I appreciate very much the comments responding to my answers. In one sense, I can see these alleged discrepancies as evidence that the NT was not tinkered with, since someone who wanted to give a false impression would have altered the text to cover them up. However, dealing with them is the next necessary step, since, although the NT might be the authentic, unaltered writings, it is important that we don't simply have authentic writings of false witnesses.

Please note that when I am stating suggestions and not appearing sure of myself, I am not basing my faith in these matters, but am just saying that this is not reason for me to jettison my faith because there are possible answers. I would hate to chuck a faith that I established on a number of bases on the basis of some claims to a false testimony, then come to the end and find out that there was a simple solution after all. I certainly would hate to chuck my faith just because I wasn't sure if my suggested solution were the correct one. I realize that everyone there says they are not trying to get me to chuck my faith, but the issues raised are unavoidably implying those kinds of decisions. But you should understand that I have other reasons for believing and I did not decide to be a Christian because I figured out how many disciples and in what possible order Jesus appeared to them.

Regarding the book by Merrill Tenney and other Christan apologists, I have not read that particular book, but I have read others and have considered that many contain inconsistencies and flawed arguments. There are times when one sees "the best that Christans can offer" and finds it lacking. I have had the same experience. I have been shocked by having to disagree with formerly respected apologists and theologians. The difference is that I have persevered and found that there has been an answer that all of these others missed. Many Jews as well as Christians find such a thing almost impossible to believe. When I have more time, I would like to give an example.