How do I deal with contradictory passages in the Bible?
Opponents to the Bible point to what they consider to be inconsistencies and contradictions in the Word of God. Some of these apparent contradictions are quickly resolved by reading the surrounding passages. Others easily harmonize when you look at the big picture of Bible teachings, rather than isolating a single passage or phrase.
Consider how a loving parent communicates with their children. The same parent who says, “I am so proud of what you have done” may at another time express disappointment, by saying, “I don’t approve of your decision.” A parent who hugs a child affectionately may in another situation discipline the same child. We understand when parents give an older child who has proven his trustworthiness greater responsibilities than are given to a younger, or more disobedient child. These differing statements or behaviors are not contradictory, because a parent who wants to raise their child rightly will communicate different things at different times. Someone who is looking for an excuse to make accusations of inconsistency or unfairness will isolate a single moment, or bring forth these so-called “contradictions” to dispute the character of the parent.
Opponents of God do the same thing with His Word today. It is likely that they have searched the Internet for a list of Bible discrepancies someone has posted. They have not found these on their own, because often, they have not read the Bible for themselves and are unaware of its themes or principles of interpretation. The answers to their accusations are available if they are willing to listen, but most of the time, their mind is made up and they are not willing to consider a reasonable response.
It is true that there are difficult texts to understand and explain in the Bible, but that is not proof that it cannot be trusted. On the contrary, if the Bible were written as a cheap novel, with no need for deep study, it would not have the mark of the divine. The teachings of Scripture cannot be explained in a ten-second sound bite.
Understanding God’s Word requires dedicated study and letting Scripture interpret Scripture. “‘For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line, here a little, there a little.’” Isaiah 28:10
“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
Understanding God’s Word also requires willingness to be led by the Holy Spirit.
“But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:14
God inspired the men who wrote the Bible. Then, using their own unique abilities and language, they expressed what God had revealed. 2 Peter 1:20–21 says, “… no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” The human interpreters of God’s Word (you and me) must also be led by the Holy Spirit to come to a correct understanding.
If two Bible statements appear contradictory, the problem is not with God’s Word; the misunderstanding is due to our own limited understanding, or our moral weakness. If God said both things, then He meant both things. Therefore, we need God’s help to understand His Word and clear away our weakness and misunderstanding.
It is good for Christians to consider difficult passages. Here are some things to do as you study:
– Pray before you read, and when questions arise, ask for the Holy Spirit to lead you.
– Read the texts slowly and carefully, then re-read them. Using Bible study tools, look for connecting passages that increase your understanding.
– Check with a Bible commentary for an explanation of what is unclear.
– Trust in God’s Word and give it time. Don’t let the few things you don’t understand shake your confidence in what is clear, simple, and proven. You will discover that what was once unclear gets resolved as you spend more time studying different parts of the Bible. There is a never-ending depth to the Scriptures, and God reveals things in His own time, and as we are able to understand. As God leads us to greater understanding, He opens before us even deeper questions so that we will come to Him again for wisdom.
“But it is not as though the word of God has failed ….” Romans 9:6 (ESV)
“And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place …” 2 Peter 1:19