Numerous alleged Bible discrepancies arise because skeptics
frequently interpret figurative language in a literal fashion.
They treat God’s Word as if it were a dissertation on the
Pythagorean theorem rather than a book written using ordinary
language. They fail to recognize the inspired writers’ use of
sarcasm, hyperbole, prolepsis, irony, etc. Such is the case in
their interpretation of 1 Corinthians 15:5. Since Paul stated
that “the twelve” (apostles) saw Jesus after His resurrection,
these critics claim that Paul clearly erred, because there were
not “twelve” apostles after Jesus’ resurrection and before His
ascension. There actually were only eleven apostles during that
time. [Judas already had committed suicide (Matthew 27:5), and
Matthias was not chosen as an apostle until after Jesus’
ascension into heaven (Acts 1:15-26).] Skeptics claim Paul’s use
of the term “twelve” when speaking about “eleven” clearly shows
that the Bible was not given “by inspiration of God.” The simple
solution to this numbering