Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 8:28–Decoding Gospel Contradictions: The Demon-Possessed Men Mystery
Welcome to Episode 155 of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast! Join host Lance Smith as he delves into a puzzling gospel narrative that leaves skeptics questioning: how many men were possessed by demons in Matthew 8:28? Matthew's account mentions two demon-possessed men, while Mark and Luke each report only one. Is this a contradiction or just different perspectives on the same event? Lance explores this intriguing topic, examining why these differences exist and what they signify.
Through the eerie setting of the Gadarenes and the dramatic scene involving a herd of pigs, this episode provides insights into the different ways the Gospels convey the story of Jesus's encounter with the demoniacs. Discover how cultural contexts and audience expectations shaped these accounts. Whether you're a scripture enthusiast or a curious skeptic, this episode promises a captivating exploration of biblical narratives.
References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website
The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page
Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com
- Skeptics Annotated Bible. https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/found.html
- Zondervan’s Pictorial Bible Dictionary: https://a.co/d/aEyRa7R
- “Demons and Pigs (Matthew 8:28-34).” Bible.org. https://bible.org/seriespage/11-demons-and-pigs-matthew-828-34
- “Why does Matthew mention two demoniacs when Mark and Luke mention one?” GotQuestions.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/one-two-demoniacs.html
- “Were There One or Two Men Healed?” Patterns of Truth. https://patternsoftruth.org/were-there-one-or-two-men-healed/
- Davenport, Gary. “How Many Demoniacs Were There?” GaryDavenport.org, September 14, 2023. https://garydavenport.org/2023/09/14/12439/
- “Why Matthew Said Two Men Were Possessed with Demons at the Country of the Gadarenes.” Veritas Domain, April 21, 2020. https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2020/04/21/why-matthew-said-two-men-were-possessed-with-demons-at-the-country-of-the-gadarenes/
- “Who Got It Wrong? Was There One or Two Demoniacs Delivered?” The Gospel Coalition Canada. https://ca.thegospelcoalition.org/article/who-got-it-wrong-was-there-one-or-two-demoniacs-delivered/
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Cardiac Cowboys
The heart was always off-limits to surgeons. Cutting into it spelled instant death for the patient. That is, until a ragtag group of doctors scattered across the Midwest and Texas decided to throw out the rule book. Working in makeshift laboratories and home garages, using medical devices made from scavenged machine parts and beer tubes, these men and women invented the field of open heart surgery. Odds are, someone you know is alive because of them. So why has history left them behind? Presented by Chris Pine, CARDIAC COWBOYS tells the gripping true story behind the birth of heart surgery, and the young, Greatest Generation doctors who made it happen. For years, they competed and feuded, racing to be the first, the best, and the most prolific. Some appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, operated on kings and advised presidents. Others ended up disgraced, penniless, and convicted of felonies. Together, they ignited a revolution in medicine, and changed the world.
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.