Contradiction with Deuteronomy 7:6
This verse emphasizes Israel as a chosen people, which contrasts with Colossians 3:11's idea of no distinction based on ethnicity or status.
Deuteronomy 7:6: For thou [art] an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that [are] upon the face of the earth.
Contradiction with Matthew 10:5-6
Jesus instructs the disciples to avoid the Gentiles and Samaritans, highlighting exclusion contrary to the inclusivity in Colossians 3:11.
Matthew 10:5-6: These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into [any] city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
Contradiction with Romans 2:9-10
Speaks of tribulation and anguish upon every soul of man that does evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile, indicating a distinction not present in Colossians 3:11.
Romans 2:9-10: Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; [Gentile: Gr. Greek]
Contradiction with James 2:9
Warns against respect of persons as a sin, which implies there are distinctions recognized, contrasting with the equality in Colossians 3:11.
James 2:9: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
Contradiction with Revelation 7:4
Mentions 144,000 sealed from all the tribes of Israel, highlighting a specific group, in contrast to the unified identity described in Colossians 3:11.
Revelation 7:4: And I heard the number of them which were sealed: [and there were] sealed an hundred [and] forty [and] four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.
Paradox #1
The possible contradiction could be with other parts of the Bible that emphasize different roles, distinctions, or chosen people among humanity. Colossians 3:11 emphasizes unity and equality among believers, which might seem to conflict with passages that highlight specific groups, like Jews or Gentiles, or different roles for men and women. The challenge is reconciling universal spiritual equality with these distinctions.
Paradox #2
Colossians 3:11 discusses the unity and equality of all people in Christ, suggesting there are no divisions based on cultural, social, or religious identities. Some might see a contradiction with parts of the Old Testament that emphasize the chosen status of Israel as a distinct group. This could be seen as inconsistent with the idea of equal status among different groups.
Paradox #3
Colossians 3:11 promotes unity and equality among individuals regardless of their backgrounds. A contradiction or inconsistency might be in how some religious institutions or societies have historically practiced exclusion or discrimination based on race, social status, or nationality, even though the verse advocates for inclusivity and equality among all people.
Paradox #4
The potential contradiction in this verse could be seen in how it promotes unity and equality among all people, yet some interpretations or religious practices might not reflect this ideal and show favoritism or discrimination instead. This could create a conflict between the ideal of equality in the verse and actual behaviors.