Contradiction with James 2:13
This verse speaks of judgment without mercy, potentially contradicting God's willingness to spare Sodom if He finds fifty righteous people.
James 2:13: For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. [rejoiceth: or, glorieth]
Contradiction with Romans 3:23
Indicates that all have sinned, potentially contradicting the idea that there might be fifty righteous people in Sodom.
Romans 3:23: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Contradiction with 2 Peter 3:9
Suggests God's patience and desire for all to repent, which contrasts with His willingness to destroy the city if fewer than fifty righteous are found.
2 Peter 3:9: The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:20
States that the soul who sins shall die, suggesting individual accountability, which contrasts with sparing a city for the sake of the righteous.
Ezekiel 18:20: The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
Paradox #1
The verse suggests that God is willing to spare many wicked people for the sake of a few righteous ones. Some might find a contradiction with other parts of scripture where God's justice appears to punish groups for the sins of a few or where personal responsibility is emphasized. This could be seen as inconsistent with the idea of God’s justice being individually applied.
Paradox #2
The contradiction or conflict here could be the idea of collective punishment versus individual responsibility. If a whole city is to be spared for the sake of a few righteous people, it raises questions about justice for the wicked individuals who still remain unpunished. Similarly, it brings up the issue of whether it's fair to punish a large group for the actions of a majority if there are still innocent individuals among them. This can lead to debates about fairness and justice.