Colossians 3:13 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to Paul, Christians should be patient and forgive each other, just like Jesus forgave them. If someone wrongs you, you should forgive them, remembering how Jesus forgave you when you did wrong things.

Contradiction with Exodus 21:24

Colossians 3:13 advocates for forgiveness, whereas Exodus 21:24 promotes the principle of "an eye for an eye," suggesting retribution rather than forgiveness.

Exodus 21:24: Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,

Contradiction with Matthew 5:38

Jesus refers to "an eye for an eye," which implies retributive justice, conflicting with Colossians 3:13's call for forgiveness and forbearance.

Matthew 5:38: Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:

Contradiction with Leviticus 24:20

Like Exodus, this Old Testament verse endorses "fracture for fracture" or retribution, which contradicts the forgiveness central to Colossians 3:13.

Leviticus 24:20: Breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth: as he hath caused a blemish in a man, so shall it be done to him [again].

Contradiction with Deuteronomy 19:21

This verse promotes exacting justice in kind with "life for life, eye for eye," contrasting the compassion and forgiveness espoused in Colossians 3:13.

Deuteronomy 19:21: And thine eye shall not pity; [but] life [shall go] for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.

Contradiction with Psalm 137:9

This verse's call for vengeance against enemies starkly contrasts with the forgiveness and compassion promoted in Colossians 3:13.

Psalm 137:9: Happy [shall he be], that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones. [the stones: Heb. the rock]

Contradiction with Romans 12:17

"Recompense to no man evil for evil" might seem to support forgiveness, but the context of personal non-retribution can be seen as conflicting with the community forgiveness encouraged in Colossians 3:13, as it shifts focus from communal to individual response.

Romans 12:17: Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

Contradiction with 2 Thessalonians 1:6

This verse mentions that it's righteous for God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, contrasting with the forgiveness promoted in Colossians 3:13.

2 Thessalonians 1:6: Seeing [it is] a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;