Contradiction with 1 Thessalonians 5:20
While 1 Corinthians 14:29 advises evaluating prophecy, 1 Thessalonians 5:20 warns against despising prophesyings, suggesting a more accepting stance.
1 Thessalonians 5:20: Despise not prophesyings.
Contradiction with Acts 2:17
This verse indicates that the gift of prophecy will be widespread, which could be seen as contradictory to the regulated practice implied by 1 Corinthians 14:29.
Acts 2:17: And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
Contradiction with Matthew 7:15
Focuses on the skepticism towards false prophets, which aligns with the need for judgment but contrasts with the potential openness intended in evaluating prophecies as suggested in 1 Corinthians 14:29.
Matthew 7:15: Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 18:20
Demands the death penalty for false prophets, showing a stricter consequence than what might be inferred from the evaluative approach in 1 Corinthians 14:29.
Deuteronomy 18:20: But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.
Contradiction with Numbers 11:29
Reflects a desire for all to be prophets without restriction, which contradicts the more systematic and evaluative framework of prophecy presented in 1 Corinthians 14:29.
Numbers 11:29: And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the LORD'S people were prophets, [and] that the LORD would put his spirit upon them!
Contradiction with Isaiah 8:20
This verse emphasizes adherence strictly to the law and testimony for validation, contrasting 1 Corinthians 14:29’s broader approach of letting others judge prophecy.
Isaiah 8:20: To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, [it is] because [there is] no light in them. [no...: Heb. no morning]
Paradox #1
1 Corinthians 14:29 talks about letting two or three prophets speak and others judging what they say. A potential contradiction or inconsistency could arise when contrasting this with other parts of the Bible that stress the authority of the prophets and their messages as divinely inspired without need for judgment by others. This raises questions about why these messages should be judged by the listeners when elsewhere they are often accepted as authoritative.
Paradox #2
The potential contradiction or conflict could arise from the encouragement of critical evaluation and judgment within a community, which may lead to divisions or disagreements. While the intention may be to discern truth, it might also create tension and challenge unity, depending on how it is practiced.