Contradiction with Matthew 7:21
While 2 Timothy 3:5 warns against having a form of godliness without true faith, Matthew 7:21 suggests that not all who outwardly profess belief will enter the kingdom, highlighting the need for genuine faith, which seems to support rather than contradict the warning in 2 Timothy 3:5.
Matthew 7:21: Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Contradiction with James 2:17
This verse states that faith without works is dead, indicating that true godliness should manifest in action, which aligns rather than contrasts with the critique of superficial faith in 2 Timothy 3:5.
James 2:17: Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. [alone: Gr. by itself]
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 16:7
This verse notes God looks at the heart rather than outward appearances, suggesting true godliness is internal, which supports the warning against mere outward appearance in 2 Timothy 3:5.
1 Samuel 16:7: But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. [outward...: Heb. eyes]
Contradiction with Isaiah 29:13
Here, people honor God with their lips while their hearts are far, paralleling 2 Timothy 3:5’s warning against appearance without substance, providing support rather than contradiction.
Isaiah 29:13: Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near [me] with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:
Contradiction with Romans 2:29
This verse emphasizes being a Jew inwardly with circumcision of the heart, supporting the call for true godliness over mere formality as echoed in 2 Timothy 3:5.
Romans 2:29: But he [is] a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision [is that] of the heart, in the spirit, [and] not in the letter; whose praise [is] not of men, but of God.
Paradox #1
Some people think there is a contradiction with this verse because it talks about having an outward appearance of being religious but not truly living by the faith. The contradiction arises when people claim to follow religious teachings but do not genuinely practice what those teachings require, making their faith seem insincere. The issue is about actions not matching proclaimed beliefs.
Paradox #2
This Bible verse talks about people appearing to be good and religious but not truly living by the power of what they believe. The contradiction or conflict might arise if individuals or groups claim to be religious or moral but their actions show otherwise, leading to accusations of hypocrisy. This mismatch between appearance and reality can create confusion or debate about genuine faith versus just a show of faith.
Paradox #3
This verse talks about people who act religious but don't live by true morals or values. The contradiction could be that they might look good on the outside but are not sincere on the inside. It's like pretending to be good without really being good.