Contradiction with James 4:4
This verse suggests friendship with the world is enmity with God, while John 17:15 asks for protection from the evil in the world, implying coexistence.
James 4:4: Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
Contradiction with 1 John 2:15
This verse instructs not to love the world, while John 17:15 implies living in the world but being protected from evil.
1 John 2:15: Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
Contradiction with 2 Corinthians 6:17
This verse calls for separation from the unclean, potentially contradicting the request for protection while remaining in the world.
2 Corinthians 6:17: Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you,
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 5:10
Advises not to associate with sexually immoral people in the world, possibly contradicting staying in the world as per John 17:15.
1 Corinthians 5:10: Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.
Contradiction with Matthew 6:13
The Lord's Prayer asks for deliverance from evil, similar to John 17:15, but focuses on asking to avoid temptation, implying a desire not to be in evil's presence at all.
Matthew 6:13: And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Paradox #1
John 17:15 could be seen as challenging the idea that believers should completely separate from the world, because it suggests protection within the world instead of removal. This might conflict with interpretations that advocate for total separation to maintain purity.
Paradox #2
One potential inconsistency with John 17:15 might stem from the tension between the idea of being protected from evil and the presence of evil or suffering in the world. Some might question why believers still experience hardship if they're meant to be protected. However, interpretations may vary, and many theological explanations attempt to address this.
Paradox #3
John 17:15 could be seen as presenting a contradiction if someone interprets it as suggesting that believers should remain in a world full of challenges and temptations, rather than being removed from it or protected in a way that prevents suffering. This might seem inconsistent with the idea of a benevolent and all-powerful deity who could prevent hardship. However, others interpret this as emphasizing the need to face difficulties with divine support, without escapism.