Contradiction with Matthew 11:19
This verse highlights that Jesus associated with publicans and sinners, which could appear as an endorsement rather than an abstention from appearances of evil.
Matthew 11:19: The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.
Contradiction with Luke 7:34
Similar to Matthew 11:19, this verse shows Jesus' association with those considered sinful, contrasting with the instruction to avoid all appearances of evil.
Luke 7:34: The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!
Contradiction with Matthew 9:10-11
Jesus dining with publicans and sinners could be seen as not abstaining from evil appearances.
Matthew 9:10-11: And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.
Contradiction with John 2:1-11
Jesus turning water into wine at a wedding could be interpreted as not avoiding the appearance of engaging in or endorsing potentially sinful behavior.
John 2:1-11: And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 9:22
Paul's approach to "become all things to all men" may suggest participating in questionable contexts to win some, which could be seen as not avoiding every appearance of evil.
1 Corinthians 9:22: To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all [men], that I might by all means save some.
Contradiction with Genesis 38:15-26
Judah's interaction with Tamar, whom he perceived as a prostitute, might be seen as not abstaining from evil's appearance.
Genesis 38:15-26: When Judah saw her, he thought her [to be] an harlot; because she had covered her face.
Contradiction with Galatians 2:12-14
Peter eating with Gentiles and then separating himself might appear as not maintaining a clear stance against evil appearances.
Galatians 2:12-14: For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
Contradiction with Acts 10:28
Peter being asked to associate with Gentiles, who were traditionally viewed as unclean, might contradict always avoiding the appearance of evil according to Jewish customs.
Acts 10:28: And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
Paradox #1
1 Thessalonians 5:22 advises to "avoid every kind of evil." A potential contradiction could be with the concept of "loving your enemies" or "turning the other cheek," found in other parts of the Bible. These teachings suggest engaging with those who do wrong or cause harm, which might seem inconsistent with completely avoiding evil. The conflict arises in finding the balance between avoiding evil and actively loving and forgiving those who might be doing wrong.
Paradox #2
The contradiction or inconsistency might arise if someone interprets this verse as avoiding all situations that even look like they might be wrong, even when those situations might require compassion or understanding. This could conflict with the idea of showing love and kindness if avoiding certain people or situations means neglecting these values.