Return to New Testament Contradictions

When did Jesus begin his ministry?

Jesus began his ministry after the arrest of John the Baptist.
Mark 1:14: Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,...

Jesus began his ministry before the arrest of John the Baptist.
John 3:22-24: (22) After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea, and there He remained with them and baptized. (23) Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there. And they came and were baptized. (24) For John had not yet been thrown into prison.

Did Jesus order the apostles to take sandals and staves with them?

Jesus orders the apostles to take sandals and staves.
Mark 6:8-9: (8) He commanded them to take nothing for the journey except a staff--no bag, no bread, no copper in [their] money belts-- (9) but to wear sandals, and not to put on two tunics.

Jesus orders the apostles to not take sandals or staves.
Matthew 10:10: ...nor bag for [your] journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs; for a worker is worthy of his food.

Who asked a favor of Jesus?

James and John asked Jesus a favor themselves.
Mark 10:35-37: (35) Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, "Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask." (36) And He said to them, "What do you want Me to do for you?" (37) They said to Him, "Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory."

The mother of James and John asks Jesus a favor for her sons.
Matthew 20:20-21: (20) Then the mother of Zebedee's sons came to Him with her sons, kneeling down and asking something from Him. (21) And He said to her, "What do you wish?" She said to Him, "Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom."

Who did Jesus heal at Jericho?

Jesus healed one blind man as he arrived at Jericho.
Mark 10:46-52: (46) Now they came to Jericho. As He went out of Jericho with His disciples and a great multitude, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the road begging. (47) And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" (48) Then many warned him to be quiet; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" (49) So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. Then they called the blind man, saying to him, "Be of good cheer. Rise, He is calling you." (50) And throwing aside his garment, he rose and came to Jesus. (51) So Jesus answered and said to him, "What do you want Me to do for you?" The blind man said to Him, "Rabboni, that I may receive my sight." (52) Then Jesus said to him, "Go your way; your faith has made you well." And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.

Jesus heals two blind men as he was leaving Jericho.
Matthew 20:29-34: (29) Now as they went out of Jericho, a great multitude followed Him. (30) And behold, two blind men sitting by the road, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, saying, "Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!" (31) Then the multitude warned them that they should be quiet; but they cried out all the more, saying, "Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!" (32) So Jesus stood still and called them, and said, "What do you want Me to do for you?" (33) They said to Him, "Lord, that our eyes may be opened." (34) So Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him.

How many animals did Jesus ride?

Jesus rode one animal.
Mark 11:7: Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their clothes on it, and He sat on it.

Jesus rode two animals.
Matthew 21:7: They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set [Him] on them.

Who did Peter make his first denial to?

Peter makes his first denial only to a servant girl.
Mark 14:66-68: (66) Now as Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came. (67) And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, "You also were with Jesus of Nazareth." (68) But he denied it, saying, "I neither know nor understand what you are saying." And he went out on the porch, and a rooster crowed.

Peter made his first denial to a servant girl and unknown bystanders.
Matthew 26:69-70: (69) Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, "You also were with Jesus of Galilee." (70) But he denied it before [them] all, saying, "I do not know what you are saying."

Peter made his first denial to a servant girl.
Luke 22:56-57: (56) And a certain servant girl, seeing him as he sat by the fire, looked intently at him and said, "This man was also with Him." (57) But he denied Him, saying, "Woman, I do not know Him."

Peter made his first denial to a servant girl.
John 18:17: Then the servant girl who kept the door said to Peter, "You are not also [one] of this Man's disciples, are you?" He said, "I am not."

Who did Peter make his second denial to?

Peter made his second denial to the same servant girl as the first denial.
Mark 14:69-70: (69) And the servant girl saw him again, and began to say to those who stood by, "This is one of them." (70) But he denied it again. And a little later those who stood by said to Peter again, "Surely you are [one] of them; for you are a Galilean, and your speech shows [it]."

Peter made his second denial to a servant girl.
Matthew 26:71-72: (71) And when he had gone out to the gateway, another [girl] saw him and said to those [who were] there, "This [fellow] also was with Jesus of Nazareth." (72) But again he denied with an oath, "I do not know the Man!"

Peter made his second denial to a man.
Luke 22:58: And after a little while another saw him and said, "You also are of them." But Peter said, "Man, I am not!"

Peter made his second denial to unknown bystanders.
John 18:25: Now Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. Therefore they said to him, "You are not also [one] of His disciples, are you?" He denied [it] and said, "I am not!"

Who did Peter make his third denial to?

Peter made his third denial to unknown bystanders.
Mark 14:70-71: (70) But he denied it again. And a little later those who stood by said to Peter again, "Surely you are [one] of them; for you are a Galilean, and your speech shows [it]." (71) Then he began to curse and swear, "I do not know this Man of whom you speak!"

