Contradictions and Paradoxes in John 1:42

Check out Contradictions Catalog of John 1:42 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts John 1:42. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to John, when Simon was brought to Jesus, Jesus gave him a new name, Cephas, which means "a stone." This shows that Jesus saw something strong and important in Simon right from the start.

John 1:42: And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.

Contradiction with Matthew 16:18

John 1:42 states that Simon shall be called Cephas (meaning 'A stone'), while Matthew 16:18 suggests a play on words with Peter ('Petros') and 'rock' ('petra'), indicating a foundation for the church, presenting different implications of Peter's name.

Matthew 16:18: And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. [Peter: this name signifies a rock]

Contradiction with Mark 3:16

In John 1:42, the name Cephas is mentioned by Jesus upon meeting Simon. Mark 3:16 lists Simon's name as Peter in the context of the Twelve Apostles' selection, not upon the initial meeting, suggesting a difference in the timeline of receiving the name.

Mark 3:16: And Simon he surnamed Peter;

Contradiction with Luke 6:14

Luke refers to Simon as Peter in the list of apostles, whereas John 1:42 describes the specific instance of naming Simon as Cephas, lacking this context of appointment.

Luke 6:14: Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,

Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 15:5

This verse mentions an appearance to Cephas, contributing no context about the naming event described in John 1:42, creating differences in how Cephas/Peter is acknowledged separate from the initial naming.

1 Corinthians 15:5: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
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