(CF. ACTS 1:18)— Did Judas die by hanging or by falling on rocks? PROBLEM: Matthew declares that Judas hanged himself. However, the Book of Acts says that he fell and his body burst open. SOLUTION: These accounts are not contradictory, but mutually complementary. Judas hung himself exactly as Matt... [ Continue Reading ]
(CF. MARK 15:26; LUKE 23:38; JOHN 19:19)— Why are all the Gospel accounts of the inscription on the cross different? PROBLEM: The wording of the accusation above Christ’s head on the cross is rendered differently in each Gospel account. SOLUTION: While there is a difference in what is omitted, the... [ Continue Reading ]
Did both robbers revile Christ, or did only one do this? PROBLEM: Matthew says here, “even the robbers who were crucified with Him reviled Him.” However, according to Luke, only one reviled Him (Luke 23:39) while the other one believed in Him, asking, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your king... [ Continue Reading ]
Did Jesus die on the cross or just swoon? PROBLEM: Many skeptics, as well as Muslims, believe that Jesus did not die on the cross. Some say that He took a drug that put Him in a comalike state and that He later revived in the tomb. Yet the Bible says repeatedly that Christ died on the cross (cf. Ro... [ Continue Reading ]
(CF. MARK 15:39; LUKE 23:47)— What did the centurion really say about Christ on the cross? PROBLEM: Matthew records the centurion saying, “Truly this was the Son of God,” while Mark says substantially the same thing, adding only the word “man,” rendering it, “Truly this Man was the Son of God.” Luk... [ Continue Reading ]