How Can Apparent Contradictions in the Bible be Explained?

> The question of apparent contradictions or inconsistencies in the Bible is a significant one that has been addressed by Christian theologians and scholars throughout history. While skeptics may point to these as evidence against the Bible’s reliability, Christian theologians offer several approaches to understanding and resolving these apparent discrepancies.

Inerrancy and Infallibility

Many Christian theologians begin with the doctrine of biblical inerrancy, which holds that the original autographs of Scripture are without error. This doctrine is based on passages like 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Dr. Norman Geisler, in his book “Inerrancy,” writes, “Inerrancy means that when all facts are known, the Scriptures in their original autographs and properly interpreted will be shown to be wholly true in everything that they affirm, whether that has to do with doctrine or morality or with the social, physical, or life sciences.”

“Inerrancy means that when all facts are known, the Scriptures in their original autographs and properly interpreted will be shown to be wholly true in everything that they affirm, whether that has to do with doctrine or morality or with the social, physical, or life sciences.”

Norman geisler

Contextual Understanding

Many apparent contradictions can be resolved through a proper understanding of context. Dr. D.A. Carson emphasizes, “A text without a context is a pretext for a proof text. Many alleged biblical contradictions dissolve when the context is carefully examined.”

This includes considering the historical, cultural, and literary context of each passage. For example, in the New Testament, the books of Romans and James appear to present a contradiction regarding faith and works. Romans emphasizes justification by faith alone, while James stresses that faith without works is dead.

By considering the historical and cultural context, we understand that Paul in Romans addresses a Gentile audience concerned with the role of Jewish law in salvation, advocating for faith in Jesus Christ as the path to righteousness. Meanwhile, James addresses Jewish Christians who might have misunderstood Paul’s teachings as rejecting the importance of moral living. Thus, James emphasizes demonstrating genuine faith through actions. The context resolves the contradiction by showing that both authors convey complementary messages tailored to different audiences and concerns.

Genre Considerations

The Bible contains various literary genres, including history, poetry, prophecy, and letters. Dr. Gordon Fee, in “How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth,” notes, “Recognition of the various literary genres in Scripture is essential for proper interpretation. What appears contradictory in one genre may be complementary in another.”

For example, poetic language may use figurative expressions that seem to conflict with historical narratives if taken literally. In Psalms, it might say that “the mountains skipped like rams” to convey joy and vibrancy in creation. Taken literally, this would conflict with historical accounts where mountains do not actually move. Instead, it’s a figurative expression to evoke strong imagery and emotion.

Harmonization

When faced with apparent contradictions, many theologians attempt to harmonize the passages. Dr. Gleason Archer, in his “Encyclopedia of Bible Difficulties,” states, “Very often a careful study of the context and the application of sound principles of exegesis will clear up a difficulty and demonstrate that there is no contradiction at all.”

For instance, apparent discrepancies in the Gospels’ accounts of events can often be resolved by recognizing that different authors may have emphasized different aspects of the same event.
An example would be the accounts of Jesus feeding the 5,000. In the Gospel of Matthew, it mentions that Jesus gave thanks before distributing the loaves and fish, while in the Gospel of John, it emphasizes that Jesus performed this miracle to test Philip. Both accounts describe the same event but highlight different details to convey specific theological points or perspectives the authors wished to emphasize.

Copyist Errors

While affirming the inerrancy of the original autographs, theologians acknowledge that minor copyist errors may have occurred in transmission. Dr. Daniel B. Wallace explains, “The vast majority of textual variants are insignificant and do not affect any doctrine. Where variants do exist, the abundance of manuscripts allows scholars to reconstruct the original text with a high degree of certainty.”

Limits of Human Understanding

Some theologians emphasize that apparent contradictions may result from the limits of human understanding. As Isaiah 55:8-9 states: “‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.'”

Dr. J.I. Packer, in “Knowing God,” writes, “Where we cannot fully comprehend, we must trust in the wisdom and goodness of God, recognizing our own limitations.”

One example of a biblical paradox that is difficult to understand but is held to be revealed truth is the concept of the Trinity. The doctrine of the Trinity describes God as one being who exists eternally in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. This is a paradox because it defies human logic and understanding of personhood and unity. Despite this complexity, Christians believe it to be a divine mystery revealed in Scripture, where each person of the Trinity is fully and equally God, yet there is only one God.

Progressive Revelation

The concept of progressive revelation suggests that God revealed His truth gradually throughout history. Dr. Walter Kaiser explains, “God did not reveal all truth about Himself and His plan at once, but progressively throughout Scripture. Later revelations build upon, rather than contradict, earlier ones.”

For example, the progressive revelation of redemption begins in Genesis with the promise of a Savior hinted at in the proto-evangelium, where God speaks of the seed of the woman crushing the serpent’s head. This initial promise unfolds gradually through the covenants with Noah, Abraham, and the giving of the Law to Moses, which introduce the concepts of faith, sacrifice, and atonement. Through the prophets, God reveals more about the suffering Servant and the coming Messiah, providing clearer pictures of redemption. In the New Testament, the ultimate revelation of redemption is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection complete the promise made in Genesis, illustrating how God’s plan was revealed and clarified over time.

This progressive revelation can explain why some Old Testament practices or understandings seem to differ from New Testament teachings.

Conclusion

While apparent contradictions in the Bible can be challenging, Christian theologians offer various approaches to understanding and resolving these issues. They emphasize the importance of careful study, contextual understanding, and trust in God’s wisdom and revelation. Most importantly, they argue that these apparent discrepancies do not undermine the core message and truth of Scripture.

For further study on this topic, consider the following resources:

1. “Encyclopedia of Bible Difficulties” by Gleason L. Archer
2. “Hard Sayings of the Bible” by Walter C. Kaiser Jr., Peter H. Davids, F.F. Bruce, and Manfred T. Brauch
3. “When Critics Ask: A Popular Handbook on Bible Difficulties” by Norman Geisler and Thomas Howe
4. “Alleged Discrepancies of the Bible” by John W. Haley
5. “The Big Book of Bible Difficulties: Clear and Concise Answers from Genesis to Revelation” by Norman L. Geisler and Thomas Howe

As you explore these apparent contradictions, remember that the goal is not just to win arguments, but to deepen your understanding of Scripture and strengthen your faith. Approach these issues with humility, diligence in study, and openness to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.