list of 100 contradictions in the gospels mathew mark luke and john and also a list of top twenty apologetics living today and top 20 that are dead and their views on these 100 contradictions .Also explain what apologetics eman and do its history and compare to gnostics stocis

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What is Apologetics?

Apologetics is the branch of theology concerned with the rational defense and explanation of the Christian faith against objections, criticisms, or alternative worldviews. The term derives from the Greek word *apologia*, meaning “defense” or “vindication,” as used in legal contexts (e.g., Plato’s *Apology* for Socrates). In Christianity, it involves using reason, evidence, philosophy, history, and science to argue for the truth of core doctrines like God’s existence, Jesus’ divinity and resurrection, the Bible’s reliability, and the coherence of Christian ethics. Apologists aim not just to refute skeptics but to persuade seekers, strengthen believers, and engage cultural dialogues. It’s distinct from evangelism (proclaiming the gospel) or theology (systematic study of God), focusing instead on intellectual justification.

Apologetics is not about apologizing for faith but providing a reasoned case, as encouraged in 1 Peter 3:15: “Always be prepared to give an answer [apologia] to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” Modern apologetics addresses atheism, pluralism, science-religion tensions, and moral relativism, often drawing on fields like archaeology, cosmology, and textual criticism.

#### History of Christian Apologetics

Christian apologetics traces its roots to the New Testament era. Jesus engaged in apologetic-like reasoning, such as citing prophecies (Luke 24:27) and miracles as evidence (John 10:37-38). Apostles like Paul defended the faith before Jewish leaders (Acts 26) and pagan audiences (Acts 17:16-34, appealing to Greek philosophy and unknown gods). Early church writings, like Peter’s epistles, urged believers to defend their hope.

In the 2nd century, amid Roman persecutions and pagan slanders (e.g., Christians as atheists or cannibals), “apologists” emerged. Justin Martyr (c. 100-165) wrote *First Apology* and *Dialogue with Trypho*, addressing emperors and Jews, blending philosophy with Scripture. Other key figures included Aristides, Athenagoras, and Tatian, who refuted immorality charges and argued Christianity’s superiority to paganism.

The Patristic period (3rd-5th centuries) saw Origen’s *Contra Celsum* (c. 248) systematically dismantling pagan critic Celsus’s attacks, using logic and history. Augustine of Hippo (354-430) in *City of God* defended Christianity against blame for Rome’s fall, contrasting it with pagan decline. Apologetics shifted to counter heresies like Gnosticism and Arianism.

During the Middle Ages (5th-15th centuries), apologetics engaged Judaism and Islam. Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109) offered the ontological argument for God’s existence. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) in *Summa Contra Gentiles* and *Summa Theologica* integrated Aristotelian philosophy, presenting “five ways” to prove God via cosmology and teleology. This era emphasized natural theology—knowing God through reason alongside revelation.

The Reformation (16th century) saw apologetics against Catholic-Protestant divides, but also humanism and skepticism. John Calvin defended Reformed theology in *Institutes of the Christian Religion*. Post-Reformation, apologetics countered Enlightenment rationalism and deism; Joseph Butler’s *Analogy of Religion* (1736) used probability arguments.

In the 19th-20th centuries, apologetics responded to Darwinism, higher criticism, and atheism. Figures like William Paley (watchmaker analogy) and C.S. Lewis (*Mere Christianity*) popularized defenses. Evangelical apologists like Norman Geisler and Ravi Zacharias emphasized evidentialism and cultural engagement. Today, it includes presuppositional (Van Til), classical (Craig), and cumulative-case approaches, addressing postmodernism, science, and pluralism.

#### Comparison to Gnostics and Stoics

Apologetics, Gnosticism, and Stoicism all involve rational inquiry but differ in goals, methods, and worldviews.

– **Gnosticism**: Emerging in the 1st-3rd centuries, Gnostics (from Greek *gnosis*, “knowledge”) were dualistic sects blending Christianity, Platonism, and mysticism. They emphasized secret, esoteric knowledge for salvation, viewing the material world as evil (created by a flawed demiurge, not the true God). Jesus was often a spiritual revealer, not fully human/divine. Apologetics opposed Gnosticism as heresy (e.g., Irenaeus’s *Against Heresies*, c. 180), arguing for orthodox doctrines like creation’s goodness, Jesus’ incarnation, and public revelation in Scripture. Apologetics uses open reason and evidence accessible to all, while Gnosticism relies on elite, hidden insights—apologetics democratizes truth, Gnosticism elitizes it.

