Contradiction with Romans 3:20
Romans 3:20 suggests justification cannot come by the law, while Galatians 2:21 implies righteousness comes through grace and not the law, potentially seen as conflicting depending on interpretation.
Romans 3:20: Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law [is] the knowledge of sin.
Contradiction with James 2:24
James 2:24 emphasizes that a person is justified by works and not by faith only, which can appear to contradict Galatians 2:21's emphasis on grace and not the law for righteousness.
James 2:24: Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
Paradox #1
Galatians 2:21 talks about grace and the law. The possible theological conflict is that if people can be made right through the law (following rules), then Jesus dying was pointless. This challenges the belief that faith and grace are the only ways to be right with God, not just following laws.
Paradox #2
Galatians 2:21 could be seen as conflicting with teachings that suggest righteousness or salvation can be achieved through following the law or performing good deeds. This verse emphasizes the importance of grace through faith in Jesus Christ rather than relying on human efforts or adherence to religious laws for justification.
Paradox #3
Some people see a contradiction between Galatians 2:21 and other parts of the New Testament that emphasize the importance of following the law. In Galatians 2:21, it suggests that righteousness comes through faith and not by following the law. This might seem inconsistent with parts of the Old Testament or other New Testament teachings that stress obeying the law to please God. These differences can lead to debates about how Christians should balance faith and following religious rules.