Various contradictions in the four Gospels about the claim of the Prophet Jesus' (pbuh) so-called crucifixion

The Christian belief is based on the belief that the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) was crucified and killed on the cross and he will then be resurrected. However, as it is revealed in the Qur’an, the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) was not crucified, therefore not killed, and on the contrary he was raised to the sky while still alive and taken to the Sight of God to be sent back to earth again in the End Times. (You can read our explanations about the subject from here.) The reason for the Christian community to defend the belief that the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) was crucified is some chapters in the Gospel. However, the statements written in the chapters in question are, as we have stated before, contradictory statements, which were added to the Bible in the 3rd century after the Prophet Jesus (pbuh).

Some of these contradictory statements about out subject are as follows:

Contradictory statements in the Gospel about the Prophet Jesus’ (pbuh) so-called crucifixion

Who carried the cross?

There are statements that the cross was carried by Simon from Cyrene in Mark 15:21, Matthew 27:32 and Luke 23:26:

As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross. (Matthew 27:32)

In the Gospel of John, it is stated that the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) carries the cross:

Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). (John 19:17)

The crucified robbers:

It is told in the sections of Mark 15:27-28, Matthew 27:44 and Luke 23:39-42 that Jesus was supposedly crucifed along with two robbers. The contradiction here is that the Romans never crucify robbers. ¹

They crucified two robbers with him, one on his right and one on his left. (Mark 15:27-28)

In the same way the robbers who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him. (Matthew 27:44)

Contradictory information about the time of the Prophet Jesus’ (pbuh) crucifixion:

In the passages in Gospels of Matthew 27:45-36, Luke 23:44-46 and John 19:14-15, a time from twelve to three o’clock is indicated as the so-called time of the Prophet Jesus’ (pbuh) crucifixion, whereas in Mark 15:25 this time is told to be nine o’clock.

It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, for the sun stopped shining.And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, "My Lord, into Your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last. (Luke 23:44-46)

It was the third hour when they crucified him.(Mark 15:25)

The so-called last word the Prophet Jesus (pbuh):

There is contradictory information in the four Bibles about the last words of the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) during his so-called crucifixion. In the passages of Mark 1 5:34-37 and Matthew 27:46:50, it is stated that the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) called out this:

And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? [God is beyond that.]"(Mark 15:34)

In the Gospel of Luke, the so-called last words of the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) is stated differently:

Jesus called out with a loud voice, "God, into Your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last.  (Luke 23:46)

In the Gospel of John, the statements about this subject are completely different:

When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (John 19:30)

The Prophet Jesus (pbuh) supposedly drinking wine or vinegar?

In the passages, which claim that the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) was supposedly crucified, it is mentioned that he was made to drink something before being cruicified, however while this drink is defined as wine in the Gospel of Mark, it is defined as vinegar in the Gospels of Matthew, Luke and John:

According to the Gospel of Mark, the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) is made to drink wine:

Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. (Mark 15:23)

According to the Gospels of Matthew, Luke and John, the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) is made to drink vinegar:

Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. (Matthew 27:48)

The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, "If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself." (Luke 23:36-37)

A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus' lips.When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (John 19:29-30)

The earthquake during the so-called burial of the Prophet Jesus (pbuh):

This explanation is in the Gospel of Matthew:

At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people. (Matthew 27:51-53)

In the Gospels of Mark, Luke and John, there are several definitions being made with respect to the so-called burial of the Prophet Jesus (pbuh), however an incident of an earthquake, which is impossible to forget given that it actually took place, is never mentioned.

Events that took place following the so-called burial of the Prophet Jesus (pbuh):

Events, which are claimed to take place following the so-called burial of the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) are explained differently in the four Gospels:

At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split.The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people. (Matthew 27:51-53)

But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. (Mark 16:4-5)

They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of ...Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. (Luke 24:2-4)

So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. Then Simon Peter, who was behind him, arrived and went into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus' head. The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen. (John 20:3-8)

The competent authorities, to which the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) was taken, being different:

In the Gospels of Mark 14:53, Matthew 26:57 and Luke 22:54, the competent authority, to which the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) was taken, was told to be Caiaphas, the high priest, in the Gospel of John this authority is told to be Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas.

They took Jesus to the high priest...(Mark 14:53)

Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas, the high priest... (Matthew 26:57)

Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. (Luke 22:54)

and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. (John 18:13)

The Prophet Jesus (pbuh) standing trial with the so-called accusations:

In the four Gospels, all of the explanations about the so-called trial of the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) contradict with one another.

