Contradictions and Paradoxes in John 17:18

Check out Contradictions Catalog of John 17:18 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts John 17:18. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to John, Jesus is talking to God and saying that just like God sent Jesus to help and teach people, Jesus is also sending his friends to do the same. This means Jesus wants his friends to go out and share his love and teachings with everyone.

John 17:18: As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.

Contradiction with Matthew 10:5-6

Jesus initially instructed the disciples not to go to the Gentiles, but only to the lost sheep of Israel, which contradicts the universal mission implied in John 17:18.

Matthew 10:5-6: These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into [any] city of the Samaritans enter ye not:

Contradiction with Matthew 15:24

Jesus states that He was only sent to the lost sheep of Israel, which contrasts with the broader sending in John 17:18.

Matthew 15:24: But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Contradiction with Acts 10:28

Peter initially acknowledges that it is unlawful for a Jew to associate with a Gentile, contrasting with the idea of being sent into the world as stated in John 17:18.

Acts 10:28: And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.

Contradiction with Galatians 2:7-9

Paul and Peter have different missions; Paul to the Gentiles and Peter to the Jews, which shows a distinction in mission rather than the unified sending implied in John 17:18.

Galatians 2:7-9: But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as [the gospel] of the circumcision [was] unto Peter;

Contradiction with Romans 15:20

Paul expresses a desire not to build on someone else's foundation, suggesting a mission strategy potentially at odds with the sending into the world described in John 17:18.

Romans 15:20: Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:

Paradox #1

It might be seen as inconsistent because Jesus is sending his followers into the world with a mission, but elsewhere the Bible talks about being separate from the world and its corruptions. This could seem like a conflict between engaging with the world and staying apart from it.

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