Bible 'Contradictions'?

[GRACE_ambassador]

Precious friends, Would God Have you study prayerfully And Carefully
His Precious Word Of Truth, Rightly Divided To:

Avoid Mass Confusion?:​

"God does not put mistakes in the Bible. However, different contexts create
contradictory verses in the Bible. These contradictions make it impossible
to obey every instruction in the Bible. It is necessary to rightly divide the
Lord’s instructions for us today from the instructions in time past or for
those in the ages to come.

It is usual to separate the Old from the New Testaments. However, both of the
Testaments are the subject of prophecy to Israel. The mystery information given
to Paul demands another division separate from that which was prophesied.

We can reconcile the contradictions below by identifying who is speaking, to
whom, and under what dispensational context.

Download this Verse List: PDF

Gospel contradictions

1. Is the gospel the cross or the kingdom? – Mark 1:14-15 & 1 Cor 15:1-4
2. Was the cross glorious or shameful? – Acts 3:13-15 & Gal 6:14
3. Was the gospel made known or kept secret? – Rom 16:25 & Acts 3:21
4. Did the twelve understand the gospel or not? – Luke 9:2 & Luke 18:34
5. Do we preach gospel of the kingdom or of Grace? – Luke 9:2 & Acts 20:24
6. Justification with or without works? – Rom 4:5 & James 2:24
7. Was Christ’s blood shed for many or for all? – Mat 20:28 & 1 Tim 2:6
8. Do animal sacrifices atone for sins? – Lev 16:27 & Heb 10:4
9. Is God imputing sins against us? – Acts 5:1-10 & Rom 4:8
10. Do we need works for righteousness? – James 2:24 & Titus 3:5
11. Is salvation not of works or by our behavior? – Eph 2:8-9 & Luke 10:25-29
12. Was Abraham justified by works or not by works? – James 2:21-23 & Rom 4:2-3
13. How are sins forgiven? – John 20:23 & Col 1:14
14. Is forgiveness conditional or not? – Mat 6:14-15 & Eph 4:32
15. Does grace abound or is their an unforgivable sin? – Mark 3:29 & Rom 5:20
16. Is the gospel believe or repentance and baptism? – Acts 2:38 & Acts 16:31
17. Are we at peace with God? – Mat 3:7 & Rom 5:1

Baptism contradictions

18. Are we sent to baptize? – 1 Cor 1:17 & Mark 16:16
19. Does the gospel include water baptism? – 1 Cor 15:1-4 & Mark 1:4
20. One baptism or more? – Eph 4:5 & Mat 3:11

Commission contradictions

21. Go to ‘all men’ or just to Israel? – Mat 10:5-6 & Titus 2:11
22. Should they carry money or not? – Luke 10:4-5 & Luke 22:35-36
23. Should the disciples go to all nations or only circumcision?–Mat 28:19 & Gal 2:9
24. Was Paul sent to baptize? – Mat 28:19 & 1 Cor 1:17
25. Are they baptized by Jesus or into Jesus? – John 4:1 & Rom 6:3
26. Are we to witness Christ’s earthly ministry? – 2 Cor 5:16 & Acts 1:22
27. Should Peter take a sword? – Luke 22:36 & Matt 26:52
28. Should we meditate about what to speak? – 1 Tim 4:15 & Luke 21:14
29. Does the Holy Spirit give utterance or do we? – Acts 6:9-10 & Col 4:6
30. Are the gainsayers able to resist? – Luke 21:15 & Titus 1:9
31. Is Paul or Peter the masterbuilder upon Christ? – Mat 16:18-19 & 1 Cor 3:10
32. Is Paul the least or the ‘chiefest’ of the Apostles? – 2 Cor 11:5 & 1 Cor 15:9
33. Was Paul the first or the last? – 1 Cor 15:8 & 1 Tim 1:16
34. How do we know what to say and believe? – Mark 13:11 & 2 Tim 3:15-17
..."

continued...

