Who Bought the Potter’s Field: Judas or the Jews?

ReformedWiki Post

Some argue that the Bible is contradictory concerning whether Judas or the Jews bought the Potter’s field. The argument is that Matthew 27:7-10 says that the Jews bought the Potter’s Field, but Acts 1:18 says that Judas bought it. However, the solution to this alleged contradiction in the Bible is simple.

Scriptures – Who Bought the Potter’s Field: Judas or the Jews?

Matthew 27:7-10 – The Jews

7 So they took counsel and bought with them the potter’s field as a burial place for strangers. 8 Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. 9 Then was fulfilled what had been spoken by the prophet Jeremiah, saying, “And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him on whom a price had been set by some of the sons of Israel, 10 and they gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord directed me.”

Matthew 27:7-10

Acts 1:18 – Judas

(Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness, and falling headlong he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out.

Acts 1:18

The Answer – Who Bought the Potter’s Field: Judas or the Jews?

The Jews Paid for the Potter’s Field on Behalf of Judas

The answer to this alleged contradiction in the Bible is simple. Essentially, the Jews paid for the Potter’s Field, and then gave the field to Judas. In this way, Judas “acquired” the field. There is simply no contradiction at all between the two accounts.

Foundational Principles Regarding Bible Difficulties

There are some foundational principles that apply to all alleged and apparent contradictions in the Bible. To read more, see Bible Difficulties: Foundational Principles.

More Answers to “Contradictions” in the Bible

To read more answers to alleged and apparent contradictions in the Bible, see “Contradictions” in the Bible Answered.

These books are also excellent resources:

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