Contradiction with Acts 3:22
The New Testament identifies Jesus as the prophet like Moses, whereas some interpretations of Deuteronomy 18:18 suggest its fulfillment in other figures, creating differing views on fulfillment.
Acts 3:22: For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.
Contradiction with John 1:19-21
When asked if he is the prophet mentioned in Deuteronomy 18:18, John the Baptist denies it, indicating a potential misunderstanding or contradiction to those who link the passage to him.
John 1:19-21: And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?
Contradiction with Hebrews 3:5-6
This passage contrasts Moses as a servant with Jesus as a son, suggesting a hierarchy not implied in Deuteronomy 18:18, where the new prophet is seen as similar in stature to Moses.
Hebrews 3:5-6: And Moses verily [was] faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after;
Paradox #1
Some people see a conflict between this verse and the belief that Jesus was the final and ultimate prophet. The verse is often interpreted by some as referring to a prophet like Moses, and some believe it refers to Muhammad or another figure instead of Jesus. This creates disagreement among different religious interpretations.
Paradox #2
Deuteronomy 18:18 is generally seen as not having a direct contradiction, inconsistency, or conflict within the Bible. Various interpretations exist around who the prophecy refers to, but this does not constitute a contradiction. For some, the verse is seen as a prophecy about a future prophet like Moses, which different religious traditions interpret in varied ways. These interpretations don't necessarily conflict with each other within their own doctrinal contexts. Therefore, any significant contradictions are primarily found in differing interpretations, not in the verse itself. If further clarification is sought in theological studies, it usually involves exploring how different religious traditions understand the fulfillment of the prophecy, rather than finding an internal biblical conflict.
Paradox #3
Deuteronomy 18:18 has been interpreted differently among Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions, leading to debates about its intended prophetic reference. In Christianity, it is often seen as a prophecy about Jesus, whereas in Islam, it is sometimes interpreted as predicting Muhammad. These differing interpretations can cause conflict and debate about the text's true meaning and the identity of the prophet it refers to.