1 Peter 2:12 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to Peter, Christians should always act nicely and truthfully around people who don't believe in God. When these people see the good things Christians do, they might end up thinking God is great too.

Contradiction with Matthew 5:16

While 1 Peter 2:12 emphasizes good works to glorify God at the return of Christ, Matthew 5:16 encourages letting good works shine before others now to glorify God, suggesting immediate acknowledgment rather than future vindication.

Matthew 5:16: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Contradiction with Matthew 6:1

1 Peter 2:12 suggests living good lives before non-believers to win them over, but Matthew 6:1 warns against performing righteous acts publicly to be seen by others, highlighting caution against seeking human approval.

Matthew 6:1: Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. [alms: or, righteousness] [of your: or, with your]

Contradiction with John 15:18-19

1 Peter 2:12 implies that good behavior can lead to positive recognition by non-believers, whereas John 15:18-19 prepares believers for hatred from the world, indicating that good conduct may not lead to acceptance.

John 15:18-19: If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before [it hated] you.

Contradiction with James 4:4

1 Peter 2:12 encourages honorable behavior among Gentiles, but James 4:4 warns that friendship with the world is enmity with God, suggesting a tension between engaging with non-believers and maintaining divine allegiance.

James 4:4: Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 5:12

1 Peter 2:12 considers influencing those outside the church through good deeds, while 1 Corinthians 5:12 stresses confinement of judgment and concern to those within the church, indicating a different focus in interactions.

1 Corinthians 5:12: For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?

Contradiction with 2 Timothy 3:12

1 Peter 2:12 hopes for conversion of non-believers through good conduct, yet 2 Timothy 3:12 assures that all who live godly will face persecution, suggesting that righteous action often results in conflict, not conversion.