Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
It encourages love and prayer for persecutors, contrasting with the expectation of persecution inherent in John 15:21.
Matthew 5:44: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Contradiction with Proverbs 16:7
Suggests that when a person's ways please the Lord, their enemies will be at peace with them, contrasting with the inevitable persecution mentioned in John 15:21.
Proverbs 16:7: When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Contradiction with 2 Timothy 3:12
Emphasizes that all who live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution, aligning closely rather than contradicting; used here to note consistency over contradiction.
2 Timothy 3:12: Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
Contradiction with 1 Peter 3:13
Questions who would harm you if you follow good, suggesting an absence of persecution which contradicts the persecution expected in John 15:21.
1 Peter 3:13: And who [is] he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
Contradiction with Psalm 91:10
Implies protection from harm for the righteous, which contradicts the certainty of persecution depicted in John 15:21.
Psalm 91:10: There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
Paradox #1
The contradiction or conflict in John 15:21 could arise from the verse's suggestion that people might face persecution for their beliefs. This could seem inconsistent with the idea of a loving and protective God, leading to questions about why believers should suffer for their faith.