 

[GRACE_ambassador]

"Contradictions about the Law

35. Are we under the law or not under the law? – Mat 5:19 & Rom 6:14
36. Is Sabbath observance required? – Exo 20:8-10 & Col 2:16
37. Is circumcision necessary? – Gen 17:10-14 & Gal 5:2-6
38. Is the law for righteous men? – Mat 5:17-18 & 1 Tim 1:7-8
39. Are we dead to the law or should we follow it? – Mat 23:1-3 & Rom 7:3
40. Does righteousness come by the law? – Deut 6:25 & Rom 10:3-6
41. Is the law a sign of strength or weakness? – Josh 1:7 & Gal 4:9
42. Should we tithe? – Mat 23:23 & 2 Cor 9:7
43. Is giving (tithing) a punishable requirement? – Mal 3:8 & 2 Cor 9:7
44. Should Sabbath laws be enforced? – Numbers 15:32-36 & Gal 4:10-11
45. Liberty or bondage of the law? – Mat 23:1-2 & Gal 5:1
46. Do we need a temple? – Acts 2:46 & 1 Cor 3:16
47. Are the laws of abomination still effectual? – Mat 24:15 & Gal 4:9-11
48. Are we secure in Christ or our continued behavior? – 2 Tim 2:13 & Heb 10:26-27

Prophecy/Mystery contradictions

61. Were the mysteries revealed before the death of Christ? Mat 13:11 & 1 Cor 2:7-8
62. What was prepared before/since the world began? – Mat 25:34 & Eph 1:3-4
63. Was the work of Jesus prophesied or kept hidden? – Luke 24:44 & Eph 3:9
64. Was the message for today known by the prophets? – Acts 3:24 & Col 1:26
65. Can we understand the things God has prepared? – Isa 64:4 & 1 Cor 2:10
66. Was the book of Acts the end or the beginning? – Acts 2:17 & 1 Tim 1:16
..."

continued...

 

[GRACE_ambassador]

"...Contradictions about our service to God

67. Who is responsible for our soul? – Heb 13:7 & Rom 14:12
68. Do we get the Holy Spirit upon belief or baptism? – Acts 2:38 & Eph 1:13
69. Do we need to confess sins to get forgiveness? – 1 John 1:9 & Col 2:13
70. Do we eat animals? – Gen 1:29 & Gen 9:3
71. Which animals do we eat? – Deut 14:3 & 1 Tim 4:4
72. Are we to keep unity or honor separation? – Eph 4:3 & Rom 16:17
73. Be like the ant or the raven? – Prov 6:6-8 & Luke 12:22-24
74. Should we work for food or not? – Mat 6:25-26 & 1 Tim 5:18
75. Should we sell all or provide for our family? – 1 Tim 3:5-6 & Mark 10:17-22
76. Should we judge? – Mat 7:1-2 & 1 Cor 2:15
77. Should ministers work for food? – Luke 10:4-5 & 2 Thess 3:8-11
78. Is having a child a good or bad thing? – Mat 24:19 & 1 Tim 5:14
79. Does the Holy Spirit stay or leave when we do wrong? Psalm 51:11 & Eph 4:30
80. Do we need a teacher? 1 John 2:27 & 2 Tim 2:2 & Eph 4:11

Future events contradictions

81. Peace on earth or not? – Luke 2:14 & Luke 12:51
82. Do the Jews have a special standing before God? – Deut 7:6 & Col 3:11
83. Do we inherit the earth or heaven? – Mat 5:5 & Col 1:3-5
84. Is the coming of the Lord a time of terror or comfort? –Joel 2:1-11 & 1Thess 4:16
85. Looking for earthly dominion or heavenly? – Phil 3:20 & Mat 6:10
86. Will we endure through the wrath or be delivered? – Mat 24:13 & 1 Thess 1:10
87. Plowshares or swords? – Joel 3:10 & Micah 4:3
88. Physical blessings or spiritual blessings in heaven? Luke 12:32 & Eph 1:3
89. Future or present atonement? – Acts 3:19 & Rom 5:11
90. Future or present grace? – 1 Pet 1:13 & Rom 5:2
91. Will we reign in heaven or on earth? – Luke 22:30 & Eph 2:6

Prayer contradictions

92. How often do we need to pray before it is answered? – Isa 65:24 & Eph 6:18
93. Do we get anything we ask in prayer? – Mat 21:22 & 2 Cor 12:8-9
94. Should we know how to pray or not? – Luke 11:1 & Rom 8:26
95. Do we get what we ask or more than we ask? – Mat 21:22 & Eph 3:20
96. Do apostles have the power to heal? – Mark 16:18 & 1 Tim 5:23
97. Can we expect a healing from God? – Isa 53:5 & 2 Cor 12:7-10