According to the Gospel of John, only the high priest is interrogating the Prophet Jesus (pbuh):

Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it would be good if one man died for the people... Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. (John 18:12-14,19)

According to the Gospels of Mark, Luke and Matthew, the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) stands trial by the whole of the High Council:

At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and teachers of the law, met together, and Jesus was led before them."If you are the Christ," they said, "tell us." (Luke 22:66-67)

They took Jesus to the high priest, and all the chief priests, elders and teachers of the law came together... The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they did not find any. Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree. (Mark 14:53-56)

Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled. But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. He entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome. The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death.  (Matthew 26:57-59)

The Prophet Jesus’ (pbuh) interrogation by Hirodes:

In the Gospel of Luke, it is mentioned that the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) was interrogated by Herod: On hearing this, Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean. ⁷When he learned that Jesus was under Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time. When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform some miracle. He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer. The chief priests and the teachers of the law were standing there, vehemently accusing him. Then Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked him. Dressing him in an elegant robe, they sent him back to Pilate. That day Herod and Pilate became friends—before this they had been enemies. (Luke, 23:6-12)

In the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and John, the interrogation of the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) by Herod is not mentioned.

The contradictions in question are open evidences that those accounts told about the so-called cruicifixion  of the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) are based on completely false information and the explanations regarding that moment and environment contradict one another. Almighty God reveals in the Qur’an that there was no case of the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) being cruicified and killed, however the unbelievers experienced an environment in which they would presume this would happen in that way. Our Lord reveals in the Qur’an that these claims about the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) are invalid; the traps set by hypocrites and unbelievers against the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) came to nothing and the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) was taken up to the sky –God’s Sight. When the contradictions in the Gospel passages in question are analyzed in the light of the Qur’an, this serious confusion is immediately clarified: The explanations related the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) being killed on the cross, just like some other false statements, are misleading beliefs, which were included in the Gospel afterwards and with a specific purpose. You can read our explanations about the subject in our next article.

Our Christian brothers and sisters should also see the importance of the inward meaning

The words of Allah are open, clear, concise and wise. But our Almighty Lord hides in His words sometimes clear judgments and sometimes meanings open to interpretation. In order to fully understand the latter, one must look with an eye of faith at the deep meanings and secrets inside these wise words.

Our Almighty Lord gives these deep meanings sometimes in similes and metaphors. For example in one verse in the Qur’an, He reveals, “Hold fast to the rope of Allah all together, and do not separate...” (Surah Al ‘Imran, 103), in another verse, “As for those who deny Our Signs and are arrogant regarding them, the Gates of Heaven will not be opened for them, and they will not enter the Garden until a camel goes through a needle’s eye. …” (Surat al-A‘raf, 40). These verses might be taken by some and interpreted literally. But in fact, both of these metaphors are very wise expression methods and they have hidden meanings which humans can dig deeper into when they think more. Our Lord, with the "rope of Allah," clearly wants people to hang tight with Allah and His path, and be persistence with it. Again our Lord, with the expression “until a camel goes through a needle’s eye,” states that those who are mentioned in the verse will not be allowed into Heaven – unless Allah wills otherwise. This is such a deep and beautiful way of expression. But in order to properly understand this, one needs to contemplate the inward meaning.

This situation, as well as the Qur’an, is also applicable with the Torah and the Gospel. For example in a passage from the Gospel, our Lord’s expression of deep wisdom that needs to be interpreted inwardly is as follows: 

This is why I speak to them in parables: “Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.” In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah:“‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people’s heart has become calloused; 
they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. 
Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts 
and turn, and I would heal them.’ (Matthew 13:13-15) 

It is possible to give similar examples from the Torah: 

“Hear, you deaf; look, you blind, and see! … You have seen many things, but you pay no attention; your ears are open, but you do not listen.”(Isaiah 42:18, 20) 

The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, you are living among a rebellious people. They have eyes to see but do not see and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious people.”(Ezekiel, 12:1-2) 

These expressions mentioned in the Gospel and the Torah, of course, are not physical blindness or deafness. What is emphasized here is the spiritual blindness and spiritual deafness. Even though the evidence for the existence of Allah is shown before their eyes, even though these evidences are always in front of them, people mentioned in these words simply do not appreciate Him. Allah condemns these spiritually blind and deaf people. 

If this blindness and deafness are understood literally, this will certainly bring false interpretations with them. In order to escape such mistaken interpretations, it is important to be able to comtemplate the inward meaning. That is because Allah, with these deep meanings, gives people great and important messages, and conceals in them secrets that will lead people to the right path.

 

The inward meaning of the word “son” in the Gospel must be considered

First it should be noted that the lack of understanding the inward meaning is encountered in a variety of ways in Islam, in Judaism and also in Christianity. So this should not be considered as a matter about some Christians alone. However, here only this subject’s aspect related to Christians is described.

The ability to understand the inward meaning is important in terms of the errors some of our Christian brothers and sisters have fallen in. That is because the belief that has been held for years that the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) is the son of Allah (Surely Allah is beyond that) is a dangerously erroneous interpretation that occurs due to a lack of this understanding. The expression “son of Allah” in the Gospel is taken as its literal meaning without having properly thought of the deeper meaning it states. 

In fact the word “son” here is an expression of spiritual closeness to Allah, love, election, and friendship. It is a quite deep expression Allah used for a servant of His whom He loved and chose. 

