1 Peter 2:1 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to Peter, Christians should stop doing bad things like being mean, telling lies, pretending to be something they're not, being jealous, and saying hurtful things about others. He wants people to be kind and honest instead.

Contradiction with Ephesians 4:31

While 1 Peter 2:1 encourages laying aside malice and evil speaking, Ephesians 4:31 supports removing all bitterness, wrath, and anger, which may seem similar but does not directly oppose "laying aside" as being potentially contradictory.

Ephesians 4:31: Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

Contradiction with Matthew 5:44

This verse instructs loving enemies and blessing those who curse, which can be seen as contradicting the idea of only "laying aside" negative behaviors without the addition of positive actions towards those individuals.

Matthew 5:44: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Contradiction with Romans 12:20

Advises actively doing good to enemies by providing for them, which could be seen as contradictory to merely refraining from certain behaviors as suggested in 1 Peter 2:1.

Romans 12:20: Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

Contradiction with James 4:11

This verse tells not to speak evil of one another, potentially contradicting 1 Peter 2:1's laying aside evil speaking as it takes a firmer, action-oriented stance.

James 4:11: Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of [his] brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.

Contradiction with Matthew 18:15

Encourages addressing faults directly with others, potentially at odds with simply laying aside negative traits and not addressing issues.

Matthew 18:15: Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

Contradiction with Galatians 5:14

Suggests fulfilling the law through love, which can contrast with the passive approach of merely laying aside malice and harmful speech in 1 Peter 2:1.