Contradiction with Exodus 20:13
John 16:2 mentions that some will kill thinking they serve God, whereas Exodus 20:13 commands "Thou shalt not kill," categorically opposing killing as a service to God.
Exodus 20:13: Thou shalt not kill.
Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
John 16:2 suggests persecution of believers, but Matthew 5:44 teaches to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, contradicting the act of killing.
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 Romans 12:19
John 16:2 involves taking justice into one’s own hands, while Romans 12:19 urges believers to leave vengeance to God.
Romans 12:19: Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Contradiction with James 1:20
John 16:2 involves persecution out of zeal, but James 1:20 states that human anger does not produce the righteousness of God.
James 1:20: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
Contradiction with 1 John 3:15
John 16:2 talks about killing in God's name, whereas 1 John 3:15 equates hatred to murder and says no murderer has eternal life.
1 John 3:15: Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.
Paradox #1
John 16:2 discusses the persecution of believers by those who think they are serving God. The potential theological inconsistency could arise from the idea that sincere followers of a religion might commit harmful acts while believing they are righteous and justified. This could conflict with the belief that true service to God results in love and compassion towards others.
Paradox #2
John 16:2 talks about people being persecuted for their beliefs, with persecutors thinking they are serving God by doing so. A contradiction might arise when comparing this with teachings about loving others and not judging, such as those found in the teachings of Jesus about love and forgiveness. Some might see a conflict in how religious zeal can lead some to actions that contradict the core Christian principle of love and compassion.
Paradox #3
The contradiction or inconsistency could arise when considering the context of early Christianity and its relationship with Jewish and Roman authorities. During this time, Christians were often persecuted, and the verse might reflect this harsh reality. However, it could be seen as inconsistent with the general message of love and forgiveness encouraged by Christianity, raising questions about how these early Christians perceived their persecutors and how this fits with the overall teachings of Jesus.
Paradox #4
John 16:2 could present a contradiction because it suggests that people might think they are doing good by harming others due to their beliefs. This raises questions about the morality of actions justified by religious conviction and whether such actions truly align with moral principles, especially if they cause harm.