[Biblemat] The death of Judas, contradiction? (question/answer)

[Don Martin]

Hello Jim,

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You asked:

Matthew 27:5 says judas threw the pieces of silver into the temple,
departed and hanged himself. Acts 1:18 says he purchased a field
with his reward of iniquity and fell headlong, and burst asunder.
What is the truth to his death?

Reply:

There is no contradiction in the two main references to the demise
of Judas. Matthew simply said that Judah "hanged himself" while
Acts 1: 18 provides a more detailed account.  It would appear
that either the rope broke or something else contributed to the
releasing of Judas and he fell; thus, experiencing what Acts 1: 18 said.
If Judah attempted to hang himself along the many clefts surrounding
the area, such a fate was not only possible, but probable.  I shall
insert some additional comments regarding the harmony of the Gospels
for your consideration.  Be sure to take advantage of the vast archives
in out reference site, www.bibletruths.net

There are a number of instances in the Gospels which appear to be
conflicting, but, upon closer examination, do not present a
contradiction (some of which you mentioned in your question).  There
are a number of good works which attempt to offer plausible explanations
as to the alleged contradictions found in the Gospels (check any
religious book store).

   One must remember that each  gospel account had its own design
and goal. Matthew writes particularly for the Jew; John, on the other
hand, writes with less concern for Jewish matters.  John even seems to
be governed by Roman time, on occasion (Jn. 18 - 20).  A fact
relative to eyewitnesses and writers who give an account of the same
event is one may record an event which another (or all others) omits.
That does not necessarily constitute a contradiction.  Two (or more)
may record the same event, but with different emphasis.  Such is not a
discrepancy, one (or more) may record the same event, but add or omit
details.  Moreover, one writer may focus on a certain point in time relative
to the recorded event, another writer a different point in time.  Again,
such is not disharmony.  Let us turn our attention to some specific
instances of alleged disharmony in the Gospels.

   How many women went to the tomb?  Matthew mentions two, the two
Marys (Matt. 28: 1 ff), Mark three (Mk. 16: 1, 2), a number of women ,
Luke states (Lk. 24: 1 ff), and John mentions one (Jn. 20: 1 ff).  Is there
a contradiction?  Rather than a contradiction, could it be that John focused
on Mary Magdalene?   Could it be that Many Magdalene came ahead
of the other women or came twice, once by herself and then returned
with the others?  All of these views are plausible.

   When did the women arrive at the tomb?  Matthew says "end of
Sabbath," (Matt. 28: 1), Mark, "when the Sabbath was past"
(Mk. 16: 1), Luke, "Upon the first day of the week." (Lk. 24: 1), and
John, ".the first day of the week cometh" (Jn. 20: 1).  Rather than
seeing an alleged contradiction, one should be impressed with the
precision of these four different, independent writers.  Could it be that
one (or more) of the writers may have had a different point in time in
mind (when left, on the way,  when actually arrived)?  Notice the
exactitude:  "dawn toward," "very early in the morning the first day.," and
"first day.cometh."

   Earthquake or no earthquake.  Matthew mentions the earthquake
(Matt. 28: 2).  Matthew adds detail which the others omit.  Does such
pose a contradiction?

   In order to have a true case of disharmony and contradiction, there
must be irreconcilable and implausible differences in the essential facts
of the presentation.  Such as:  Jesus died/did not die; died a natural
death/murdered; beheaded/crucified; tomb empty/Jesus' body found;
etc.

   I trust the foregoing will serve as an example of all the many instances
of alleged discrepancy in the Gospel accounts.  What is really amazing is
that these four men wrote of the same general event, the birth, life, death,
and resurrection  of Jesus, and did so independent one of another; and
yet did not collide in their presentation of the essential facts (see Lk. 1:
1-4 and 2 Tim. 3: 16, 17).

Thanks again for your good question and for your interest in spiritual
matters. I recommend that you print out this email for future reference
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Cordially,
Don Martin