– **Stoicism**: A Hellenistic philosophy (3rd century BCE onward, founded by Zeno), Stoics like Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius stressed virtue, reason (*logos*), self-control, and living in harmony with nature’s rational order (pantheistic “God” as cosmic reason). They valued ethics over metaphysics, using logic to endure suffering. Early apologetics borrowed Stoic tools (e.g., Paul’s *logos* in Acts 17 echoes Stoic ideas) but critiqued its impersonal deity and fatalism. Apologetics affirms personal God, grace, and resurrection, while Stoicism lacks redemption or afterlife hope. Both prize reason, but apologetics integrates it with faith/revelation; Stoicism sees reason as sufficient for eudaimonia (flourishing).

In summary, apologetics defends revealed truth rationally against rivals like Gnostic mysticism or Stoic naturalism, promoting an accessible, evidence-based faith.

### List of 100 Contradictions in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)

The four Gospels contain numerous apparent contradictions—differences in details, timelines, emphases, or omissions—stemming from their independent authorship, oral traditions, and theological focuses. Scholars like Bart Ehrman view them as genuine discrepancies reflecting human composition. Apologists argue they are reconcilable via harmonization, complementary perspectives, or copyist errors. Below is a compiled list of 100 commonly cited examples, drawn from critical analyses. These are not exhaustive; for more, see resources like the Skeptic’s Annotated Bible or Ehrman’s works. I’ve grouped them thematically for clarity, with verse references and brief explanations.

#### Birth and Genealogy (1-15)
1. Jesus’ genealogy: Matthew 1:1-17 (through Solomon) vs. Luke 3:23-38 (through Nathan)—irreconcilable lists.
2. Joseph’s father: Jacob (Mt 1:16) vs. Heli (Lk 3:23).
3. Birth during Herod’s reign (Mt 2:1, died 4 BCE) vs. Quirinius’s census (Lk 2:2, 6 CE)—10-year gap.
4. Hometown: Bethlehem as home (Mt 2:1-23) vs. Nazareth, traveling to Bethlehem for census (Lk 2:1-7).
5. Visitors: Magi from East (Mt 2:1-12) vs. shepherds (Lk 2:8-20)—no overlap.
6. Post-birth events: Flight to Egypt (Mt 2:13-23) vs. direct return to Nazareth after temple (Lk 2:39).
7. Herod’s massacre: Mentioned (Mt 2:16-18) vs. omitted (Lk).
8. Virgin birth: Detailed (Mt 1:18-25; Lk 1:26-38) vs. omitted (Mk, Jn)—only Mt/Lk know it.
9. John’s Gospel implies Jesus was not born but eternal (Jn 1:1-14)—no birth narrative.
10. Women in genealogy: Mt includes four (1:3-6) vs. none in Lk.
11. Census scope: Worldwide (Lk 2:1) vs. historically Judean only.
12. Angel’s message: To Joseph in dream (Mt 1:20) vs. to Mary directly (Lk 1:28-35).
13. Joseph’s reaction: Doubts Mary (Mt 1:19) vs. no doubt mentioned (Lk).
14. Temple presentation: After 40 days (Lk 2:22-39) vs. after Egypt stay (Mt implies later).
15. Nazareth relocation: Due to fear of Archelaus (Mt 2:22-23) vs. original home (Lk 1:26).

