What did Jesus really do or say?
I wanted to take a moment and do something different than what I normally do in this blog, that is, instead of digging into the text of the Bible, I wanted to take a moment to discuss an issue which may have come up from my last post. If you read my last post you may have come away with a question, “what did Jesus really do” or perhaps “what did Jesus really say?” In the previous blog I presented different narratives surrounding the story of Jesus cursing the fig tree and examined the possible meanings that each Synoptic Gospel may have been explaining. I did this to show the richness of the text and the excitement that can come from studying the Word of God. The Bible is the source of truth, and as such, constantly fills me with wonder! Sometimes, there are little tid bits hidden deep down that you have to dig to find, and when I find them I get very excited! However, it is also of concern to me that sometimes we can get so focused on the trees that we have lost the wonder of the forest, or perhaps, we are instead looking at the weeds. The point is that I don’t want the ideas that I presented to cause confusion or dismay. Some might walk away from my blog post and ask the questions above, wondering what is “true.”
And so I wanted to stop and address the issue. In western thought we are constantly seeking to find the truth. We often view truth as binary, yes or no, true or false, and this is how we approach the Bible. Reading a story with three different viewpoints will often cause us to say, but which one actually happened? I believe this question is important and valid. It is the work of textual critics to try and find the original wording of the text of the Bible. Paul D. Wegner quotes (Wegner 2006, 24) from P. Kyle McCarter’s work, Textual Criticism: Recovering the Text of the Hebrew Bible when he says,
“Briefly stated, textual criticism is the science and art that seeks to determine the most reliable wording of a text.”
These scholars work tirelessly to recover the original text of the Bbile. This is important because over the years and thousands of manuscripts we have variations which can sometimes lead to different readings. However, it is important to note that these differences in the text will never impact the pillars of our faith, or indeed, even a critical issue or doctrine (Wegner 2006, 25-26). Scholars and exegetes then take this work and strive to rightly divide the word of God, to determine it’s meaning.
When I study a verse I am often referencing many great commentaries (for instance for Mark I normally use around 10-11), which help inform my content and thoughts. They are written by specialist who have devoted much of their life to the study of God’s word, and so I find their insight most helpful! One thing you find very quickly when referencing such works that they often disagree while presenting great arguments and theories. Sometimes, even with disagreements, there is a clear winner, while at other times there seem to be as many ideas as there are scholars, which leaves me with the question, which one is right?
A few years ago I heard something that utterly shocked me and left me at a loss for words. Someone said, “it is possible for two people to be arguing and for both to be wrong.” I had never considered this before! The implications are important, because this means that it is possible for me to argue with someone and for both of us to be wrong! That shocked me. I want to take this idea a step further. Just as two can argue and both be wrong, it is possible that two can argue and both be right! How is this possible? In order to explain it I must first make a point.
I believe the Bible is first interpreted by the Holy Spirit, not man, and thus, it is the Spirit of God that defines what is the right or wrong way to understand a text. We see this in action with the way the New Testament uses the Old Testament. For all the rules that we have surrounding the text and proper Exegesis, the New Testament authors seem not to care for our rules or our thoughts! One example that comes to mind is how Matthew 2:15 uses Hosea 11:1. There are many more examples, but this verse makes the point. The New Testament, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, used scripture in ways that are different than us. However, this use is valid because it is with the supreme authority of the Holy Spirit whom dictated this use! To give an example from my personal life, there have been times when I am writing the blog and I feel conviction from the Holy Spirit that I am in error. I continue to rewrite and work the text until the feeling abates. In other words, I am seeking to be led by the Holy Spirit in my work. Do I make mistakes even with this, YES. I am not an apostle or prophet, I am just an ignorant man who loves the Bible. I will make mistakes. However, the point holds, the Holy Spirit led men to interpret the Bible differently than I would. This leads me to my primary point, the Holy Spirit also led the authors of the Gospels to present different, and sometimes conflicting ideas. Think about that for a moment. In the previous story we saw that one Gospel presents the cursing of the fig tree on the way to the temple, while another on the way from the temple. Which one is it? I don’t know, and I don’t think it matters, and here is why, because they are both true! It is true that one is factually true, that is, Jesus either did one or the other. However, there is a deeper truth being pointed at, by the finger of the Holy Spirit! How can we ignore this?