General contradictions

98. Was creation good or bad? – Gen 1:31 & Gen 6:6
99. Were the Jerusalem saints poor or not? – Acts 4:34 & Rom 15:26
100. Do we need to teach ‘Know the Lord’? Jer 31:34 & 1 Tim 4:10-11
101. Are we washed by water or the Spirit? – Acts 22:16 & 1 Cor 6:11
102. Is it greater love to die for your friends or enemies? John 15:13-14 & Rom 5:10
103. Are angels teaching us or are we teaching them? – Zech 1:9 & Eph 3:10
104. Jesus was the stumbling stone or cornerstone? – Rom 9:18-33 & Eph 2:20

Editor’s note:

This is not an exhaustive list. This list is not intended to engender doubt about the truth of the Bible.
Mid Acts Pauline right division resolves every contradiction above." (credit: J Johnston)

Amen.

 

[tourist]

I believe that if the entire context of the Word of God, both in the written bible and what remains unwritten, was understood it would offer clarity on whether or not there was a seemingly contradiction. I may be wrong, but I don't believe that any contradictions regarding the Word of God exist.

 

[GWH]

"...Contradictions about our service to God

67. Who is responsible for our soul? – Heb 13:7 & Rom 14:12
68. Do we get the Holy Spirit upon belief or baptism? – Acts 2:38 & Eph 1:13
69. Do we need to confess sins to get forgiveness? – 1 John 1:9 & Col 2:13
70. Do we eat animals? – Gen 1:29 & Gen 9:3
71. Which animals do we eat? – Deut 14:3 & 1 Tim 4:4
72. Are we to keep unity or honor separation? – Eph 4:3 & Rom 16:17
73. Be like the ant or the raven? – Prov 6:6-8 & Luke 12:22-24
74. Should we work for food or not? – Mat 6:25-26 & 1 Tim 5:18
75. Should we sell all or provide for our family? – 1 Tim 3:5-6 & Mark 10:17-22
76. Should we judge? – Mat 7:1-2 & 1 Cor 2:15
77. Should ministers work for food? – Luke 10:4-5 & 2 Thess 3:8-11
78. Is having a child a good or bad thing? – Mat 24:19 & 1 Tim 5:14
79. Does the Holy Spirit stay or leave when we do wrong? Psalm 51:11 & Eph 4:30
80. Do we need a teacher? 1 John 2:27 & 2 Tim 2:2 & Eph 4:11

Future events contradictions

81. Peace on earth or not? – Luke 2:14 & Luke 12:51
82. Do the Jews have a special standing before God? – Deut 7:6 & Col 3:11
83. Do we inherit the earth or heaven? – Mat 5:5 & Col 1:3-5
84. Is the coming of the Lord a time of terror or comfort? –Joel 2:1-11 & 1Thess 4:16
85. Looking for earthly dominion or heavenly? – Phil 3:20 & Mat 6:10
86. Will we endure through the wrath or be delivered? – Mat 24:13 & 1 Thess 1:10
87. Plowshares or swords? – Joel 3:10 & Micah 4:3
88. Physical blessings or spiritual blessings in heaven? Luke 12:32 & Eph 1:3
89. Future or present atonement? – Acts 3:19 & Rom 5:11
90. Future or present grace? – 1 Pet 1:13 & Rom 5:2
91. Will we reign in heaven or on earth? – Luke 22:30 & Eph 2:6

Prayer contradictions

92. How often do we need to pray before it is answered? – Isa 65:24 & Eph 6:18
93. Do we get anything we ask in prayer? – Mat 21:22 & 2 Cor 12:8-9
94. Should we know how to pray or not? – Luke 11:1 & Rom 8:26
95. Do we get what we ask or more than we ask? – Mat 21:22 & Eph 3:20
96. Do apostles have the power to heal? – Mark 16:18 & 1 Tim 5:23
97. Can we expect a healing from God? – Isa 53:5 & 2 Cor 12:7-10

General contradictions

98. Was creation good or bad? – Gen 1:31 & Gen 6:6
99. Were the Jerusalem saints poor or not? – Acts 4:34 & Rom 15:26
100. Do we need to teach ‘Know the Lord’? Jer 31:34 & 1 Tim 4:10-11
101. Are we washed by water or the Spirit? – Acts 22:16 & 1 Cor 6:11
102. Is it greater love to die for your friends or enemies? John 15:13-14 & Rom 5:10
103. Are angels teaching us or are we teaching them? – Zech 1:9 & Eph 3:10
104. Jesus was the stumbling stone or cornerstone? – Rom 9:18-33 & Eph 2:20

Editor’s note:

This is not an exhaustive list. This list is not intended to engender doubt about the truth of the Bible.
Mid Acts Pauline right division resolves every contradiction above." (credit: J Johnston)

Amen.

