Harmonisation between the Gospels

Question 1

Why are the gospels seen to be historically inaccurate?

- Supernatural

Answer 1

The use of supernatural events leads people to seriously doubt their accuracy.

• Jesus being conceived through the Holy Spirit, to some, seems impossible (link to Luke’s emphasis on the biological genealogy through Mary and traced back to Adam)
• Angels appear in both accounts.
• Elizabeth’s baby leaps in her womb when it identifies Jesus
• Too much of a mystery of faith, as how can he be 100% divine and 100% human.

Question 2

Virgin Birth

Answer 2

They BOTH agree on the fact that Jesus’ conception was though the Holy Spirit, and that Mary WAS in fact a virgin.

• Could be seen as another prophecy, as some say Matthew references Isiah 7:14 in which he quotes the Septuagint verse using the word “almah” to refer to a Virgin in reference of Mary.

Question 3

Does harmonisation mean the accounts are exactly the same?

Answer 3

No, it means that there are aspects that align.

Question 4

Could both of the accounts be true? Why/why not?

Answer 4

Yes, they do not blatantly contradict each other. Matthew might have had access to information Luke did not have, and vice-versa.

Question 5

What do they agree on? (3 main things)

Answer 5

• Jesus being a virgin birth
• Jesus was the fulfilment of OT prophecy
• Mary was betrothed to Joseph