Bible Contradiction? Who carried Jesus’ cross?

For today’s post will tackle the question the Skeptic Annotated Bible asked: Who carried Jesus’s cross?

Here are the two answers which the skeptic believes shows a Bible contradiction:

Jesus carried his own cross

“They took Jesus, therefore, and He went out, ^[a]bearing His own cross, to the place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha.” (John 19:17)

Simon the Cyrenian carried Jesus’s cross.

“As they were coming out, they found a man of Cyrene named Simon, whom they pressed into service to bear His cross.” (Matthew 27:32)

“ They *pressed into service a passer-by coming from the country, Simon of Cyrene (the father of Alexander and Rufus), to bear His cross.” (Mark 15:21)

When they led Him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, coming in from the country, and placed on him the cross to carry behind Jesus.” (Luke 23:26)

(All Scriptural quotation comes from the New American Standard Bible)

Here’s a closer look at whether or not there is a contradiction:

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Bible Contradiction? Who were Saul’s sons?

Today’s post will tackle another question that the Skeptic Annotated Bible asked: “Who were Saul’s sons?”

Here are the two answers which the skeptic believes shows a Bible contradiction:

Jonathan, Ishui, and Melchishua

Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan and Ishvi and Malchi-shua; and the names of his two daughters were these: the name of the firstborn Merab and the name of the younger Michal. (1 Samuel 14:49)

Jonathan, and Malchishua, and Abinadab, and Eshbaal.

Ner became the father of Kish, and Kish became the father of Saul, and Saul became the father of Jonathan, Malchi-shua, Abinadab and Eshbaal. (1 Chronicles 8:33, 9:39)

(Note: Scriptural quotation comes from the New American Standard Bible)

Here’s a closer look at whether or not there is a contradiction:

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Exegetically examining an anti-Reformed interpretation of Acts 13:48

A brother in the Lord mentioned an anti-Reformed interpretation of Acts 13:48 he saw in a conversation on Facebook.

Here’s what Acts 13:48 states:

When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of ^[ac]the Lord; and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed

A Reformed interpretation would mean that God took the initiative in appointing people to believe.  Of course an anti-Reformed interpretation would deny that.

Here’s the anti-Reformed take of Acts 13:48

The Greek verb tasso means being arranged or position, which makes perfect sense, the ones who accept the Gospel are arranged or positioned for everlasting life by the Holy Spirit.  The Scriptures are very clear God mold us into whatever we decide, if we reject the message of the Gospel He hardens our heart by our choice but if we accept the Gospel the Holy Spirit prepares us for everlasting life.

Here’s my response:

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One Witty Ditty For Your Memory of Theology: Remember to Use Your Bible

At the church where I pastor at I encourage everyone who regularly attend to make sure they bring their Bibles with them to church.  I want them to not only have their Bible but also to use it both at church and especially as they are living their life.

Here’s a witty ditty that many of the guys have heard me say:

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Review: The Messiah and the Psalms by Richard Belcher

Richard P. Belcher Jr.  The Messiah And The Psalms.  Ross-shire, Scotland: Mentor Imprint, September 20^th, 2014. 288 pp.

4 out of 5

Purchase: Westminster | Amazon

This book is on the topic of a Christ and the Psalms by an Old Testament professor at Reformed Theological Seminary.  The author Richard Belcher takes a Christocentric approach towards the Psalms.  If you are interested in the Psalms, Messianic prophecies, hermeneutics and preaching Christ this book might be for you even if you don’t necessarily agree with everything the author has to say.

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Bible Contradiction? How was Zedekiah related to Nebuchadnezzar?

Today’s post will tackle another question that the Skeptic Annotated Bible asked: “How was Zedekiah related to Nebuchadnezzar?” This is one of their more recent addition and the website stated that this was added to the lists of contradictions online after the Skeptic Annotated Bible was already published.

Here are the two answers which the skeptic believes shows a Bible contradiction:

Zedekiah was Nebuchadnezzar’s uncle.

Then the king of Babylon made his uncle Mattaniah king in his place, and changed his name to Zedekiah. (2 Kings 24:17)

Zedekiah was Nebuchadnezzar’s brother.

At the turn of the year King Nebuchadnezzar sent and brought him to Babylon with the valuable articles of the house of the Lord, and he made his kinsman Zedekiah king over Judah and Jerusalem. (2 Chronicles 36:10)

(Note: Scriptural quotation comes from the New American Standard Bible)

Here’s a closer look at whether or not there is a contradiction:

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Bible Contradiction? Where does God dwell?

For today’s post we will tackle another question from the Skeptic Annotated Bible: Where does God dwell?

This one should be filed under the category of “Too Silly.”

Here are the two answers which the skeptic believes shows a Bible contradiction:

God dwells in Zion.

“Sing praises to the Lord, who dwells in Zion; Declare among the peoples His deeds.” (Psalm 9:11)

“His tabernacle is in Salem; His dwelling place also is in Zion.” (Psalm 76:2)

“Then you will know that I am the Lord your God, Dwelling in Zion, My holy mountain. So Jerusalem will be holy, And strangers will pass through it no more….And I will avenge their blood which I have not avenged, For the Lord dwells in Zion.” (Psalm 9:11)

God dwells in the heavens.

“To You I lift up my eyes, O You who are enthroned in the heavens!” (Psalm 123:1)

“Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few.” (Ecclesiastes 5:2)
(All Scriptural quotation comes from the New American Standard Bible)

Here’s a closer look at whether or not there is a contradiction:

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