View attachment 281401

Rather than engendering doubt, such harmonization of Scripture increases faith, which is why it would be good
for every pastor to include this teaching in sermons and in Sunday School lessons (which is what I attempt to do
on our website and on CC).

 

[timf]

Francis Chan once described his frustration as a young Christian after reading about moving mountains, his experiment to move a pencil was a failure. If he had been told that Jesus was describing what his disciples could expect in the future earthly kingdom, he might not have tried to make apply to himself.

It is important to consider who is being told what and for whom it applies.

 

[GWH]

Francis Chan once described his frustration as a young Christian after reading about moving mountains, his experiment to move a pencil was a failure. If he had been told that Jesus was describing what his disciples could expect in the future earthly kingdom, he might not have tried to make apply to himself.

It is important to consider who is being told what and for whom it applies.

Such frustration may have been furthered by his pastor not teaching that the concern of Jesus was moving human wills,
not physical hills.

 

[Edify]

Precious friends, Would God Have you study prayerfully And Carefully
His Precious Word Of Truth, Rightly Divided To:

Avoid Mass Confusion?:​

"God does not put mistakes in the Bible. However, different contexts create
contradictory verses in the Bible. These contradictions make it impossible
to obey every instruction in the Bible. It is necessary to rightly divide the
Lord’s instructions for us today from the instructions in time past or for
those in the ages to come.

It is usual to separate the Old from the New Testaments. However, both of the
Testaments are the subject of prophecy to Israel. The mystery information given
to Paul demands another division separate from that which was prophesied.

We can reconcile the contradictions below by identifying who is speaking, to
whom, and under what dispensational context.

Download this Verse List: PDF

Gospel contradictions

1. Is the gospel the cross or the kingdom? – Mark 1:14-15 & 1 Cor 15:1-4
2. Was the cross glorious or shameful? – Acts 3:13-15 & Gal 6:14
3. Was the gospel made known or kept secret? – Rom 16:25 & Acts 3:21
4. Did the twelve understand the gospel or not? – Luke 9:2 & Luke 18:34
5. Do we preach gospel of the kingdom or of Grace? – Luke 9:2 & Acts 20:24
6. Justification with or without works? – Rom 4:5 & James 2:24
7. Was Christ’s blood shed for many or for all? – Mat 20:28 & 1 Tim 2:6
8. Do animal sacrifices atone for sins? – Lev 16:27 & Heb 10:4
9. Is God imputing sins against us? – Acts 5:1-10 & Rom 4:8
10. Do we need works for righteousness? – James 2:24 & Titus 3:5
11. Is salvation not of works or by our behavior? – Eph 2:8-9 & Luke 10:25-29
12. Was Abraham justified by works or not by works? – James 2:21-23 & Rom 4:2-3
13. How are sins forgiven? – John 20:23 & Col 1:14
14. Is forgiveness conditional or not? – Mat 6:14-15 & Eph 4:32
15. Does grace abound or is their an unforgivable sin? – Mark 3:29 & Rom 5:20
16. Is the gospel believe or repentance and baptism? – Acts 2:38 & Acts 16:31
17. Are we at peace with God? – Mat 3:7 & Rom 5:1

Baptism contradictions

18. Are we sent to baptize? – 1 Cor 1:17 & Mark 16:16
19. Does the gospel include water baptism? – 1 Cor 15:1-4 & Mark 1:4
20. One baptism or more? – Eph 4:5 & Mat 3:11

