Contradiction with John 3:13
This verse states that "no man hath ascended up to heaven," which contradicts the idea in Ephesians 4:9 suggesting a descent, as the ascent would imply prior descent.
John 3:13: And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, [even] the Son of man which is in heaven.
Contradiction with Proverbs 30:4
It questions "who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended?" suggesting uncertainty about such events, which contrasts with the assertion of descent in Ephesians 4:9.
Proverbs 30:4: Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what [is] his name, and what [is] his son's name, if thou canst tell?
Contradiction with Psalm 139:8
Expresses the omnipresence of God, stating whether in heaven or hell, God is present, contrasting the movement between realms suggested in Ephesians 4:9.
Psalm 139:8: If I ascend up into heaven, thou [art] there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou [art there].
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 15:47
States "the first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven," emphasizing origin rather than descent, which contrasts with Ephesians 4:9.
1 Corinthians 15:47: The first man [is] of the earth, earthy: the second man [is] the Lord from heaven.
Paradox #1
Ephesians 4:9 might raise questions regarding the interpretation of Jesus descending to "lower, earthly regions" as it can be seen differently by different Christian traditions. Some interpret this as Jesus descending to Earth from Heaven, while others see it as descending into Hell or the realm of the dead. This difference in understanding could lead to doctrinal inconsistencies about what exactly took place between Jesus' death and resurrection. However, these interpretations do not fundamentally contradict core doctrines but rather reflect varying perspectives.
Paradox #2
Some people find a contradiction or inconsistency in interpretations of where, exactly, Jesus descended to after His death. Some say it refers to His descent into the grave, while others think it means He descended into hell or the "lower regions" of the earth. The exact meaning can be unclear and debated among scholars and theologians.
Paradox #3
The contradiction or inconsistency in Ephesians 4:9 might arise when trying to understand the concept of "descending" and how it aligns with broader theological interpretations. Some might find it confusing or contradictory if they struggle with the literal versus metaphorical interpretation of the descent and how it fits into the narrative of Christ's actions and purpose. However, it's largely a matter of interpretive complexity rather than a direct contradiction.