Contradiction with Mark 2:7
This verse questions the authority of anyone other than God to forgive sins, which contradicts the authority given to the disciples in John 20:23.
Mark 2:7: Why doth this [man] thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?
Contradiction with Isaiah 43:25
This verse states that God alone forgives sins, contradicting the authority given to individuals in John 20:23.
Isaiah 43:25: I, [even] I, [am] he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.
Contradiction with Luke 5:21
This passage highlights the belief that only God can forgive sins, contrasting with the authority given to the disciples in John 20:23.
Luke 5:21: And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?
Contradiction with 1 Timothy 2:5
This verse declares that there is only one mediator between God and humans, contradicting the intermediary role granted in John 20:23.
1 Timothy 2:5: For [there is] one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
Contradiction with Matthew 9:6
This verse emphasizes Jesus' authority to forgive sins, which could imply a contradiction with the authority given to others in John 20:23.
Matthew 9:6: But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.
Contradiction with Hebrews 9:12
This passage speaks to Christ having obtained eternal redemption, implying that forgiveness comes through Christ alone, contrasting with John 20:23.
Hebrews 9:12: Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption [for us].
Contradiction with Romans 3:24-25
This passage emphasizes justification and forgiveness through faith in Jesus, potentially conflicting with the imparted authority found in John 20:23.
Romans 3:24-25: Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Contradiction with Acts 10:43
This verse states that all prophets testify that forgiveness comes through Jesus' name, suggesting a contrast with John 20:23's delegation of authority.
Acts 10:43: To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
Contradiction with Mark 11:25-26
This passage implies personal responsibility in forgiveness, which could contrast with the external authority to forgive sins in John 20:23.
Mark 11:25-26: And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
Paradox #1
One potential contradiction with the verse is the implication of humans having the authority to forgive sins, which might seem inconsistent with the belief that only God can forgive sins. Different Christian traditions interpret this verse in various ways, which can lead to differing understandings and potential conflicts.
Paradox #2
John 20:23 can be seen as conflicting with some interpretations of other biblical teachings on forgiveness. While this verse seems to give authority to certain people to forgive sins, other parts of the New Testament emphasize that only God can forgive sins. This potential contradiction may cause debate over the extent of human authority in forgiving sins versus divine authority.
Paradox #3
The potential conflict with "John 20:23" is regarding the authority to forgive sins. Some believe it suggests that only certain people have that power, which may contradict views that only God can forgive sins. This has led to different interpretations among various Christian denominations.
Paradox #4
This verse might be seen as a contradiction because it suggests that humans have the authority to forgive sins, which could conflict with the belief that only God can forgive sins. This could lead to debates over the power and role of religious authorities versus divine authority.