The account of Jesus’ birth is either a straight lies or misinterpretation of facts. It’s accepted that all

Question

books that recorded his birth were written long after his birth. There are claring contradictions between Matthew and Luke. Matthew also says some odd things.

1. Matthew quotes Isaiah as saying “"therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel". Facts – Jesus was not named Immanuel (Immanuel does not mean “divine”). The original text does not refer to a virgin but a young woman of marriageable age (almah). So Matthew’s account is either a cross-misinterpretation or lies

2. Luke records that Joseph and Mary took Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem when he was about 40days old after which they went straight back to Nazareth (Luke 2:22,39). Matthew’s version is that Joseph & Mary fled to Egypt immediately after Jesus was born and stayed there for several years (Matt. 2:13-14).

In light of these contradictions, why do some Christians insist that we should not interrogate the bible?

Answer 1

Because some people are afraid to think for themselves. They are unsure of themselves and can really only feel safe and secure when defined by something external to themselves. Questioning what they have chosen to define themselves as is tantamount to questioning their whole reason for existence, and they are not comfortable with that. It isn't just a set of "facts" or "truths" that is wrong, it is their whole lives that are being called into question. No one wants to feel like their whole life is a lie. So it is easier to just pretend that everything is fine, and there are no glaring contradictions and that the whole rest of the universe is wrong and the scribblings of some tribesmen from 3000 odd years ago are a correct and accurate picture of reality.

Answer 2

Jesus quoted Scripture when meeting the temptations of Satan. He also stated that the Bible is truth (John 17:17). Jesus often quoted Scripture as authority for the truth He was teaching.

Bible predictions of things to happen in the future confirm the inspiration of Scripture as they come to pass. Notice the following examples of fulfilled Bible prophecies:

A. Four world empires to arise: Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome (Daniel chapters 2, 7, 8).
B. Cyrus to be the warrior to capture Babylon (Isaiah 45:1-3).
C. After Babylon's destruction, it would never be inhabited again (Isaiah 13:19, 20; Jeremiah 51:37).
D. Egypt would never again have a commanding position among the nations (Ezekiel 29:14, 15; 30:12, 13).
E. Earth-shaking calamities and fear toward the end of time (Luke 21:25, 26).
F. Moral degeneracy and decline of spirituality in the last days (2 Timothy 3:1-5).

A. The 66 books of the Bible were written:
1. On three continents.
2. In three languages.
3. By about 40 different people (kings, shepherds, scientists, attorneys, an army general, fishermen, priests, and a physician).
4. Over a period of about 1,500 years.
5. On the most controversial subjects.
6. By people who, in most cases, had never met.
7. By authors whose education and background varied greatly.

B. Yet, though it seems totally inconceivable,
1. The 66 books maintain harmony with each other.
2. Often new concepts on a subject are expressed, but these concepts do not undermine what other Bible writers say on the same subject.

Prophecy Old Testament Scripture New Testament Fulfillment
1. Born in Bethlehem Micah 5:2 Matthew 2:1
2. Born of a virgin Isaiah 7:14 Matthew 1:18-23
3. Of David's lineage Jeremiah 23:5 Revelation 22:16
4. Attempted murder by Herod Jeremiah 31:15 Matthew 2:16-18
5. Betrayal by a friend Psalms 41:9 John 13:18, 19, 26
6. Sold for 30 silver coins Zechariah 11:12 Matthew 26:14-16
7. Crucified Zechariah 12:10 John 19:16-18, 37
8. Lots cast for His clothes Psalms 22:18 Matthew 27:35
9. No bones broken Psalms 34:20; Exodus 12:46 John 19:31-36
10. Buried in rich man's tomb Isaiah 53:9 Matthew 27:57-60
11. Year, day, hour of His death Daniel 9:26, 27; Exodus 12:6 Matthew 27:45-50
12. Raised the third day Hosea 6:2 Acts 10:38-40