Commission contradictions

21. Go to ‘all men’ or just to Israel? – Mat 10:5-6 & Titus 2:11
22. Should they carry money or not? – Luke 10:4-5 & Luke 22:35-36
23. Should the disciples go to all nations or only circumcision?–Mat 28:19 & Gal 2:9
24. Was Paul sent to baptize? – Mat 28:19 & 1 Cor 1:17
25. Are they baptized by Jesus or into Jesus? – John 4:1 & Rom 6:3
26. Are we to witness Christ’s earthly ministry? – 2 Cor 5:16 & Acts 1:22
27. Should Peter take a sword? – Luke 22:36 & Matt 26:52
28. Should we meditate about what to speak? – 1 Tim 4:15 & Luke 21:14
29. Does the Holy Spirit give utterance or do we? – Acts 6:9-10 & Col 4:6
30. Are the gainsayers able to resist? – Luke 21:15 & Titus 1:9
31. Is Paul or Peter the masterbuilder upon Christ? – Mat 16:18-19 & 1 Cor 3:10
32. Is Paul the least or the ‘chiefest’ of the Apostles? – 2 Cor 11:5 & 1 Cor 15:9
33. Was Paul the first or the last? – 1 Cor 15:8 & 1 Tim 1:16
34. How do we know what to say and believe? – Mark 13:11 & 2 Tim 3:15-17
..."

continued...

Is this site yours or someone elses?

 

[GRACE_ambassador]

Is this site yours or someone elses?

It belongs to (credit: Justin Johnson).

 

[LightBearer316]

Precious friends, Would God Have you study prayerfully And Carefully
His Precious Word Of Truth, Rightly Divided To:

Avoid Mass Confusion?:​

Gospel contradictions
1. Is the gospel the cross or the kingdom? – Mark 1:14-15 & 1 Cor 15:1-4
2. Was the cross glorious or shameful? – Acts 3:13-15 & Gal 6:14
3. Was the gospel made known or kept secret? – Rom 16:25 & Acts 3:21
4. Did the twelve understand the gospel or not? – Luke 9:2 & Luke 18:34
5. Do we preach gospel of the kingdom or of Grace? – Luke 9:2 & Acts 20:24
6. Justification with or without works? – Rom 4:5 & James 2:24
7. Was Christ’s blood shed for many or for all? – Mat 20:28 & 1 Tim 2:6
8. Do animal sacrifices atone for sins? – Lev 16:27 & Heb 10:4
9. Is God imputing sins against us? – Acts 5:1-10 & Rom 4:8

Baptism contradictions
18. Are we sent to baptize? – 1 Cor 1:17 & Mark 16:16
19. Does the gospel include water baptism? – 1 Cor 15:1-4 & Mark 1:4
20. One baptism or more? – Eph 4:5 & Mat 3:11

Commission contradictions
21. Go to ‘all men’ or just to Israel? – Mat 10:5-6 & Titus 2:11
22. Should they carry money or not? – Luke 10:4-5 & Luke 22:35-36
23. Should the disciples go to all nations or only circumcision?–Mat 28:19 & Gal 2:9
24. Was Paul sent to baptize? – Mat 28:19 & 1 Cor 1:17
25. Are they baptized by Jesus or into Jesus? – John 4:1 & Rom 6:3
26. Are we to witness Christ’s earthly ministry? – 2 Cor 5:16 & Acts 1:22
27. Should Peter take a sword? – Luke 22:36 & Matt 26:52
28. Should we meditate about what to speak? – 1 Tim 4:15 & Luke 21:14
29. Does the Holy Spirit give utterance or do we? – Acts 6:9-10 & Col 4:6
30. Are the gainsayers able to resist? – Luke 21:15 & Titus 1:9
31. Is Paul or Peter the masterbuilder upon Christ? – Mat 16:18-19 & 1 Cor 3:10
32. Is Paul the least or the ‘chiefest’ of the Apostles? – 2 Cor 11:5 & 1 Cor 15:9
33. Was Paul the first or the last? – 1 Cor 15:8 & 1 Tim 1:16
34. How do we know what to say and believe? – Mark 13:11 & 2 Tim 3:15-17
..."
continued...

That “verse-list” post is the kind of thing often circulated by hyper-dispensational or “mid-Acts” teachers who argue that Paul’s message was a different gospel from the one preached by Jesus and the Twelve.

Brother, God’s Word is perfect; the confusion comes not from Scripture but from forcing artificial divisions that Scripture itself never makes.

Paul, Peter, and the rest of the apostles preached the same Christ, the same cross, and the same resurrection—only to different audiences and at different stages of revelation.

​

One Gospel, One Savior​

“For by grace are ye saved through faith… not of works.” — Ephesians 2:8-9​

“But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.” — Acts 15:11​

Peter said that we (Jews) and they (Gentiles) are saved the same way—by grace through faith.​

​

Apparent Contradictions Are Contextual, Not Doctrinal

Scripture harmonizes when you consider:

• Progressive revelation (God unfolds His plan over time).
• Audience and covenant context (Law vs. Grace).
• Literal vs. symbolic language (e.g., baptism of the Spirit vs. water).

