Problem: Paul’s main point in Galatians can be summarized in his words, “If you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing” (Gal. 5:2). Yet Paul admits that he had Timothy circumcised “because of the Jews who were in that region” (Acts 16:3). Wasn’t this a contradiction to his own teaching.
Problem: The ability of modern medicine to sustain life by blood transfusion is a common practice that has no doubt been used by Christians. However, this verse is used by some religious groups, such as the Jehovah’s Witnesses, to claim that blood transfusions are against God’s will.
Problem: Amillennial theologians believe that Amos’ prediction of rebuilding the Temple is fulfilled in the church. Amos writes, “In that day I will raise up the fallen booth of David, and wall up its breaches; I will also raise up its ruins and rebuild it as in the days of old” (Amos 9:11). Since believers are the new Temple (1 Cor. 3:16; 6:19), James was claiming that the church replaces or fulfills this promises. Is this the case?
Problem: Some scholars believe that Acts 15 and Galatians 2:1-10 are describing the same event from two different perspectives, because these two events have so much in common.[1] First, both passages describe an important event in Jerusalem. Second, both passages have the same people involved (e.g. Paul, Barnabas, Peter, James and Judaizers). Third, both passages seem to be dealing with the same subject (i.e. Gentile acceptance and participation in both salvation and fellowship). Fourth, both passages mention that circumcision is not necessary for salvation. And fifth, both passages refer to the internal struggles of Christian believers. Are these passages describing the same event?
Problem: Jesus mentions fasting in this passage (Mt. 6:16-18). Does this mean that believers should fast today?
Problem: Luke records, “When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed” (Acts 13:48). Does this passage imply that some are appointed to eternal life and others are appointed to hell?
Problem: Paul tells the unbelieving Jewish leaders, “Behold, you scoffers, and marvel, and perish; for I am accomplishing a work in your days, a work which you will never believe, though someone should describe it to you” (Acts 13:41). Here he is citing Habakkuk 1:5. Why is he citing this passage?
Can you be forgiven of all sins or not? The Bible implies in some verses that all sins are forgiven but elsewhere says that some sins are not forgiven. How do we reconcile this apparent discrepancy?
Some passages say that Jesus came to bring peace, but others declare that he did not. Isn’t this a blatant contradiction? No, actually. Let’s take a look.
They heard the voice
Acts 9:7, KJV, “And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man”
Acts 9:7, NASB, “And the men who traveled with him stood speechless, hearing the voice, but seeing no one.”
Acts 9:7, NIV, “The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone.”
Problem: When Paul saw the light at Jesus‘ appearance on the road to Damascus, did he fall down to the ground? Yes, he did. The different verses in Scripture are simply describing the same thing in different ways. Acts 9:3-4 and Acts 26:13-14
Problem: When Philip meets the Ethiopian eunuch reading Isaiah 53, Philip asks, “Do you understand what you are reading?” And the man responds by saying, “Well, how could I, unless someone guides me?” Jehovah’s Witness argue that this supports our need for an interpretive authority like the Watchtower Society: ““in order to understand God’s Word and discern his will we…need the help of his dedicated, organized people. [i.e. the Watchtower Society] The Ethiopian Bible reader acknowledged that fact.”[1] Is this the case?
Problem: Luke records that Simon believed in Christ—along with the rest of the people in Samaria. But when he tried to gain the power of giving out the Holy Spirit, Peter tells him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! 21 You have no part or portion in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. 22 Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray the Lord that, if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity 24 Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me. (Acts 8:20-24).” Did Simon lose his salvation?
Problem: This passage states, “Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent them Peter and John, 15 who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit 16 For He had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they began laying their hands on them, and they were receiving the Holy Spirit” (Acts 8:14-17). Why did Peter and John need to come up to Samaria to preach, and why was there a delay in the Samaritans receiving the Holy Spirit?
Problem: Stephen says that 75 were in Joseph’s family. However, in Genesis 46:27, there are only 70.