This special expression is also a way of description used in the Torah. (Psalms 2: 7-12) Since some Christians interpret the word “son” in the Torah again literally, they cite the Torah as a reference for their false belief that the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) is Allah’s son (Surely Allah is beyond that). Yet the Jews know the true and deep meanings of these expressions in the Torah. They interpret these expressions and comtemplate their inward meaning and can understand that Allah has stressed His love for, protection over and closeness to His servant. Indeed, Jews oppose some Christians’ commentating on passages from the Torah literally and thus differently from their actual meanings.

Our Christian brothers and sisters must understand that with the word "son of Allah," not a physical meaning is implied (Surely Allah is beyond that), but instead a servant’s spiritual closeness to Him is emphasized. With this point of view of the inward expression, they will better realize a very different and deeper message deep inside this form of address. 

The creed of trinity is the biggest harm ever given to Christianity and it is the biggest aspersion casted on Prophet Jesus (pbuh)

From Mr. Adnan Oktar’s Live Interview on TV Kayseri and Kanal 35 (January 10, 2010)

 

The belief that the Prophet Jesus’ (pbuh) second coming in the End Times will be over the clouds and seen everywhere originates from the lack of understanding the inward meaning

The Prophet Jesus (pbuh), with the permission of Allah, will come again in the End Times and bring peace and safety to all the nations of the earth. This is very exciting good news given also in the Qur’an. But the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) being sent back to earth during the End Times will not take place as a result of extraordinary events that all people will witness like some Christians and even some Muslims suppose it to be. The Prophet Jesus (pbuh) will be sent down to earth from the Presence of Allah, and even he himself will not be aware of who he is. At first, a small group of Christians will believe in him and protect him. In the beginning he will secretly carry out his activities and then will be recognized by the entire world. All people’s belief in him and then returning to faith in Allah will take place after a certain period of time.

The Prophet Jesus’ (pbuh) arrival during the End Times is a beauty also told in the Gospel and expected by Christians. But some of our Christian brothers and sisters, because they interpret the accounts in the Gospel literally, enter false expectations. For example, some Christians believe that the Prophet Jesus’ (pbuh) coming will be over the clouds and all people will see this as a result of extraordinary events. They base this belief on the following passages from the Gospel: 

“Look, he is coming with the clouds,” and “every eye will see him,” … (Revelation 1:7) 

“Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.” (Matthew 24:30; Mark 13:26) 

“You have said so,” Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” (Matthew 26:64; Mark 14:62) 

At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. (Luke 21:27) 

For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. (Matthew 24:27) 

For the Son of Man in his day will be like the lightning, which flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other. (Luke: 17:24) 

The metaphors about the Prophet Jesus’ (pbuh) coming are in order to emphasize the magnitude of this event. In addition his coming being visible just like the “lighting that comes from the east is visible even in the west,” in a way could be a sign of him to be seen on TV. The Prophet Jesus’ (pbuh) beautiful face’s being visible by all people could be described in this metaphor. 

Also if these words are taken in the literal sense, everyone will certainly be knowledgeable of the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) who will be coming over the clouds, and with this great miracle all people will no doubt have faith and there will be no more trial. However, in the Gospel, it is described that there will be a period of struggle between the Prophet Jesus (pbuh) and the described antichrist. If there was actually coming down from the clouds, which would be witnessed by all and would make everyone come to faith, then without doubt there would be no environment needing the Prophet Jesus’ (pbuh) struggle. In order for the Prophet Jesus’ (pbuh) struggle with the antichrist to take place, he should not be recognized at first when he returns. Also it should be noted that since the trial on earth is continuously going on, no event could happen without reasons, in a way that would take away one’s free will. This is contrary to Allah’s justice and His law of creation. Just as no events that would take away people’s free will occurred during the time of other prophets, neither will they take place during the Prophet Jesus’ (pbuh) coming. Therefore, occurrence of such great and extraordinary events that everyone will witness at a moment, beyond the limits of the mind, is not possible within reasons. Here, in reality, it is necessary to get the inward meaning of the lyrics. 

With these words, our Almighty Lord informs us that the Prophet Jesus’ (pbuh) second coming on the earth will be a great and a blessed occurrence, and everyone will know about his arrival and with his coming all people would become enlightened and righteous. Understanding of his presence on earth will of course be enlightening and exciting. For this reason, Allah compares his coming on earth as a lighting.
 

Conclusion

Understanding the inward meaning is an important way of realizing the deep messages that Allah offers us and an important way to think of His wisdoms. Failure to do so is a serious deficiency where people could be forced into serious errors and false beliefs. As Allah states in the Qur’an, He gives all who fear Him discrimination of right and wrong (Surat al-Anfal, 29). Therefore, all people who submit themselves to Allah and fear Him as due have the blessing to see the truth and see the deep meanings of Allah’s words and live according to his/her conscience. Our sincere Christian brothers and sisters must also evaluate those words of wisdom in the Gospel that are in agreement with the Qur’an this way. When they refer to their conscience, they will see the deep meanings there by the will of Allah.