The “contradictions” listed in that chart disappear when we remember that:

• The cross was once a mystery, but now revealed (Eph 3:4-6).
• The apostles’ understanding grew after the resurrection and the coming of the Spirit (John 16:12-13).
• Works demonstrate faith; they don’t create it (James 2 vs. Romans 4).
• Forgiveness is fully secured at the cross, yet relational forgiveness among believers still matters (Eph 4:32 / Matt 6:14-15).

Paul and the Twelve Preached the Same Gospel

“Whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.” — 1 Corinthians 15:11​

“There is neither Jew nor Greek… for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” — Galatians 3:28​

Paul didn’t bring a new gospel but a fuller revelation of the same one—showing that salvation now extends equally to Jew and Gentile through faith alone, apart from the Law.

Rightly Dividing Means Harmonizing, Not Splitting

2 Timothy 2:15 commands us to “rightly divide” the Word, not to tear it apart into competing gospels.
When studied in context, the Bible forms one unified message:

Redemption by grace through faith in the crucified and risen Christ.​

Grace and Peace
Acts 17:11 (KJV)
“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”

 

[John146]

Modern versions of the bible contain contradictions.

I'm pretty sure David struck down Goliath.

ESV
2 Samuel 21:19 19 And there was again war with the Philistines at Gob, and Elhanan the son of Jaare-oregim, the Bethlehemite, struck down Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver's beam.

ESV
1 Chronicles 20:5 And there was again war with the Philistines, and Elhanan the son of Jair struck down Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver 's beam.

 

[LightBearer316]

I believe that if the entire context of the Word of God, both in the written bible and what remains unwritten, was understood it would offer clarity on whether or not there was a seemingly contradiction. I may be wrong, but I don't believe that any contradictions regarding the Word of God exist.

There can be no “general contradictions” in the Word of God, because it was written by one Author — the Holy Spirit. Truth cannot contradict itself. What appear to be contradictions are usually the result of failing to interpret Scripture with Scripture and neglecting the whole counsel of God.

When we study the entire Word in context, every verse harmonizes perfectly, revealing the consistent truth of God from Genesis to Revelation.

Grace and Peace.
Acts 17:11 (KJV)
“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”

 

[LightBearer316]

We must always be vigilant... Jesus warned, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” — Matthew 7:15 (KJV)

Sadly, that warning still applies today — even in Christian spaces. Some come appearing gentle and scriptural, yet their fruit exposes them. They twist Scripture, stir division, and attack those who stand on the Word.

But the Lord sees. Truth always outlasts deception.

“By their fruits ye shall know them.” — Matthew 7:20 (KJV)​

Grace and Peace
Acts 17:11 (KJV)
“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”

 

[GWH]

That “verse-list” post is the kind of thing often circulated by hyper-dispensational or “mid-Acts” teachers who argue that Paul’s message was a different gospel from the one preached by Jesus and the Twelve.

Brother, God’s Word is perfect; the confusion comes not from Scripture but from forcing artificial divisions that Scripture itself never makes.

Paul, Peter, and the rest of the apostles preached the same Christ, the same cross, and the same resurrection—only to different audiences and at different stages of revelation.

​

One Gospel, One Savior​

“For by grace are ye saved through faith… not of works.” — Ephesians 2:8-9​

“But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.” — Acts 15:11​

Peter said that we (Jews) and they (Gentiles) are saved the same way—by grace through faith.​

​

Apparent Contradictions Are Contextual, Not Doctrinal

Scripture harmonizes when you consider:

• Progressive revelation (God unfolds His plan over time).
• Audience and covenant context (Law vs. Grace).
• Literal vs. symbolic language (e.g., baptism of the Spirit vs. water).

The “contradictions” listed in that chart disappear when we remember that:

• The cross was once a mystery, but now revealed (Eph 3:4-6).
• The apostles’ understanding grew after the resurrection and the coming of the Spirit (John 16:12-13).
• Works demonstrate faith; they don’t create it (James 2 vs. Romans 4).
• Forgiveness is fully secured at the cross, yet relational forgiveness among believers still matters (Eph 4:32 / Matt 6:14-15).