Answer 3

First of all it is NOT accepted that the books that recorded his birth were written long after his birth. Actually if you re-read Matthew 1:18-25 it says his name would be Jesus, and the orginal text does refer to a virgin Luke 1:26-35 clearly says she is a virgin. Jesus would have many names, Immanuel, Father, Jesus, Lord, Savior, Son of God that does not show a contridiction. If you choose to interrogate the bible you are always going to find things you can argue for and against. The Bible was written by men inspired by GOD. Each man writes differently. Otherwise you would then claim it is just a carbon copy. People like you are either searching for the truth or trying to tear down others beliefs for what reason I know not that is between you and your GOD. My guess is it's the later. You can not take away faith no matter how hard you try. So if you wish to interrogate the bible the least you can do it respect it enough to get your fact straight

Answer 4

I think you've gotten several very good answers, but I do want to add one piece of information regarding Mary's virginity.

The Hebrew word used at Isaiah 7:14 is "almah," which is translated into English as "virgin." As some answerers have explained, the Hebrew word "almah" is a description of a young, virginal, unmarried woman. So how do we know for certain that Mary's virginity was the most important factor? Prior to Jesus' time, Jewish scholars translated the Hebrew Bible into Greek for Jews living there (it's called the Septuagint). When Isaiah 7:14 was translated, they used the Greek word "parthenos," which means virgin and nothing else. This is our confirmation that the Messiah was to be born to a virgin. The fact that she otherwise met the description of an "almah" is inconsequential.

Another factor that proves Mary was a virgin when Jesus was born is the use of the word "sign" within Isaiah 7:14. The Hebrew word translated as "sign" is "owth," which means a miraculous omen, proof or signal. Think about it: what kind of miraculous omen, proof or signal would it have been for a young woman to give birth to a baby boy? But a VIRGIN giving birth ... well ... THAT'S a miraculous sign!

Answer 5

There is a third options and that is that the bible is true and you are misinformed. Please let me explain.

1 Matthew did quote from Isaiah that JESUS shall be call Immanuel with mean "GOD with US" I am call a warehouse manager at my job but that not my name. JESUS is called Immanuel not his name is Immanuel. The Passage do speak of a young woman (not a virgin) but the Hebrew word does refer to a young woman that has not married, Meaning she does not know a man (ie A virgin). If she did then she would be stone to death.

2) Luke does record that Jesus was taken to the Temple in Jerusalem when he was 40 day old as per the Jewish Laws. Matthew does talk about the wise men who come to visit JESUS and the word used was Young Child. And Herold order all the Male 3 year old and under to be killed. Jesus was not a baby at the time Joseph& Family fled to Egypt. That is was right after JESUS was born is not true.

In Light of these fact, why do some people still have a problem with the BIBLE.

k1

Answer 6

Talk about misrepresentation...That is just what you did!!!!
Review some facts surrounding the events that took place around Christ's birth!
King Herod ordered all male children killed...not just infants but up to the age of 2 years old. The events take place over that time period not HOW MAN today has decided to celebrate Christ's
birth.

The Romans were a dominating power when Jesus was born.
In the 6th century the pope determined to have a new calendar prepared which would date all events from the birth of Christ.

Accordingly ( margin of 4-5 years) Jesus was born in 4, 5B.C.
Journey to Egypt of course was 4, 5 B.C.
Return from Egypt 3, 4 B.C.
Boyhood Visit to the temple was approximately 8 A.D.
The ministry of Jesus' forerunner, John the Baptist and Christ's baptism ( as example) 26 A.D.
Christ's ministry, year of popularity,year of opposition 26, 27, 28 A.D.
Year of Christ's death 29 or 30 A.D.




