Reformed View on Scripture and Apparent Contradictions
The Reformed tradition emphasizes the perspicuity and authority of Scripture, viewing it as the inspired and infallible Word of God [2]. While acknowledging the Bible's divine origin, Reformed theology also recognizes that certain passages may present interpretive challenges or "apparent contradictions" to readers. These are typically understood not as actual errors in the text, but as difficulties arising from human limitations in understanding, historical context, or the nature of divine revelation itself.
John Calvin, a foundational figure in Reformed thought, is noted for his "large commanding views of revelation" and "extraordinary insight into the logical relations of a passage," even when individual expressions were not fully understood [2]. This suggests an approach that seeks to reconcile difficult passages within the broader theological framework of Scripture, rather than dismissing them as contradictory. Calvin's method, characterized by "eminent soundness of judgment, and his freedom from all tendency to paradox," implies a careful and systematic engagement with the biblical text [2].
One common area where "apparent contradictions" might arise is in comparing different accounts of the same event or in understanding the relationship between the Old and New Testaments. For instance, the apostle Paul addresses the "blindness" or "hardening" of the minds of some Jews in understanding the Old Testament, suggesting that a "veil" remains over their hearts when reading it [3]. This veil is removed in Christ, allowing Christians to behold the glory of the Lord with "open face" [4]. This perspective implies that a proper understanding of Scripture, particularly the Old Testament, is dependent on a New Testament lens, which can resolve perceived tensions or obscurities.
The concept of "contradiction" in a biblical context can also refer to opposition or unbelief. For example, the author of Hebrews exhorts believers to "consider him who endured from sinners such contradiction against himself, so that you may not grow weary or faint in your souls" (Hebrews 12:3) [1]. Here, "contradiction" refers to the opposition Christ faced from unbelievers, not internal inconsistencies within his teaching or the divine message. This highlights that challenges to biblical truth often come from external sources of unbelief rather than internal textual flaws.
Reformed interpreters also acknowledge the prophetic nature of Scripture, particularly the Old Testament, which points forward to Christ. John Gill, a Baptist/Reformed commentator, discusses how the "word of prophecy" in 2 Peter 1:19 is "more sure" than "cunningly devised fables" [5]. He clarifies that the comparison is not between the sacred writings and fables, but between the Old Testament prophecies and the apostles' eyewitness testimony, both of which confirm the truth of Christ [5]. This demonstrates an understanding that different parts of Scripture, while distinct, cohere to present a unified message.
Sources
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 12:3: For--justifying his exhortation, "Looking unto Jesus." consider--by way of comparison with yourselves, so the Greek. contradiction--unbelief, and every kind of opposition (Act 28:19). sinners--Sin assails us. Not sin, but sinners, contradicted Christ [BENGEL]. be wearied and faint--Greek, "lest ye weary fainting." Compare Isa 49:4-5, as a specimen of Jesus not being wearied out by the contradiction and strange unbelief of those among whom He labored, preaching as never man did, and exhibiting miracles wrought by His inherent power, as none els”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Isaiah, Vol. 2, section 1.3: by the sagacity of the Reformer, to whom our greatest men delight in acknowledging their obligations. “Calvin,” says Professor Alexander, “still towers above all interpreters in large commanding views of revelation, in its whole connection, with extraordinary insight into the logical relations of a passage, even where its individual expressions were not fully understood. These qualities, together with his fixed belief of fundamental doctrines, his eminent soundness of judgment, and his freedom from all tendency to paradox, pedantic affectation”
- 2 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Corinthians 3:14: Parenthetical: Of Christians in general. He resumes the subject of the ministry, Co2 4:1. minds--Greek, "mental perceptions"; "understandings." blinded--rather, "hardened." The opposite to "looking steadfastly at the end" of the law (Co2 3:13). The veil on Moses' face is further typical of the veil that is on their hearts. untaken away . . . which veil--rather, "the same veil . . . remaineth untaken away [literally, not unveiled], so that they do not see THAT it (not the veil as English Version, but 'THE OLD TESTAMENT,' or covenant of lega”
- 2 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 2 Corinthians 3:18: But we all, with open face - The Jews were not able to look on the face of Moses, the mediator of the old covenant, and therefore he was obliged to veil it; but all we Christians, with face uncovered, behold, as clearly as we can see our own natural face in a mirror, the glorious promises and privileges of the Gospel of Christ; and while we contemplate, we anticipate them by desire and hope, and apprehend them by faith, and are changed from the glory there represented to the enjoyment of the thing which is represented, even the glorious image - righteousness ”
- 2 Peter (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Peter 1:19: Though this word of prophecy is generally understood of the writings and prophecies of the Old Testament concerning Christ, yet different ways are taken to fix the comparison: some think the sense is, that they are more sure than the cunningly devised fables, Pe2 1:16 but as these have no certainty nor authority in them, but are entirely to be rejected, the apostle would never put the sacred writings in comparison with them: and it is most clear, that the comparison lies between this word of prophecy, and the testimony of the apostles, who were eye and ear witnesses ”