipes.[1] Some individuals may have chosen a wooden stick (a staff) for greater stability
The Synoptic Gospels’ Inerrancy: How Many Walking Sticks? Read More »
Let’s return to the synoptic Gospels’ reporting of the healing of the demon-possessed men (or man?) from Gadara (Matthew 8:28–34; Mark 5:1–20; Luke 8:26–39). We dealt with the apparent geographical contradiction in our first post. At least one more problem exists when we compare these passages. According to Matthew, two demon-possessed men approached Jesus. However,
The Synoptic Gospels’ Inerrancy: How Many People? Read More »
Matthew 8:5–13 reports the miracle of Jesus healing a Roman centurion’s servant. Matthew seems to say the centurion himself approached Jesus with the request. Luke 7:1–10, however, speaks only of some Jewish leaders coming to Jesus with the centurion’s request. Is there a mistake in one of these two Gospel accounts? A possible answer to
The Synoptic Gospels’ Inerrancy: Misrepresentation of Persons Read More »
Both God and men play a role in the production of Scripture. We speak of that factor as the confluent nature of Scripture. Such confluency allows for the human authors to differ in vocabulary, phraseology, literary style, and purposes. God chose each writer for the purpose and means He had in mind. Differences in the
The Synoptic Gospels’ Inerrancy: Authors’ Choices Read More »
Sometimes an apparent contradiction arises from a translation, not from the text in its original language. Matthew 16:13 in the King James Version (KJV) reads, “When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, . . .” Mark 8:27 says, “And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: . .
The Synoptic Gospels’ Inerrancy: Translation Differences Read More »
Four Gospels, four viewpoints—do they lead to inconsistency in their testimony concerning the words and deeds of Jesus Christ? Apart from all of their similarities, what should readers do when they find apparent contradictions? Are the Gospels fully trustworthy or in need of some sort of adjustment? Those who deny the inerrancy and authority of
The Synoptic Gospels’ Inerrancy: Geographical Realities Read More »
Psalm 4:8-9 (Hebrew verse numbering for the English vv. 7-8) bring us to the end of the body of this Davidic psalm. These two verses display a good deal of emphasis by means of literary devices, grammatical structure, and vocabulary. Thus, the psalm ends with a burst of emotion and truths that seal its message on the hearts
Hebrew Whiteboard Update Read More »
The Master’s University hosted the Creation Summit 2017 on February 24-25. Dr. Abner Chou opened the summit with his TMU Chapel message on Friday, February 24. On Saturday, February 25, Dr. Todd Wood, myself, and Dr. John MacArthur spoke in the day’s three sessions. The sessions were well attended for the topic, “God’s First Man.” The
Creation Summit, The Master’s University Read More »
