DawahBible

CONTRADICTION · RESURRECTION

When Did Jesus Ascend?

Luke 23:43John 20:17

The Tension
PASSAGE ALuke 23:43
To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
PASSAGE BJohn 20:17
Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father...
Analysis

This tension is crucial because it relates to Jesus’s post-death destination. Did He immediately go to paradise or not ascend yet? These conflicting details challenge the coherence of the biblical narrative and cast doubt on its inerrancy.

Perspectives

THE CHRISTIAN RESPONSE

They argue ‘paradise’ here means a spiritual waiting place, not the final ascension. John records the official ascension later. The difference is in interpreting terms, not a contradiction.

THE ISLAMIC POSITION

Muslims say a truly divine text would avoid such ambiguous wording. If Jesus promised immediate paradise but later said He hadn’t ascended, it shows narrative inconsistencies, unlike the Quran’s clarity.

Now defend it

Debate this entry — and get coached.

Spar against a steel-manned AI opponent on this topic; a coach scores your rhetoric, citations, and adab after every turn.

Who stopped you today?
STRATEGY

The most common person you'll meet. Low on doctrine, high on feeling — meet them with warmth, not a barrage of arguments.

TOPIC

When Did Jesus Ascend?