The usage of symbolism in the American speech saturates our society. There probably never has been a language which did not employ it. “He runs faster than a cheetah,” “His mind is a computer,” “The linebacker is a moose” are all phrases which describe, not a literal actuality, but a superior characteristic in symbolic terms. Since human languages use symbolism, and since the New Testament was written in a human language, then, if this fact is not recognized, a reader may think he has found a contradiction when in fact he has not.
Because of the usage of symbolism there is no contradiction with the statements, “he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one” (Luke 22:36) and “put up again thy sword into his place: For all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword” (Matt. 26:52). Since the two swords in Luke’s account are not physically enough for twelve men, Jesus was using symbolism to warn them about the upcoming trying times. Due to symbolism, there is no contradiction with John the baptizer being said to be Elijah (Matt. 11:15) and not to be Elijah (John 1:21). John was Elijah symbolically, as is made clear in Matthew 17:10-13. The Bible is not contradicting itself when it is said that Jesus was the vine (John 15:5), the chief corner-stone (Eph. 2:20), the good shepherd (John 10:11), a lamb (Acts 8:32), the door (John 10:9), living bread (John 6:51) and the light (John 9:5). Each of these terms are figuratively describing one of the many wonderful relationships between the Son of God and man. Thus, many of the supposed contradictions vanish away when the reader recognizes the usage of symbolic language.
Different Angles or Purposes of the Writers
Two television news teams report the same automobile accident. Both stories are the same in regard to the basic account, yet the reports are not precisely identical. One mentions all the people and bodily injuries, the other one doesn’t. One mentions all the vehicles and faulty parts, the other doesn’t. Contradictions? No. Why? One team, wishing to emphasize driver responsibility to human life, gives a report with details highlighting this aspect. The other, seeking to emphasize equipment safety, presents aspects of the account to highlight that aspect.
The New Testament is no different. When Matthew 8:28 reported two demoniacs while Mark 5:2 reported one, Mark singled out the most prominent character (just as he did in seven other occasions). It is like a person saying “I met the president of the United States” when in fact he also met the twenty others with him. To say that Jesus was a lamb (John 1:36) who was a lion (Rev.5:5) does not contradict when one realizes that the first emphasizes Jesus as the innocent sacrifice, while the second highlights His fierceness in judgment. It is not a contradiction when Matthew reported that Jesus was approached by the centurion, while Luke said it was the elders. Matthew’s report by-passed the elders who merely carried the centurion’s request. In like manner, many today report that they received a letter from the president, when in actuality, the letter came from the president’s communication department. Many such reputed contradictions are clarified when the reader recognizes that the writers wrote from different angles or with different purposes. [Also cf., “Jesus carried the cross” (John 19:17) and “Simon carried the cross” (Luke 23:26); “One animal” (Mark 11:7) and “More than one animal” (Matt. 21:5, 7).]
Gary Henson