Contradiction with Matthew 26:53
This verse shows Jesus speaking about calling for angels to protect him, implying a willingness to avoid capture, contradicting his acceptance of arrest in John 18:8.
Matthew 26:53: But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?
Contradiction with Matthew 16:21-23
Here, Jesus predicts his suffering and rebukes Peter for suggesting avoidance, contradicting his composed offering of himself in John 18:8.
Matthew 16:21-23: From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
Contradiction with Mark 14:36
Jesus requests for the cup to pass from him but submits to God’s will, showing inner conflict as opposed to his straightforwardness in John 18:8.
Mark 14:36: And he said, Abba, Father, all things [are] possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.
Contradiction with Luke 22:42
Reflects Jesus's wish for the cup to be removed if possible, suggesting reluctance not apparent in John 18:8.
Luke 22:42: Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. [willing, remove: Gr. willing to remove]
Contradiction with John 10:18
Jesus mentions his authority to lay down his life and take it up, highlighting intentional sacrifice that contrasts with the protective instinct in John 18:8.
John 10:18: No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
Contradiction with Matthew 20:28
Jesus speaks of giving his life as a ransom for many, implying active agency that contrasts with his surrender in John 18:8.
Matthew 20:28: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Contradiction with John 12:27
Jesus expresses trouble over his coming death, which contrasts with the collected demeanor seen in John 18:8.
John 12:27: Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.
Contradiction with Luke 23:34
Jesus asks forgiveness for those crucifying him, indicating active intercession, which contrasts with the passive protection of others in John 18:8.
Luke 23:34: Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
Contradiction with Mark 8:31-33
Jesus predicts suffering and rebukes Peter for opposing it, showing foreknowledge and acceptance unlike the protective statement in John 18:8.
Mark 8:31-33: And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him.
Paradox #1
The main issue with this verse could relate to differences in how events are portrayed across the different Gospels in the New Testament. Sometimes, the details of specific events in John don't match exactly with the accounts in Matthew, Mark, or Luke, leading to questions or debates about the consistency of the narratives. This can cause contradictions or inconsistencies when comparing texts.