What is more true, the light surrounding a shadow or the shadow itself? Both are true. Yet the outline of light points at the shadow and helps define it. The light gives definition to the shadow, and the shadow gives light meaning. I am arguing that there are two truths here, the truth of the historical moment and speech, and the truth that the Holy Spirit is inspiring.
And so when we read of an event in the Gospels like this, we must not be concerned. We must not just stop and ask which is true, but also what is the deeper truth that the Holy Spirit is seeking to speak to us here.
FAQ for the article
Why do the Gospels sometimes present events differently?
The Synoptic Gospels often emphasize different theological themes and perspectives while recounting the same historical events. These variations reveal the richness of Scripture and demonstrate how the Holy Spirit inspired each author to communicate deeper truths to specific audiences.
Does a difference between Gospel accounts mean the Bible contains errors?
Differences in wording, order, or emphasis do not undermine the truthfulness of Scripture. Biblical scholars note that these variations do not affect core Christian doctrines or the foundations of the faith. Instead, they often highlight different theological purposes within the inspired text.
What is textual criticism in biblical studies?
Textual criticism is the scholarly discipline that seeks to recover the most reliable wording of the biblical manuscripts. By comparing thousands of ancient copies, scholars work to identify the original readings of Scripture as accurately as possible.
Do manuscript variations change Christian doctrine?
No. While manuscript variations exist, they do not alter essential Christian beliefs or major doctrines. The central teachings about God, Jesus Christ, salvation, and the Gospel remain consistent throughout Scripture.
Why do biblical scholars disagree on interpretations?
Scholars often approach passages from different historical, linguistic, theological, or literary perspectives. Because Scripture is deep and multifaceted, faithful interpreters can sometimes arrive at different conclusions while still honoring the authority of the Bible.
Can two different interpretations both contain truth?
In some cases, yes. A passage may contain both a historical truth and a deeper theological truth intended by the Holy Spirit. The Bible often communicates meaning on multiple levels simultaneously.
How does the Holy Spirit help interpret Scripture?
Christians believe the Holy Spirit guides believers into truth and helps illuminate the meaning of Scripture. The New Testament itself demonstrates Spirit-led interpretations of the Old Testament that sometimes go beyond modern interpretive expectations.
Why does Matthew use Old Testament passages differently than modern readers expect?
The Gospel writers, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, sometimes applied Old Testament passages typologically or prophetically in ways that emphasized deeper fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Matthew 2:15 and Hosea 11:1 are a common example discussed in biblical studies.
What is the deeper truth behind the differences in the fig tree accounts?
The different presentations of Jesus cursing the fig tree may emphasize theological symbolism rather than merely chronological detail. The Gospel writers use the event to communicate truths about judgment, faith, Israel, and the temple.
Should Christians be troubled by differences between Gospel accounts?
Christians do not need to fear differences in the Gospel narratives. Instead of asking only which detail is historically precise, readers can also ask what spiritual truth the Holy Spirit is communicating through each inspired account.
What is the relationship between historical truth and spiritual truth in the Bible?
The Bible communicates real historical events while also revealing deeper spiritual meaning. Historical events often serve as vehicles through which God reveals theological truths, prophetic fulfillment, and spiritual realities.
Why is studying Scripture deeply important?
Careful Bible study reveals the richness, depth, and interconnected nature of God’s Word. Many believers find that exploring context, themes, and literary structure increases their awe and appreciation for Scripture.
Can ordinary Christians study the Bible deeply even without formal training?
Absolutely. While scholars and commentaries can provide valuable insight, every believer can grow in understanding through prayer, careful reading, study, and dependence on the Holy Spirit.
What is the main message of this discussion about Gospel differences?
The primary message is that Christians should not lose confidence when encountering differences in biblical accounts. Instead, those differences can invite deeper reflection on the historical and spiritual truths God communicates through Scripture.
References-
Paul D. Wegner, A Student’s Guide to Textual Criticism of the Bible: Its History, Methods & Results (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2006), 24.
“To help put this into perspective it is commonly said that no theological doctrine or issue hinges on a textual variant, and that there are more differences between the various English translations of the New Testament than among the Greek manuscripts.”
ibid, 25–26.
