Contradictions and Paradoxes in John 13:36

Check out Contradictions Catalog of John 13:36 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts John 13:36. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to John, Jesus is telling Peter that he can't go with Him right now, but later he will be able to follow Him. This means that Peter will understand and be able to be with Jesus in the future.

John 13:36: Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.

Contradiction with John 14:3

John 14:3 suggests that Jesus will return and bring followers to be with Him, which contrasts with the immediate inability to follow in John 13:36.

John 14:3: And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also.

Contradiction with John 16:7

This verse indicates it is beneficial for Jesus to leave so He can send the Comforter, contrasting with Peter's desire to follow immediately.

John 16:7: Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

Contradiction with Luke 9:23

Jesus calls for daily following, indicating a spiritual following rather than a physical one, contrasting Peter's literal understanding in John 13:36.

Luke 9:23: And he said to [them] all, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

Contradiction with Matthew 28:20

Jesus promises to be with His disciples always, contrasting the notion that Peter cannot follow where He is going.

Matthew 28:20: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.

Contradiction with Acts 1:8

Believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit, implying a spiritual presence and mission, contrasting with the physical following in John 13:36.

Acts 1:8: But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. [power...: or, the power of the Holy Ghost coming upon you]

Contradiction with Mark 14:29

Peter asserts he will remain faithful even if others fall away, contradicting Jesus’ implication that Peter cannot follow Him.

Mark 14:29: But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet [will] not I.

Contradiction with John 21:18-19

This verse shows Peter's eventual following of Jesus in death, contrasting his inability to immediately follow in John 13:36.

John 21:18-19: Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry [thee] whither thou wouldest not.
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