21 Myths Series: Myth 21 — Is the Bible Full of Contradictions?
Spiritual & Eschatological Myths (Myths 17–21)
Heaven, Hell, and Spiritual Realities — Clearing the Fog
Myth 21: “The Bible is full of contradictions.” → No actual contradictions
This claim is one of the most common objections raised against Christianity. Critics often point to differences in the Gospel accounts, numerical variations between Kings and Chronicles, or details surrounding events like the resurrection as “proof” that the Bible is a flawed, contradictory human document.
However, a careful, evidence-based examination reveals that the vast majority of alleged contradictions are apparent rather than actual. They arise from misunderstandings of context, literary purpose, ancient writing conventions, or selective reporting by multiple eyewitnesses. Far from undermining the Bible’s reliability, these surface-level tensions actually support its authenticity as a divinely inspired collection of documents rooted in real historical events.
Why the “Bible is full of contradictions” Myth Persists
Skeptics frequently highlight:
Variations in resurrection accounts (number of angels/women at the tomb, order of events).
Judas Iscariot’s death (Matthew 27 vs. Acts 1).
Apparent discrepancies in crucifixion timing (Mark vs. John).
Numerical differences between parallel accounts in Kings and Chronicles.
These are presented as irreconcilable errors that prove the Bible cannot be trusted. Yet leading New Testament scholars who have spent decades examining the text report no unresolvable contradictions that affect core Christian doctrine.
How Alleged Contradictions Resolve
Here is how rigorous study addresses the most common objections:
1. Context, Perspective, and Selective Reporting
Different authors wrote for different audiences and purposes, emphasizing details relevant to their goals — a standard practice in ancient historiography and modern biography alike.
Example: Number of angels at the tomb
Matthew and Mark mention one angel (often the one who rolled away the stone or spoke to the women).
Luke and John mention two angels.
This is not a contradiction. No Gospel claims there was only one angel. Matthew and Mark focus on the angel who interacted with the women, while Luke and John provide a fuller picture of two angels present. Multiple eyewitnesses naturally report complementary details. As former cold-case detective J. Warner Wallace notes, variation between credible eyewitness accounts is expected and actually strengthens reliability when the core facts align.
2. Harmonization of Complementary Accounts
Parallel passages often describe different stages or aspects of the same event.
Example: Judas’ death
Matthew 27:5 says Judas “hanged himself.”
Acts 1:18 says he “fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out.”
These are easily harmonized: Judas hanged himself, and later (after decomposition in the hot Jerusalem climate) his body fell and burst open. Luke, a physician, describes the gruesome postmortem result. This is a classic case of complementary reporting rather than contradiction.
3. Literary Genre, Ancient Conventions, and Different Purposes
The Bible contains multiple genres (history, poetry, prophecy, gospel, etc.). Authors sometimes used thematic arrangement rather than strict chronology. Numbers in ancient texts could reflect rounding, different counting methods, or theological emphasis rather than modern precision.
Example: Kings vs. Chronicles
Kings tends to focus on political history and the failures of kings. Chronicles emphasizes theological lessons, temple worship, and the Davidic line. They often cover the same events from different angles with different purposes — exactly what we expect from independent ancient historians.
4. Textual Transmission and Manuscript Evidence
Minor copyist variations exist, but they are well-documented and overwhelmingly minor (spelling, word order, synonyms, or obvious scribal notes).
The New Testament is supported by over 5,800 Greek manuscripts — far more than any other ancient document. For comparison, many classical works survive in only a handful of copies written centuries later.
Scholars such as Daniel B. Wallace and Wesley Huff emphasize that the sheer volume of manuscripts allows us to reconstruct the original text with exceptional confidence. The vast majority of variants do not affect meaning, and no core Christian doctrine is altered by any textual variant. Even critical scholars like Bart Ehrman acknowledge that the essential message of the New Testament has been reliably preserved.
Why This Matters
Dismissing the Bible as “full of contradictions” is often a convenient way to avoid engaging its central claims: human sinfulness, redemption through Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, the reality of heaven and hell, and final judgment.
The Bible’s reliability is not based on blind faith but on:
Massive manuscript support
Early dating and multiple independent attestations
Archaeological corroboration
Fulfilled prophecy
The transformative power documented across centuries
As 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states, “Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness”
Conclusion & Call to Action
The myth that “the Bible is full of contradictions” collapses under honest, detailed examination. What appears contradictory at first glance is usually the result of complementary eyewitness perspectives, different literary purposes, or minor textual transmission details that do not affect the text’s core message.
The Bible stands as a remarkably unified and trustworthy revelation. Its apparent tensions, when properly understood, actually affirm its authenticity as the product of multiple human authors guided by one divine Author.
Ready to investigate for yourself?
Start with the Gospels and examine the resurrection accounts side by side. You’ll discover a coherent, historically grounded story centered on Jesus.
If this post strengthened your confidence in Scripture, share it with others who have questions. The truth of the Bible is worth defending with clarity and evidence.
This is Myth 20 in my 21 Myths Series: Spiritual & Eschatological Myths (Myths 17–21).
Previous:
Myth 17 — Does God Help Those Who Help Themselves?
Myth 18 — Do Christians Become Angels When They Die?
Myth 19 — Devil Made Me Do It
Myth 20 — Is the Bible Anti-Science?
Reliable Voices on This Topic
John MacArthur / Grace to You (gty.org): Sermons and articles on inerrancy and Scripture’s unity.
Wes Huff: Articles and videos addressing textual reliability and specific alleged contradictions.
Lee Strobel — The Case for Christ and The Case for Faith: Journalistic investigations into objections like contradictions.
Charlie Kirk: Campus discussions defending the Bible’s coherence.
Josh Howerton: Teachings on how we got the Bible and debunking modern myths.
Folsom Bible Church (folsombiblechurch.org): Expository preaching emphasizing Scripture’s reliability.
Martin Luther’s writings: Emphasis on engaging Scripture humbly and rigorously.