Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 17:1 – Six Days or Eight? Solving the Transfiguration Timeline

Host Lance Smith examines the apparent discrepancy in the Gospel accounts of the Transfiguration — Matthew and Mark’s “six days” versus Luke’s “about eight.” He explains how inclusive reckoning, Jewish timekeeping, and theological symbolism reconcile the wording without contradiction.

The episode shows how different expressions convey the same event, highlights Sinai parallels and early church interpretation, and presents the apologetic significance of harmony among independent Gospel witnesses.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/transfig.html 
2. Eric Lyons, "Six or Eight Days?" (Apologetics Press): https://apologeticspress.org/six-or-eight-days-757/
3. Kermit Zarley, "When Jesus First Predicted His Death, Was He Transfigured Six Or Eight Days Later?" (Patheos): https://www.patheos.com/blogs/kermitzarleyblog/2017/07/jesus-first-predicted-death-transfigured-six-eight-days-later/
4. Stephen N. Williams, "The Transfiguration of Jesus Christ" (The Gospel Coalition / Themelios): https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/themelios/article/the-transfiguration-of-jesus-christ
5. Berean Insights, "Bible Gem 913 - Eight Days after These Sayings (Luke 9:28)": https://www.bereaninsights.org/bible-gem-913-8-days-after-these-sayings-luke-928/
6. Robert Clifton Robinson, "The Transfiguration: Is There A Contradiction Between Matthew, Mark, And Luke?": https://robertcliftonrobinson.com/bible-contradictions-and-difficulties/the-transfiguration-is-there-a-contradiction-between-matthew-mark-and-luke/
7. Ad Fontes Journal, "The Transfiguration and the Church Fathers": https://adfontesjournal.com/church-history/the-transfiguration-and-the-church-fathers/
8. Jeff Riddle, "Did the transfiguration take place about eight days after...": http://www.jeffriddle.net/2013/03/did-transfiguration-take-place-about.html
9. Veritas Domain, "Bible Contradiction? When did the transfiguration occur?": https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2018/08/10/bible-contradiction-when-did-the-transfiguration-occur/