#### Ministry and Teachings (16-40)
16. Baptism voice: “You are my Son” (Mk 1:11; Lk 3:22) vs. “This is my Son” (Mt 3:17).
17. Temptation order: Differs in Mt 4:1-11 vs. Lk 4:1-13.
18. First disciples: At Jordan (Jn 1:35-51) vs. by Galilee after arrest (Mt 4:18-22; Mk 1:16-20).
19. Sermon location: Mountain (Mt 5:1) vs. plain (Lk 6:17).
20. Lord’s Prayer: Longer (Mt 6:9-13) vs. shorter (Lk 11:2-4).
21. Beatitudes: Spiritual (Mt 5:3-12) vs. physical (Lk 6:20-23).
22. Centurion’s servant: Centurion pleads directly (Mt 8:5-13) vs. via elders (Lk 7:1-10).
23. Nazareth rejection: Early (Lk 4:16-30) vs. later (Mt 13:53-58; Mk 6:1-6).
24. Jesus’ self-teaching: Focuses on kingdom (Mk) vs. his identity (Jn).
25. Transfiguration witnesses: Three disciples (Mt 17:1-9; Mk 9:2-10; Lk 9:28-36) vs. omitted (Jn).
26. Fig tree cursing: Instant wither (Mt 21:18-22) vs. next day (Mk 11:12-14,20-24).
27. Temple cleansing: Early (Jn 2:13-22) vs. late (Mt 21:12-13; Mk 11:15-19; Lk 19:45-48).
28. Anointing: By unnamed woman at Simon’s (Mt 26:6-13; Mk 14:3-9) vs. Mary at Lazarus’s (Jn 12:1-8) vs. sinner at Pharisee’s (Lk 7:36-50).
29. Jairus’s daughter: Dead when asked (Mt 9:18) vs. dying, then dies (Mk 5:21-43; Lk 8:40-56).
30. Blind men healed: Two (Mt 20:29-34) vs. one (Mk 10:46-52; Lk 18:35-43).
31. Demoniac(s): Two (Mt 8:28-34) vs. one (Mk 5:1-20; Lk 8:26-39).
32. Sabbath plucking: Before centurion (Mt 12:1-8) vs. after (Lk 7:1-10).
33. Withered hand: Before plucking (Mt 12:9-14) vs. after (Mk 3:1-6; Lk 6:6-11).
34. Sign of Jonah: Three days/nights (Mt 12:40) vs. omitted or inconsistent (Mk 8:12 denies signs).
35. Feeding multitudes: Order and details vary (Mt 14-15 vs. Mk 6-8).
36. Walking on water: Peter walks (Mt 14:28-31) vs. omitted (Mk 6:45-52; Jn 6:16-21).
37. Syrophoenician woman: “Dogs” metaphor (Mt 15:21-28; Mk 7:24-30) vs. omitted (Lk, Jn).
38. Confession at Caesarea: Peter’s role emphasized (Mt 16:13-20) vs. less (Mk 8:27-30; Lk 9:18-21).
39. Keys to kingdom: Given to Peter (Mt 16:19) vs. omitted.
40. Divorce teaching: Exception for adultery (Mt 5:32; 19:9) vs. no exception (Mk 10:11-12; Lk 16:18).

#### Passion and Crucifixion (41-70)
41. Triumphal entry: Two animals (Mt 21:1-11) vs. one (Mk 11:1-10; Lk 19:28-38; Jn 12:12-19).
42. Judas’s betrayal: 30 silver pieces (Mt 26:15) vs. unspecified (Mk 14:10-11; Lk 22:3-6).
43. Last Supper date: Passover (Mt 26:17-19; Mk 14:12-16; Lk 22:7-13) vs. before (Jn 13:1; 19:14).
44. Foot washing: Jesus washes (Jn 13:1-17) vs. omitted (Synoptics).
45. Peter’s denial prediction: Before cock crows (Mt 26:34; Lk 22:34; Jn 13:38) vs. twice (Mk 14:30).
46. Gethsemane agony: Blood sweat (Lk 22:44) vs. omitted.
47. Kiss of Judas: Given (Mt 26:48-50; Mk 14:44-45; Lk 22:47-48) vs. omitted (Jn 18:3-6).
48. Sword incident: Ear cut (all) but Jesus heals (Lk 22:50-51) vs. omitted.
49. Arrest: Disciples flee (Mt 26:56; Mk 14:50) vs. not all (Jn implies some stay).
50. Trial before Annas: Yes (Jn 18:13-24) vs. omitted.
51. High priest: Caiaphas (Mt 26:57) vs. Annas first (Jn).
52. Peter’s denials: Details vary—servant girl, etc. (Mt 26:69-75; Mk 14:66-72; Lk 22:56-62; Jn 18:17-27).
53. Pilate’s questioning: Focus on kingship (Mt 27:11-14; Mk 15:2-5; Lk 23:2-5) vs. truth (Jn 18:33-38).
54. Barabbas release: Custom mentioned (Mt 27:15; Mk 15:6; Jn 18:39) vs. detailed (Lk 23:17-19).
55. Robbers: Both mock (Mt 27:44; Mk 15:32) vs. one repents (Lk 23:39-43).
56. Crown of thorns: Before sentencing (Jn 19:2) vs. after (Mt 27:27-29; Mk 15:16-19).
57. Simon of Cyrene: Carries cross (Mt 27:32; Mk 15:21; Lk 23:26) vs. Jesus carries (Jn 19:17).
58. Wine offered: Vinegar with gall (Mt 27:34) vs. myrrh (Mk 15:23) vs. later vinegar (Jn 19:29).
59. Darkness: From 6th to 9th hour (Mt 27:45; Mk 15:33; Lk 23:44)—Jn omits.
60. Earthquake and tombs: At death (Mt 27:51-53) vs. omitted.
61. Centurion’s words: “Son of God” (Mt 27:54; Mk 15:39) vs. “righteous” (Lk 23:47).
62. Temple veil: Torn at death (Mt 27:51; Mk 15:38; Lk 23:45)—Jn omits.
63. Last words: “Eli, Eli…” (Mt 27:46; Mk 15:34) vs. “Father, into your hands…” (Lk 23:46) vs. “It is finished” (Jn 19:30).
64. Spear piercing: After death (Jn 19:34) vs. omitted.
65. Burial: New tomb (all) but details vary—women prepare spices (Lk 23:55-56) vs. already done (Jn 19:39-40).
66. Guards at tomb: Posted (Mt 27:62-66) vs. omitted.
67. Judas’s death: Hanged (Mt 27:5) vs. fell and burst (Acts 1:18, but linked to Gospels).
68. Field purchase: Priests buy with silver (Mt 27:6-7) vs. Judas buys (Acts 1:18).
69. Potter’s field name: Blood (Mt 27:8) vs. omitted.
70. Crucifixion day: After Passover (Synoptics) vs. preparation day (Jn).