Paul and the Twelve Preached the Same Gospel

“Whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.” — 1 Corinthians 15:11​

“There is neither Jew nor Greek… for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” — Galatians 3:28​

Paul didn’t bring a new gospel but a fuller revelation of the same one—showing that salvation now extends equally to Jew and Gentile through faith alone, apart from the Law.

Rightly Dividing Means Harmonizing, Not Splitting

2 Timothy 2:15 commands us to “rightly divide” the Word, not to tear it apart into competing gospels.
When studied in context, the Bible forms one unified message:

Redemption by grace through faith in the crucified and risen Christ.​

Grace and Peace
Acts 17:11 (KJV)
“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”

Re "Rightly Dividing Means Harmonizing, Not Splitting":

I have GOT to add that to my Hermeneutics thread & lesson!

 

[LightBearer316]

 

[Falconn007]

Precious friends, Would God Have you study prayerfully And Carefully
His Precious Word Of Truth, Rightly Divided To:

continued...

ALL the listed contradictions are from a carnal-fleshy point of view, NOT ONE of your listed contradictions is of any Spiritual sustenance NOT ONE!!!.

Now why is that !?!

If but one of the listed contradictions was seeking Spiritual knowledge, it would answered ALL of the listed misinterpretations.

1 Corinthians 14:33
For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

*** also stop the "WE" stuff , I am not included in your we, for I do not think like you do.

 

[tablet123]

Isa 28:10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:

Isa 28:13 But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.

Some people might think there is a contradiction when there is not but they do not understand that scripture in it's fulness.

They do not have all the scriptural knowledge of it.

Which some people take one scripture and make a doctrine but not realizing the full aspect of it.

Unless you are the leader of a cult then you want to use one scripture and get people to believe it means something for your benefit.

Whether intentional or not intentional but I believe that the majority of the time or all the time it is intentional.

Which they know the true context of the meaning of that scripture but they tell a different meaning of it especially in the finances department.

The leader of cults try to get all your money, sleep with all the women including wives, claim to be the son of God with authority, and get labor out of you.

But I am pretty sure they know what the Bible really says.

Some people that run in to a seemingly contradiction will hold unto one of the beliefs of the two and will not try to find out the harmony.

Like people that fight over Paul saying not works and James saying works.

Many will choose one of the two and fight over them leaving a supposedly contradiction.

But if they do that they are saying there is a contradiction in God's word.

And that does not bother them.

Denominations have too much sway on people who will not search things out.

Why don't they try to find the harmony.

Is it because they like to fight, or do not want to have fault with their Church, or like to have a relaxed walk in Christianity not having to do works.

But there is harmony because of course there is.

We are saved by faith, and not by works when we first confess Christ for that is all we can do.

But when the Spirit works in our life we have to have works of love to have faith active in our life.

For charity, love in action, works, is greater than faith, and faith works by love.

Which Paul said if they do not have charity they are nothing, and erred from the faith.

And James said without charity their faith is dead.

And Abraham was justified by works.

Which a person is justified by works of love and not faith alone.

Which John said without charity the love of God does not dwell in them.

So do not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed, works, and truth.

For love in only valid if it is done in works which is why it it is called charity.

So Paul and James say the same thing concerning having works but people argue over them.

Not works when we first confess Christ.

Works of love when the Spirit works in our life.

Pro 26:4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.

Pro 26:5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

Some people might think this is a contradiction answer a fool, do not answer a fool.

But it is not but 2 scenarios.

Answer not a fool according to his folly, his ways, so that you are not like him.

Answer a fool according to his folly, so he can see how silly he is acting.

Ask a stupid question get a stupid answer.

I read the Bible and it seemed like it all went well together theme wise, and did not have doubt having a contradiction, and if so I learned the harmony.

 

[LightBearer316]

Isa 28:10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:

Isa 28:13 But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.

Some people might think there is a contradiction when there is not but they do not understand that scripture in it's fulness.

They do not have all the scriptural knowledge of it.

Which some people take one scripture and make a doctrine but not realizing the full aspect of it.

Unless you are the leader of a cult then you want to use one scripture and get people to believe it means something for your benefit.

Whether intentional or not intentional but I believe that the majority of the time or all the time it is intentional.

Which they know the true context of the meaning of that scripture but they tell a different meaning of it especially in the finances department.

The leader of cults try to get all your money, sleep with all the women including wives, claim to be the son of God with authority, and get labor out of you.

But I am pretty sure they know what the Bible really says.