Peter made his third denial to unknown bystanders.
Matthew 26:73-74: (73) And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, "Surely you also are [one] of them, for your speech betrays you." (74) Then he began to curse and swear, [saying], "I do not know the Man!" Immediately a rooster crowed.

Peter made his third denial to a man.
Luke 22:59-60: (59) Then after about an hour had passed, another confidently affirmed, saying, "Surely this [fellow] also was with Him, for he is a Galilean." (60) But Peter said, "Man, I do not know what you are saying!" Immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed.

Peter made his third denial to a servant girl.
John 18:26-27: (26) One of the servants of the high priest, a relative [of him] whose ear Peter cut off, said, "Did I not see you in the garden with Him?" (27) Peter then denied again; and immediately a rooster crowed.

How many times did the rooster crow?

The rooster crowed twice.
Mark 14:68, 72: (68) But he denied it, saying, "I neither know nor understand what you are saying." And he went out on the porch, and a rooster crowed. ... (72) A second time [the] rooster crowed. Then Peter called to mind the word that Jesus had said to him, "Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times." And when he thought about it, he wept.

The rooster crowed once.
Matthew 26:74: Then he began to curse and swear, [saying], "I do not know the Man!" Immediately a rooster crowed.

The rooster crowed once.
Luke 22:60: But Peter said, "Man, I do not know what you are saying!" Immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed.

The rooster crowed once.
John 18:27: Peter then denied again; and immediately a rooster crowed.

What was Jesus offered to drink at the crucifixion?

Jesus was offered sour wine mingled with myrrh. He was then offered sour wine.
Mark 15:22-24, 36: And they brought Him to the place Golgotha, which is translated, Place of a Skull. Then they gave Him wine mingled with myrrh to drink, but He did not take [it]. And when they crucified Him … Then someone ran and filled a sponge full of sour wine, put [it] on a reed, and offered [it] to Him to drink, saying, "Let Him alone; let us see if Elijah will come to take Him down."

Jesus was offered sour wine mingled with gall.
Matthew 27:33-35: And when they had come to a place called Golgotha, that is to say, Place of a Skull, they gave Him sour wine mingled with gall to drink. But when He had tasted [it], He would not drink. Then they crucified Him…

Jesus was offered sour wine.
Luke 23:33, 36: And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. … The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine. …

Jesus was offered sour wine.
John 19:17-18, 29-30: And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called [the Place] of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha, where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center. … Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put [it] on hyssop, and put [it] to His mouth. So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.

When was Jesus offered drink at the crucifixion?

Jesus was offered sour wine mingled with myrrh before he was crucified but he did not drink. He was then offered sour wine after he was crucified.
Mark 15:22-24, 36: And they brought Him to the place Golgotha, which is translated, Place of a Skull. Then they gave Him wine mingled with myrrh to drink, but He did not take [it]. And when they crucified Him … Then someone ran and filled a sponge full of sour wine, put [it] on a reed, and offered [it] to Him to drink, saying, "Let Him alone; let us see if Elijah will come to take Him down."

Jesus was offered sour wine mingled with gall before he was crucified but he did not drink.
Matthew 27:33-35: And when they had come to a place called Golgotha, that is to say, Place of a Skull, they gave Him sour wine mingled with gall to drink. But when He had tasted [it], He would not drink. Then they crucified Him…

Jesus was offered sour wine after he was crucified.
Luke 23:33, 36: And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. … The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine. …

Jesus was offered sour wine after he was crucified.
John 19:17-18, 29-30: And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called [the Place] of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha, where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center. … Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put [it] on hyssop, and put [it] to His mouth. So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.

When was Jesus crucified?

It was the third hour when Jesus was crucified.
Mark 15:25: Now it was the third hour, and they crucified Him.

It was after the sixth hour when Jesus was crucified.
John 19:14,16: (14) Now it was the Preparation Day of the Passover, and about the sixth hour. And he said to the Jews, "Behold your King!" ... (16) Then he delivered Him to them to be crucified. Then they took Jesus and led [Him] away.

Why did the women go to the tomb?

The women came to the tomb to anoint the body.
Mark 16:1: Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him.

The body had already been anointed and wrapped in strips of linen cloth.
John 19:39-40: (39) And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds. (40) Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury.

Who were the first visitors to the tomb?

The first visitors to the tomb were Mary Magdalene, the other Mary, and Salome.
Mark 16:1: Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him.

The first visitors to the tomb were Mary Magdalene and the other Mary.
Matthew 28:1: Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.

The first visitor to the tomb were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and "the others".
Luke 23:55: Then they returned and prepared spices and fragrant oils. And they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment.

Luke 24:1: Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared.

The first visitor to the tomb was Mary Magdalene.
John 20:1: Now the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb.

When did the visitation to the tomb occur?

