The Bilocating Baptist

In my opinion as an ex-believer, who hid this information for years, this is equivalent to an evolutionist finding a human and dinosaur footprint in the same strata: a deal-breaker.

First, I will assume that the Bible must be internally inerrant. Then, I find these Scriptures (KJV, since it still is the most popular version).

Matthew

4.12 John was cast into prison

4.18 Jesus...called Peter and Andrew, his brother

Mark

1.14 John was put in prison

1.16 he saw Simon and Andrew

Luke

3.20-21 John baptized Jesus, then was put in prison -JB.

5.3 Jesus said to Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men

John

1.35 John stood, and two of his disciples

1.37 the two disciples...followed Jesus

3.24 John was not yet cast into prison

So according to the three synoptic gospels, John the Baptist was put in prison, and then Jesus called Simon and Andrew. But according to John's gospel, the Baptist was put in prison after Jesus called Simon et al. In fact, they were the Baptist's disciples; he was right there!

Did Jesus call his disciples before or after John the Baptist was put in prison? This presents an irremediable contradiction between John and the synoptics.

Christians can do with this information what they wish, in a free society. I would reject the Bible as inerrant, and begin to question Christianity.

More later, glad to chat with you...

J