Contradictions in the Bible—Why Are They There?

The Bible has many seeming contradictions within its pages. For
example, the four Gospels give four differing accounts as to what was
written on the sign that hung on the cross. Matthew said, “This is
Jesus the King of the Jews” (27:37). However, Mark contradicts that
with “The King of the Jews” (15:26). Luke says something different:
“This is the King of the Jews” (23:38), and John maintains that the
sign said “Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews” (19:19).

Those who are looking for contradictions may therefore say, “See—the
Bible is full of mistakes!” and choose to reject it entirely as being
untrustworthy. However, those who trust God have no problem
harmonizing the Gospels. There is no contradiction if the sign simply
said, “This is Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews.”

The godly base their confidence on two truths: 1) “all Scripture is
given by inspiration of God” (2 Timothy 3:16); and 2) an elementary
rule of Scripture is that God has deliberately included seeming
contradictions in His Word to “snare” the proud. He has “hidden”
things from the “wise and prudent” and “revealed them to babes” (Luke
10:21), purposely choosing foolish things to confound the wise (1
Corinthians 1:27).

Always remember: Christ loves you, and so do I! Each and every one of you!