Contradictions and Paradoxes in John 20:4

Check out Contradictions Catalog of John 20:4 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts John 20:4. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the Apostle John, two friends were running to see where Jesus had been buried, and John ran faster, so he got there before Peter. They were both very eager and excited to find out what had happened to Jesus.

John 20:4: So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.

Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 9:11

John 20:4 describes a foot race between Peter and John to reach the tomb, while Ecclesiastes 9:11 suggests that the race is not always to the swift, contradicting the idea of a foot race determining who arrives first.

Ecclesiastes 9:11: I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race [is] not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.

Contradiction with Matthew 19:30

John 20:4 mentions John outrunning Peter, whereas Matthew 19:30 states that many who are first will be last and the last first, contradicting the outcome of their race.

Matthew 19:30: But many [that are] first shall be last; and the last [shall be] first.

Contradiction with Psalm 147:10

John 20:4 focuses on physical speed in a race between two disciples, while Psalm 147:10 emphasizes that God does not delight in the strength of the horse or in human speed, contradicting the significance of the race.

Psalm 147:10: He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man.

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 16:7

John 20:4 is concerned with outward actions (the race), whereas 1 Samuel 16:7 emphasizes that the Lord looks at the heart, contradicting the importance placed on who reaches the tomb first.

1 Samuel 16:7: But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. [outward...: Heb. eyes]
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