Contradictions and Paradoxes in Hebrews 13:17

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Hebrews 13:17 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Hebrews 13:17. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of Hebrews, Christians believe that you should listen to and follow your leaders because they care for you and want the best for you. When you do this happily, it makes things better for everyone.

Hebrews 13:17: Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that [is] unprofitable for you. [have...: or, guide]

Contradiction with Acts 5:29

It emphasizes obeying God rather than human authorities when they are in conflict, contrary to the directive in Hebrews 13:17 to obey leaders.

Acts 5:29: Then Peter and the [other] apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

Contradiction with Matthew 23:9

Warns against calling anyone on earth 'father,' challenging the notion of uncritical obedience to religious leaders as suggested in Hebrews 13:17.

Matthew 23:9: And call no [man] your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.

Contradiction with Galatians 1:10

Questions seeking approval from humans and suggests prioritizing divine approval, conflicting with the obedience to leaders advocated in Hebrews 13:17.

Galatians 1:10: For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 7:23

Encourages not becoming slaves of men, potentially contradicting the idea of submitting to authority as stated in Hebrews 13:17.

1 Corinthians 7:23: Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.

Contradiction with Mark 7:8-9

Criticizes holding onto human traditions over God's commandments, which can contradict the instruction to obey human leaders in Hebrews 13:17 if their guidance conflicts with God's ways.

Mark 7:8-9: For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, [as] the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.

Paradox #1

Some people see a contradiction in this verse with the idea of personal freedom and individual conscience. While the verse encourages obedience to leaders, some might point out that this could conflict with other teachings in the Bible that emphasize personal discernment and accountability to God above all.

Paradox #2

Some people find a conflict between following human leaders as instructed and the call to place ultimate trust and obedience in God. This can create tension when human leadership appears flawed or contradicts other teachings in the Bible.

Paradox #3

The historical conflict with Hebrews 13:17 could stem from the tension between obeying religious leaders and the need for personal freedom and critical thinking. Over history, this verse may have been used to justify unquestioned authority of church leaders, which sometimes conflicted with movements for religious reform or individual interpretation of faith. This can lead to debates about the balance between authority and personal conscience within religious communities.

Paradox #4

The contradiction or conflict might arise in the idea of unquestioningly obeying human leaders. If leaders make mistakes or act immorally, following them without question could lead to negative consequences. This may conflict with the moral responsibility of making one's own ethical decisions.

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