Discrepancies in the Story: When Do Events Really Happen?
In this article, you will learn how Acts 13:29 contradicts Matthew 27:35, Mark 15:24, Luke 23:47 and John 19:23. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
The narrative of Jesus' crucifixion and burial is a significant part of the Christian faith. However, when we compare different accounts within the New Testament, some apparent contradictions emerge, particularly involving the timeline of events. Acts 13:29 summarizes the events after Jesus' death, noting that His friends took Him down from the cross and placed Him in a tomb as a fulfillment of a divine plan. This concise account implies a focused timeline of the aftermath of His crucifixion.
Conversely, other verses offer different sequences of events that seem to contradict this summary. For instance, Matthew 27:35 and Mark 15:24 describe soldiers casting lots for Jesus' garments before His crucifixion, focusing on actions that occurred prior to His death. Similarly, John 19:23 details how Jesus' garments were divided among the soldiers, which again is an event happening before His passing. These details divert from the post-crucifixion focus of Acts 13:29.
Further adding to the complexity, Luke 23:47 presents a centurion's declaration immediately following Jesus’ death. This declaration does not directly touch on the burial but highlights an event happening just after the crucifixion, rather than the immediate transition to burial described in Acts.
These differing narratives can be likened to multiple witness accounts of a historical event, where each witness emphasizes different aspects, sometimes leading to apparent contradictions. Is one account more accurate, or do they collectively offer a fuller picture?
This divergence in details raises questions: How do we reconcile these differences? Do they suggest variations in emphasis or purpose behind the Gospel writings? Understanding these discrepancies invites deeper exploration and reflection on the broader context and authorship of the texts involved. Such exploration can enrich one's perspective on these foundational stories.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Acts 13:29 | And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took [him] down from the tree, and laid [him] in a sepulchre. |
| 2. | Matthew 27:35 | And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots. |
| 3. | Mark 15:24 | And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take. |
| 4. | Luke 23:47 | Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man. |
| 5. | John 19:23 | Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also [his] coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. [woven: or, wrought] |