ContradictionsReading order 253Bible context 2 min read
Were the Pharisees baptized by John?
Matthew places Pharisees at John's baptism and includes language addressed to those he baptizes, whereas Luke explicitly describes Pharisees refusing baptism.
- Textual conflict
- Interpretive tension
- The passages pull in different directions, but the conflict depends on how their wording, scope, or narrative context is read.
- Importance
- Supporting
- A supporting event, teaching, or biographical claim.
Matthew's baptism address implies participation, but arrival at the baptism does not explicitly contradict Luke's stated refusal.
An editorial assessment of the quoted passages. Importance describes the stakes; it does not increase certainty. Reading order weighs both.
Pharisees approach John's baptism and hear his rebuke
But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
Matthew 3:7-11
Translation / edition: King James Version (KJV)
Read the full chapter:Matthew 3
Luke says the Pharisees were not baptized by John
And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John. But