Contradiction with John 1:1
John 1:1 states that the Word was with God and was God, supporting the pre-existence and divinity of Christ, rather than contradicting it.
John 1:1: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Contradiction with Colossians 1:15
This verse describes Christ as the "firstborn of every creature," which some interpret as implying a creation, potentially contradicting the pre-existent glory shared with the Father in John 17:5.
Colossians 1:15: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
Contradiction with Philippians 2:7
States that Jesus "made himself of no reputation," suggesting a relinquishing of divine status, which might seem at odds with the glorification mentioned in John 17:5.
Philippians 2:7: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
Contradiction with Hebrews 1:5
This verse suggests that Jesus was declared the Son at a point in time, which some might argue contradicts the notion of pre-existing glory with the Father as stated in John 17:5.
Hebrews 1:5: For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?
Contradiction with Revelation 3:14
Refers to Christ as "the beginning of the creation of God," which could imply a starting point, contrasting the eternal glory shared with the Father in John 17:5.
Revelation 3:14: And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; [of the Laodiceans: or, in Laodicea]
Paradox #1
The theological conflict in John 17:5 could arise from the concept of Jesus existing in glory with God before the world began. This can lead to debates about the nature of Jesus, his pre-existence, and how this aligns with different understandings of the Trinity or the exact nature of Jesus' divinity and humanity. Some may see it as challenging to integrate this with beliefs about Jesus' role and identity in relation to God.
Paradox #2
John 17:5 may present a contradiction or inconsistency related to the concept of Jesus' pre-existence and divinity. This verse implies that Jesus had glory with God before the world existed, which can be challenging to reconcile with Jewish monotheism, which emphasizes the oneness of God without division. This could conflict with interpretations that see Jesus as solely a human prophet or teacher. Additionally, some early Christian groups had differing views on Jesus' nature, and this verse can be seen as supporting the idea of his divine pre-existence, which was not universally accepted among early Christian sects.
Paradox #3
The potential contradiction in this verse could be the idea of divine humility versus seeking personal glory. On one hand, humility is often emphasized as a virtue in religious texts, yet this verse could be seen as a request for personal glorification, which might seem at odds with the concept of humility.