The visit took place on the first day of the week just after sunrise.
Mark 16:2: Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen.

The visit took place after the Sabbath at dawn.
Matthew 28:1: Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.

The visit took place on the first day of the week very early in the morning.
Luke 24:1: Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared.

The visit took place on the first day of the week while it was still dark.
John 20:1: Now the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb.

Was the stone over the tomb entrance at the time of the visit?

The stone had already been rolled away when the visit took place.
Mark 16:4: But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away--for it was very large.

The stone at the tomb entrance was still in place when the visit took place.
Matthew 28:1-2: (1) Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. (2) And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it.

Did the women enter the tomb?

The women actually entered the tomb.
Mark 16:5: And entering the tomb, they [Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome] saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed.

The women did not enter the tomb.
John 20:1-2, 11: (1) Now the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. (2) Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him." ... (11) But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down [and looked] into the tomb.

Was there an earthquake and who was at the tomb during the resurrection?

There was no earthquake, only a young man sitting inside the tomb.
Mark 16:5: And entering the tomb, they [Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome] saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed.

An angel arrived during an earthquake and rolled back the stone at the tomb entrance then sat on it.
Matthew 28:2: And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it.

There was no earthquake, only two men appearing and standing inside the tomb.
Luke 24:2-4: (2) But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. (3) Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. (4) And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments.

There was no earthquake, only two angels sitting inside the tomb.
John 20:11-12: (11) But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down [and looked] into the tomb. (12) And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.

Were there angels at the tomb during the resurrection? If so, how many and where were they?

There was a young man sitting inside the tomb.
Mark 16:5: And entering the tomb, they [Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome] saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed.

An angel arrived during an earthquake and rolled back the stone at the tomb entrance then sat on it.
Matthew 28:2: And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it.

There were two men appearing and standing inside the tomb.
Luke 24:2-4: (2) But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. (3) Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. (4) And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments.

There were two angels sitting inside the tomb.
John 20:11-12: (11) But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down [and looked] into the tomb. (12) And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.

Were the disciples informed of the resurrection by the visitors?

The visitor told no one.
Mark 16:8: So they went out quickly and fled from the tomb, for they trembled and were amazed. And they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

The visitors ran to tell the disciples.
Matthew 28:8: So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.

The visitors told the eleven disciples and "all the others".
Luke 24:9-10: (9) Then they returned from the tomb and told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. (10) It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary [the mother] of James, and the other [women] with them, who told these things to the apostles.

The visitor told two disciples.
John 20:2: Then she [Mary Magdalene] ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him."

What was the order of Jesus' appearances after his resurrection?

The order of the resurrection appearances were: Mary Magdalene, two others, then the eleven disciples.
*Note, these verses were not in the original manuscripts and most likely not written by Mark.
Mark 16:9, 12, 14: (9) Now when [He] rose early on the first [day] of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven demons. (12) After that, He appeared in another form to two of them as they walked and went into the country. (14) Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen.

The order of the resurrection appearances were: Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, then the eleven disciples.
Matthew 28:1, 9, 16-17: (1) Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. (9) And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, "Rejoice!" So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. (16) Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. (17) When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.

The order of the resurrection appearances were: two sojourners (Peter and Simon) and then the eleven disciples.
Luke 24:15, 36: (15) So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. (36) Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, "Peace to you."

The order of the resurrection appearances were: Mary Magdalene, the disciples without Thomas, the disciples with Thomas, and then the eleven disciples again.
John 20:14, 19, 26: (14) Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing [there], and did not know that it was Jesus. (19) Then, the same day at evening, being the first [day] of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, "Peace [be] with you." (26) And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, "Peace to you!"
John 21:1: After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He showed Himself: ...

The order of the resurrection appearances were: Peter, the twelve disciples, 500+ others, James, the apostles, then Paul.
I Corinthians 15:5-8: (5) ...and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. (6) After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. (7) After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. (8) Then last of all He was seen by me [Paul] also, as by one born out of due time.

Where did the ascension take place?

The ascension took place in or near Jerusalem.
*Note, these verses were not in the original manuscripts and most likely not written by Mark.
Mark 16:14-19: (14) Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. (15) And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. (16) He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. (17) And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; (18) they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover." (19) So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.

There is no mention of the ascension, but if it took place, it would have been from a mountain in Galilee.
Matthew 28:16-20: (16) Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. (17) When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. (18) And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. (19) Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (20) teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, [even] to the end of the age." Amen.

The ascension took place outside in Bethany (near Jerusalem).
Luke 24:50-51: (50) And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. (51) Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven.

The ascension is not mentioned.
John 21:1, 24-25: (1) After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He showed Himself. … (24) This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true. (25) And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.

*Jewish Scripture from The Complete Jewish Bible with Rashi Commentary
**Christian Scripture from the New King James Version