#### Resurrection and Appearances (71-100)
71. Tomb visitors: Mary Magdalene and other Mary (Mt 28:1) vs. three women (Mk 16:1) vs. women including Joanna (Lk 24:10) vs. Mary alone (Jn 20:1).
72. Stone: Rolled away before arrival (Mk 16:4; Lk 24:2; Jn 20:1) vs. angel rolls in front (Mt 28:2).
73. Angels: One sitting outside (Mt 28:2-7) vs. one inside (Mk 16:5) vs. two inside (Lk 24:4; Jn 20:12).
74. Message: Go to Galilee (Mt 28:7; Mk 16:7) vs. stay in Jerusalem (Lk 24:49; Acts 1:4).
75. First sighting: Jesus meets women (Mt 28:9-10) vs. Mary alone (Jn 20:14-18) vs. no meeting, tell disciples (Mk 16:8) vs. Emmaus road (Lk 24:13-35).
76. Disciples’ reaction: Doubt (Mt 28:17; Mk 16:11; Lk 24:11) vs. immediate belief (Jn 20:8).
77. Appearances: Galilee mountain (Mt 28:16-20) vs. Jerusalem room (Lk 24:36-49; Jn 20:19-29).
78. Ascension: Same day (Lk 24:50-51) vs. after 40 days (Acts 1:3,9).
79. Thomas doubts: Touches wounds (Jn 20:24-29) vs. omitted.
80. Fishing miracle: After resurrection (Jn 21:1-14) vs. omitted.
81. Commission: Galilee (Mt 28:16-20) vs. Jerusalem (Lk 24:47-49) vs. both? (Mk 16:14-20).
82. Zombies rising: Saints resurrect (Mt 27:52-53) vs. omitted.
83. Women tell: Immediately (Mt 28:8; Lk 24:9; Jn 20:18) vs. afraid, tell no one (Mk 16:8).
84. Emmaus: Two disciples (Lk 24:13-35) vs. omitted.
85. Upper room: Doors locked (Jn 20:19) vs. unspecified.
86. Breathing Spirit: At appearance (Jn 20:22) vs. Pentecost (Acts 2).
87. Galilee appearances: Multiple (Mt, Jn) vs. none (Lk focuses Jerusalem).
88. Post-resurrection teaching: 40 days (Acts 1:3) vs. same day ascension (Lk 24:51).
89. Recognition: Not at first (Lk 24:16; Jn 20:14; 21:4) vs. immediate (Mt 28:9).
90. Touching Jesus: Don’t (Jn 20:17) vs. do (Mt 28:9; Jn 20:27).
91. Eating proof: Fish and honeycomb (Lk 24:42-43) vs. bread and fish (Jn 21:13).
92. Final command: Baptize (Mt 28:19) vs. wait for Spirit (Lk 24:49).
93. Ascension location: Bethany (Lk 24:50) vs. Olivet (Acts 1:12).
94. Witnesses to ascension: Disciples (Lk 24:50-53; Acts 1:9-12) vs. omitted (Mt, Mk end abruptly; Jn none).
95. Mark’s ending: Short (16:8) vs. long addition (16:9-20, appearances).
96. John’s purpose: Belief through signs (20:30-31) vs. Synoptics’ kingdom focus.
97. Resurrection day events: Sequence varies across all four.
98. Empty tomb discoverer: Mary alone (Jn) vs. groups (others).
99. Angel’s position: Sitting right (Mk) vs. head and feet (Jn).
100. Post-resurrection focus: Galilee mission (Mt) vs. Jerusalem (Lk) vs. both (Jn).

