Which version do you like ?

The 4 Gospels can give differing accounts of the same story….either adding details or omitting details. In contrast the OT does not usually have different books reporting the same story. Therefore the Gospels can present a challenge. How do we understand or interpret what seem to be discrepancies ?

One such story that is of interest to me involves the crucifixion story. The Matthew and Mark versions have both of the criminals that were being crucified alongside of Jesus as both mocking him. The Luke version, however, has only one mocking Jesus. Luke 23:40…”But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence ? We are punished justly, for we are getting what we deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”

Of course, assuming we have a choice I prefer the Luke version. Furthermore v. 43 has Jesus promising that criminal…”today you will be with me in paradise”. A number of things to unpack here….first the criminal uttering ‘God’…..and then this being an example of repentance and forgiveness.

Finally it reminds me of Peter answering the question of Jesus….who do you say that I am ? Peter identified Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus then noted that man had not revealed this to Peter but that it had been by the Father of Christ in heaven…..Matthew 16:13-20.

I like to think that the criminal’ answer was also given by revelation from God…..any thoughts ?

[Honza]

To be honest I do not know the Bible very well. Either the OT or the NT. I pick up bits here and there but have never read through the whole thing.

[sky]

Originally Posted by Molearner

The 4 Gospels can give differing accounts of the same story…. How do we understand or interpret what seem to be discrepancies ?

By understanding ' Chinese Whispers '

[sky]

Originally Posted by Honza

To be honest I do not know the Bible very well. Either the OT or the NT. I pick up bits here and there but have never read through the whole thing.

I know the NT more than the OT through it being spoon fed to us at School. Thankfully as an adult I can choose which parts are of value to me personally and the rest I can leave behind for others....
The Gospel of John is my favourite.... love it

[AngelBlue]

I like my own version .

[sky]

Originally Posted by AngelBlue

I like my own version .

Now that would be a bestseller, I'd definitely read it

[AngelBlue]

Originally Posted by sky

Now that would be a bestseller, I'd definitely read it

BABE , believe it !!!

[Maisy]

Here's a few simple gospel differences.

How many at the tomb?

Mark - three
Matthew - two
Luke - more than three
John - four

The supernatural beings who appeared at or in the tomb:

Mark - a young man
Matthew - one angel
Luke - two men
John - two angels

[Maisy]

Originally Posted by Molearner

How do we understand or interpret what seem to be discrepancies ?

I think the four gospels were written by four different people who were all unique individuals with their own biases, opinions, beliefs etc. I would think all were early Christians, but no two Christians are exactly the same as the many different Christian denominations and Churches today show.

Some believe the bible is literally the word of God and I think to them, any discrepancies were intended to be there by God.

[sky]

The Bible was written over the course of almost a century after the death of Jesus, the 'Four Gospels' of the New Testament, though they tell the same story they reflect very different ideas which is normal when different people try to describe the same event...
Chinese Whispers.....