Contradiction with Matthew 24:29-31
These verses suggest that the gathering of believers occurs after the tribulation, whereas 1 Thessalonians 4:17 implies an imminent event.
Matthew 24:29-31: Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
Contradiction with John 17:15
Jesus prays for believers to remain in the world, which contrasts with the notion of being taken up.
John 17:15: I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
Contradiction with 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3
These verses indicate that a falling away and the revelation of the man of sin must occur before Christ's coming, in contradiction to the immediacy suggested in 1 Thessalonians 4:17.
2 Thessalonians 2:1-3: Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and [by] our gathering together unto him, [unto him: or, around him]
Contradiction with Revelation 3:10
Suggests believers will be kept through a period of trial, not removed from the earth as implied by being "caught up".
Revelation 3:10: Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
Contradiction with Acts 1:11
States Jesus will return in the same manner he ascended, implying a visible and earthly event contrary to an unseen rapture.
Acts 1:11: Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
Contradiction with Matthew 13:30
Parable of the wheat and tares suggests both righteous and wicked remain together until the end.
Matthew 13:30: Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
Contradiction with John 5:28-29
Implies that resurrection and judgment occur simultaneously, not a separate rapture event for believers.
John 5:28-29: Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
Contradiction with Ezekiel 37:12-14
Describes resurrection as a physical restoration to the land, not a removal to meet the Lord.
Ezekiel 37:12-14: Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel.
Paradox #1
Some people see a conflict between this verse and other parts of the Bible about the end times. While this verse describes believers meeting the Lord in the air, other parts of the Bible talk about everyone facing judgment together or describe different events at the end. This can create different interpretations about when and how these events happen.
Paradox #2
1 Thessalonians 4:17 might seem to contradict the idea that after death, souls immediately go to heaven, as implied in other parts of the Bible. Some people interpret this verse to mean that there is a future event (often referred to as the rapture) where believers will be taken up together, rather than going to heaven individually upon death. This can conflict with interpretations that suggest immediate entry to heaven or hell after death.
Paradox #3
The contradiction or conflict regarding 1 Thessalonians 4:17 could arise from differing interpretations about the concept of the "rapture," or believers being caught up to meet Christ. Some Christians interpret this event as a literal future occurrence, while others see it as symbolic or metaphorical. This difference in understanding can lead to debates and conflicting beliefs about end-times events within various Christian denominations.
Paradox #4
The contradiction with this verse lies in the concept of humans rising into the air without any physical means or technology, like gravity defiance. In physics, gravity is a consistent force that keeps objects grounded on Earth, and rising into the sky unassisted contradicts our understanding of gravitational laws.