### Top 20 Living Apologists and Top 20 Deceased Apologists

#### Top 20 Living Christian Apologists
Based on influence, scholarship, debates, and popularity in evangelical, Catholic, and Orthodox circles. (Note: Lists evolve; some like Geisler have passed since older compilations.)

#### Top 20 Deceased Christian Apologists
Historical figures who shaped the field.

#### Their Views on These 100 Contradictions

Living and deceased apologists generally view these as *apparent* contradictions, not fatal flaws, emphasizing the Gospels’ reliability despite human authorship. They argue:

– **Harmonization**: Differences are complementary (e.g., multiple witnesses recall events differently but truthfully). Craig and Geisler stress eyewitness variability strengthens credibility, like in court.
– **Theological Emphasis**: Each Gospel has a purpose—Mt for Jews (genealogy to David), Mk action-oriented, Lk historical, Jn theological—leading to selective details (Lewis, McGrath).
– **Cultural/Contextual Nuances**: Translation issues, idiomatic language, or non-chronological ordering (topical vs. linear, per Aquinas, Van Til).
– **No Doctrinal Impact**: Core truths (Jesus’ death/resurrection) consistent; peripherals reconcilable (e.g., Judas: hanged, then fell—Butler, Schaeffer).
– Specific Views:
– **Living**: Craig harmonizes chronologies (e.g., temple cleansing as two events); Lennox sees science-like complementarity; Turek uses detective analogies for variances; Barron (Catholic) views as literary genres.
– **Deceased**: Augustine proposed solutions in *Harmony of the Gospels* (e.g., genealogies: legal vs. biological); Lewis called them “honest” inconsistencies proving no collusion; Zacharias emphasized overarching narrative unity; Geisler cataloged resolutions in *When Critics Ask*.

Critics like Ehrman argue harmonizations strain credibility, but apologists maintain the Gospels’ historical core holds.

### References and Links
– [0] https://coldcasechristianity.com/writings/why-are-there-so-many-gospel-contradictions/
– [1] https://ehrmanblog.org/contradictions-in-the-gospels/
– [2] https://www.bartehrman.com/contradictions-in-the-bible/
– [3] https://sites.google.com/site/errorsinthebible/shredding-the-gospels-contradictions-errors-mistakes-fictions
– [4] https://www.dwellcc.org/essays/problem-apparent-chronological-contradictions-synoptics
– [5] https://www.npr.org/2010/03/12/124572693/jesus-and-the-hidden-contradictions-of-the-gospels
– [6] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historical_reliability_of_the_Gospels
– [7] https://www.reddit.com/r/Christianity/comments/1b848sa/do_you_believe_there_are_contradictions_among_the/
– [8] https://seanmcdowell.org/blog/can-the-gospels-be-integrated-together-one-scholars-says-yes
– [9] https://www.quora.com/Do-the-four-gospels-Matthew-Mark-Luke-and-John-contradict-each-other
– [11] https://medium.com/@davidblynov/jesus-last-words-26093e17eeb4
– [13] https://hermeneutics.stackexchange.com/questions/23413/why-are-the-four-gospel-accounts-of-the-empty-tomb-so-different-and-how-do-we-re
– [14] https://thebibleisnotholy.wordpress.com/was-jesus-prophesized-in-the-old-testament/new-testament-contradictions/
– [17] https://www.psephizo.com/biblical-studies/are-the-accounts-of-the-resurrection-contradictory/
– [19] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GAGA9wnJ7k
– [20] https://crossexamined.org/top-20-apologists/
– [22] https://www.reddit.com/r/ChristianApologetics/comments/1kyjhc3/who_are_some_solid_christian_apologists_that_i/
– [23] https://apologeticsforlife.org/2013/02/the-top-100-apologists/
– [24] https://podcast.feedspot.com/christian_apologetics_podcasts/
– [27] https://truthbooks.com/faith-thinkers-30-christian-apologists-you-should-know/
– [34] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_apologetics
– [38] https://billmuehlenberg.com/2021/06/04/12-more-great-christians-who-died-young/
– [40] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_apologetics
– [43] https://www.catholic.com/magazine/print-edition/a-brief-history-of-apologetics
– [44] https://bible.org/seriespage/brief-history-apologetics

list of 100 contradictions in the gospels mathew mark luke and john and also a list of top twenty apologetics living today and top 20 that are dead and their views on these 100 contradictions .Also explain what apologetics eman and do its history and compare to gnostics stocis

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What is Apologetics?

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