Contradiction with Romans 6:16
Ephesians 2:2 suggests that people walked according to the ways of the world influenced by the "prince of the power of the air," while Romans 6:16 states that one becomes a servant to whom they obey, implying a conscious choice rather than an uncontrolled influence.
Romans 6:16: Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
Contradiction with 1 John 5:19
Ephesians 2:2 indicates a past state of walking according to the ways of this world, while 1 John 5:19 states that the whole world currently lieth in wickedness, suggesting an ongoing influence rather than past.
1 John 5:19: [And] we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.
Contradiction with James 4:7
Ephesians 2:2 shows people following the devil's influence, James 4:7 emphasizes human agency, suggesting that one can resist the devil and he will flee, implying control over such influence.
James 4:7: Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Contradiction with 2 Corinthians 4:4
Ephesians 2:2 speaks of following the prince of the power of the air, whereas 2 Corinthians 4:4 speaks of him as actively blinding minds, suggesting an ongoing blindness as opposed to past following.
2 Corinthians 4:4: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
Contradiction with Colossians 1:13
Ephesians 2:2 reflects a past mode of living under influence, while Colossians 1:13 describes believers as having already been delivered from the power of darkness.
Colossians 1:13: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated [us] into the kingdom of his dear Son: [his...: Gr. the Son of his love]
Contradiction with John 16:11
Ephesians 2:2 portrays a current ruler of the air influencing people’s past walk, while John 16:11 declares that the prince of this world has been judged, suggesting a completed action against his influence.
John 16:11: Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
Contradiction with Ephesians 6:12
Ephesians 2:2 focuses on a past fleshy walk influenced by the prince of the air, while Ephesians 6:12 denotes a current struggle against spiritual forces, implying an ongoing battle.
Ephesians 6:12: For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places]. [flesh...: Gr. blood and flesh] [spiritual...: or, wicked spirits] [high: or, heavenly]
Paradox #1
Some people might see a contradiction in Ephesians 2:2 if they compare it with other biblical teachings about human free will and God's sovereignty. While Ephesians 2:2 might suggest that people are influenced or controlled by external spiritual forces, other parts of the Bible emphasize human responsibility and choice. The tension between being influenced by outside powers and having personal responsibility can be seen as a theological inconsistency.
Paradox #2
Some people see a contradiction in this verse because it talks about people following "the prince of the power of the air" and living in disobedience, which seems to suggest that humans have no control over their actions, as if they are being led by an outside force. This could conflict with the idea of free will, where individuals are responsible for their own choices and behavior. However, interpretations vary, and some see it as just describing influences rather than removing personal responsibility.