Contradiction with Romans 12:18
2 Thessalonians 3:2 requests deliverance from unreasonable and wicked men, suggesting some people are inherently harmful, while Romans 12:18 advocates for living peaceably with all, assuming harmony is possible with everyone.
Romans 12:18: If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
While 2 Thessalonians 3:2 seeks to avoid wicked men, Matthew 5:44 instructs believers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them, emphasizing engagement rather than avoidance.
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 Proverbs 16:7
2 Thessalonians 3:2 suggests the presence of unavoidable wickedness, but Proverbs 16:7 states that when a person's ways please the Lord, He makes even their enemies to be at peace with them, contradicting the inevitability of conflict.
Proverbs 16:7: When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Contradiction with 1 Peter 3:9
This verse encourages not to repay evil for evil but to bless, contrasting with the implication in 2 Thessalonians 3:2 that protection from evil is necessary suggesting an oppositional relationship.
1 Peter 3:9: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
Contradiction with Luke 6:27
Luke 6:27 promotes loving your enemies and doing good to those who hate you, which contradicts the notion in 2 Thessalonians 3:2 of seeking deliverance from such individuals.
Luke 6:27: But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
Contradiction with Titus 3:2
While 2 Thessalonians 3:2 highlights separation from wicked men, Titus 3:2 advises to speak evil of no one, be peaceable and gentle, showing humility towards all people, promoting engagement over avoidance.
Titus 3:2: To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, [but] gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
Paradox #1
The potential contradiction in this verse could be the tension between praying to be protected from those who don't believe and the principle of loving and forgiving others, including enemies, as taught in other parts of the Bible. This could seem inconsistent with the broader message of unconditional love and forgiveness.