Some people that run in to a seemingly contradiction will hold unto one of the beliefs of the two and will not try to find out the harmony.

Like people that fight over Paul saying not works and James saying works.

Many will choose one of the two and fight over them leaving a supposedly contradiction.

But if they do that they are saying there is a contradiction in God's word.

And that does not bother them.

Denominations have too much sway on people who will not search things out.

Why don't they try to find the harmony.

Is it because they like to fight, or do not want to have fault with their Church, or like to have a relaxed walk in Christianity not having to do works.

But there is harmony because of course there is.

We are saved by faith, and not by works when we first confess Christ for that is all we can do.

But when the Spirit works in our life we have to have works of love to have faith active in our life.

For charity, love in action, works, is greater than faith, and faith works by love.

Which Paul said if they do not have charity they are nothing, and erred from the faith.

And James said without charity their faith is dead.

And Abraham was justified by works.

Which a person is justified by works of love and not faith alone.

Which John said without charity the love of God does not dwell in them.

So do not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed, works, and truth.

For love in only valid if it is done in works which is why it it is called charity.

So Paul and James say the same thing concerning having works but people argue over them.

Not works when we first confess Christ.

Works of love when the Spirit works in our life.

Pro 26:4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.

Pro 26:5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

Some people might think this is a contradiction answer a fool, do not answer a fool.

But it is not but 2 scenarios.

Answer not a fool according to his folly, his ways, so that you are not like him.

Answer a fool according to his folly, so he can see how silly he is acting.

Ask a stupid question get a stupid answer.

I read the Bible and it seemed like it all went well together theme wise, and did not have doubt having a contradiction, and if so I learned the harmony.

Brother, you’ve made an important observation — what seems like contradiction in Scripture often reveals our limited understanding, not an error in God’s Word.

“For precept must be upon precept, line upon line, here a little and there a little.” — Isaiah 28:10 KJV​

That verse shows how truth is revealed progressively — one layer upon another, one passage explaining another. Those who only take one verse out of context end up creating confusion or false doctrine. But when we compare Scripture with Scripture, the full picture emerges, and what seemed contradictory becomes beautifully consistent.

As you said, cults and false teachers twist single verses for selfish gain — especially in money, authority, or control. But God calls us to be like the Bereans in Acts 17:11 KJV, who “searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Truth never fears examination.

Apparent Contradictions Are Complementary Truths
Take Proverbs 26:4–5:

• “Answer not a fool according to his folly…”
• “Answer a fool according to his folly…”

No contradiction there — just wisdom for two different situations. Sometimes silence shows wisdom; other times, a calm answer exposes folly. The key is discernment.

The same with Paul and James:

• Paul speaks of justification before God — by faith alone (Romans 4:5).
• James speaks of justification before men — showing faith is genuine by works (James 2:24).

No contradiction — just two sides of the same coin. Faith is the root; works are the fruit.

“Faith worketh by love.” — Galatians 5:6 KJV​

The Word of God Never Contradicts Itself
If two passages seem to disagree, it’s because one of three things is true:

1. We’re missing the context.
2. We’re missing the timing or covenant.
3. We’re missing the spiritual principle that unites both.

That’s why Isaiah said the Word is “precept upon precept” — layer by layer, truth by truth — until we see the whole counsel of God.

“The sum of thy word is truth.” — Psalm 119:160 KJV​

God’s Word never contradicts itself — it only contradicts our misunderstandings.
When we study prayerfully and compare Scripture with Scripture, everything harmonizes perfectly because the Author is one — the Holy Spirit.

Grace and Peace.

 

[DJT_47]

Lack of understanding scripture, not really contradictions

 

[UnoiAmarah]

Apparent Contradictions Are Complementary Truths
Take Proverbs 26:4–5:

• “Answer not a fool according to his folly…”
• “Answer a fool according to his folly…”

No contradiction there — just wisdom for two different situations. Sometimes silence shows wisdom; other times, a calm answer exposes folly. The key is discernment.

Care to elaborate?

Not implying you are wrong but rather the parable appears to being in regards to one situation, how to respond to the folly of a fool. Or maybe I am missing something in your post.

The parable says, "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding." So I do agree with your comment about the key thing being discernment since the principle gives one wisdom to unlock understanding. After all it i s written "Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding."

So who do you think God is speaking to in the Book of the Preacher wherein it is written, ""For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow." ?