Contradiction with Amos 3:7
Implies that God reveals his plans through prophets, suggesting that interpretation might rely on divine revelation.
Amos 3:7: Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.
Contradiction with Proverbs 3:5-6
Encourages trusting in the Lord with all heart, implying understanding can be directed by God, not merely individual interpretation.
Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Contradiction with John 16:13
Indicates that the Spirit of truth will guide into all truth, which implies divine assistance in understanding Scripture.
John 16:13: Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 2:14
States that spiritual truths are discerned through the Spirit, contradicting the notion of personal interpretation without spiritual guidance.
1 Corinthians 2:14: But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.
Contradiction with Acts 8:30-31
Philip asks the Ethiopian eunuch if he understands what he reads, suggesting that guidance is needed in interpretation.
Acts 8:30-31: And Philip ran thither to [him], and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
Contradiction with 2 Timothy 3:16
All scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, implying that interpretation comes from divine inspiration rather than individual understanding.
2 Timothy 3:16: All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
Paradox #1
2 Peter 1:20 is often interpreted to mean that scripture should not be subject to personal interpretation, suggesting divine guidance is necessary. The potential contradiction or conflict arises when considering the emphasis on individual understanding and personal relationship with God found in other parts of the Bible, which may imply room for personal interpretation. Therefore, while this verse suggests scriptures have a universal meaning intended by God, the broader text of the Bible sometimes suggests believers can understand and interpret scripture personally through their own relationship with God.
Paradox #2
The contradiction or conflict might stem from the idea that this verse suggests that personal interpretation of scripture is not allowed or valid. This could be seen as conflicting with the concept of individual thought and understanding, which are important in many moral and philosophical systems. The tension lies in balancing communal teachings with personal insight and spiritual experiences.