Christian in PA

Answer 7

There is no contradictions in the bible. Get the harmony of the gospels and it will put it all together for ya. I am going to give you the order of Jesus's birth.
Angel appears to Mary- Luke 1:26-38
Mary Visits Elizabeth- Luke 1:39-56
John the Baptist is born- Luke 1:57-80
An angel appears to Joseph- Matthew 1:18-25
Jesus is born in Bethlehem- Luke 2:1-7
Shepherds visit Jesus- Luke 2:8-20
Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the temple- Luke 2:21-40
The wise men visit- Matthew 2:1-12
The escape the Egypt- Matthew 2:13-18
The Return to Nazareth- Matthew 2:19-23

Note: Now this is the order in which you should read the birth of Christ. I have given you all the scriptures in which the events are listed.

Answer 8

You do not have your facts quite right. Isaiah also says he shall be called wonderful, counsellor, the mighty God and yet he was only called Jesus. What he was was all these things said by Isaiah though they were not names he was called or known by. But is you read through your Bible you will see that indeed Jesus was God with us, he is the counsellor etc.
Joseph and Mary did not flee to Egypty immediately after the birth of Jesus. If you notice the wise man came to see Jesus, the child, in a house and not in the manger. He was already a child and not a baby when they came. And Herod inquired of the time they had seen the star and ordered the killing of children from 2years going below. Why didn't he order the killing of infants only?
I urge you read your Bible thoroughly before you make such comments

Answer 9

The only Evangelist who was an Apostle was John. Matthew and Luke received their information from other sources. Matthew's audience were the Jews. He tried to compare Jesus to Moses. Just as Moses lived in Egypt and was spared, so too Jesus.
Luke's account was probably more accurate.
The word "Immanuel" or "Emmanuel", means "God is with Us." Emmanuel is a symbolic name for a child that Isaiah announced to King Ahaz. (Isa 7:14.) Matthew begins and ends his Gospel with the promise that "I am with you always." (Matt 28:20).
When we read the Bible, we read it as a faith book. It teaches us about God. It was not written when it happened. It was told orally for many years before being written down. It contains poetry and different styles of writing not understood by the casual reader. To become educated and to understand the why, when and to whom (the audience receiving the news) was written will help the reader understand this.

Answer 10

Actually "virgin" back then actually was used liberally and it meant, "pretty young thing" (I'm not quoting anyone -- just simplifing it a bit). Like many words, the meanings change over time...it's a normal phenomenon.

However, that doesn't mean that Mary wasn't a virgin. In reality, assuming that all of this true (I commit myself to nothing on this site) she would have been more likely to be killed had Joseph thought for two seconds that she had been messing around. In reality, there is a chance that Joseph was in fact the father. Girls can become pregnant if sperm is present even if penetration does not happen. People seem to forget that.

People grow up in faith and blind belief. It's very difficult to see your belief system get shred to bits by others. I think it's emotionally painful. You end up wondering if you are somehow stupid or quaint.

I also believe though that if you are openly going to interrogate the bible or any piece of work you need to be prepared for the response you get. Nothing is one sided and quite frankly, I see nothing wrong with having faith in God.

I don't believe the that bible was meant to be taken literally. And I do often clash with those who think that way. But I also try to understand that they may come from a different place than myself and rather than deliberately insult them (unless they've done or said something incredibly stupid) I allow them their beliefs.

We don't all have to agree on what ever lies beyond death but right now, we all have to share space and time. I'd prefer to keep it peaceful.

*Spell check keeps crashing on me....sorry for any blinding errors!

Answer 11

1. Jesus is named many things, and Immanuel is one of them - it means "God with us". So your first question is flawed. Mary was a virgin AND a woman of marriageble age - what is your point??

2. Matt 2:13-14 does NOT say, "immediately". My friend, how do you know the timeframes since they are not mentioned?

There are no contradictions in these passages, its only your limited understanding!

The Lord says that to the unbeliever, the things written in the Bible are foolishness, because YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND BECAUSE YOU ARE NOT A CHILD OF GOD.

You will never have understanding if you do not give your life to the Lord.

The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.