Contradiction with John 14:28
This verse suggests Jesus's subordination to the Father by stating "My Father is greater than I," contradicting the co-equal nature implied in John 1:1.
John 14:28: Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come [again] unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.
Contradiction with John 10:29
This states "My Father... is greater than all," which can be seen as contradictory to the concept of Jesus as fully divine and equal to the Father in John 1:1.
John 10:29: My Father, which gave [them] me, is greater than all; and no [man] is able to pluck [them] out of my Father's hand.
Contradiction with Mark 13:32
Here, Jesus does not know the day or hour, indicating a limitation in knowledge which contrasts with the divine omniscience suggested in John 1:1.
Mark 13:32: But of that day and [that] hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 11:3
This verse establishes a hierarchy ("the head of Christ is God") that can be seen as contradicting the divine equality implied in John 1:1.
1 Corinthians 11:3: But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman [is] the man; and the head of Christ [is] God.
Contradiction with Matthew 24:36
Similar to Mark 13:32, Jesus admits a limitation in knowledge, which may seem contrary to the divine knowledge attributed to the Word in John 1:1.
Matthew 24:36: But of that day and hour knoweth no [man], no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
Contradiction with Philippians 2:5-7
Describes Jesus as having "emptied himself," which can be interpreted as a contrast to the fullness of deity implied in the Word in John 1:1.
Philippians 2:5-7: Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Paradox #1
Some people see a conflict between John 1:1 and the belief in strict monotheism. This verse suggests that "the Word" was both with God and was God, which can be confusing when trying to understand how there can be one God if "the Word" is also considered God. This has been a point of debate in understanding the nature of God and Jesus in Christian theology.
Paradox #2
John 1:1 has sparked debates due to different interpretations about the nature of Jesus and his relationship with God. Some see it as affirming the divinity of Jesus, while others argue it could imply a distinction between Jesus and God, leading to theological disagreements.
Paradox #3
The contradiction in the verse lies in its concept of "the Word" existing since the beginning and being with God. Science typically relies on empirical evidence and observable phenomena, while the verse deals with metaphysical concepts that cannot be measured or observed scientifically. This creates a gap between faith-based claims and scientific methods.