Contradiction with Matthew 24:36
John 21:23 implies a misunderstanding that a disciple would not die, while Matthew 24:36 emphasizes the uncertainty surrounding future events, including the end times and matters of life and death.
Matthew 24:36: But of that day and hour knoweth no [man], no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
Contradiction with Hebrews 9:27
John 21:23 discusses the possibility of not dying, but Hebrews 9:27 states it is appointed for people to die once, contradicting the idea that any individual may escape death entirely.
Hebrews 9:27: And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 3:2
John 21:23 suggests the possibility of living until the return of Jesus, while Ecclesiastes 3:2 acknowledges there is a time to be born and a time to die, emphasizing mortality for all.
Ecclesiastes 3:2: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up [that which is] planted; [to be...: Heb. to bear]
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 15:22
John 21:23 hints at the possibility of a disciple not experiencing death, whereas 1 Corinthians 15:22 establishes that all die in Adam, countering the notion of physical immortality.
1 Corinthians 15:22: For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
Paradox #1
The possible contradiction in that verse could arise from misunderstanding Jesus' words about whether a disciple would remain alive until His return. Some early Christians might have taken it as a promise that the disciple would not die, which could conflict with the reality of his eventual death. Jesus didn't explicitly say the disciple wouldn't die, just "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?" This highlights the need for careful interpretation.
Paradox #2
The contradiction or conflict with John 21:23 arises from the misunderstanding that some early Christians had, believing that a particular person would not die until certain events happened. However, the verse clarifies that this was a misunderstanding of Jesus's words and not a promise or prophecy. The potential conflict is between what was rumored or assumed by some and what was actually meant, showing how assumptions can lead to confusion without careful interpretation.
Paradox #3
The contradiction or inconsistency might come from misunderstandings about the belief that a certain disciple would not die. Early Christians might have interpreted this as a promise of immortality for that disciple, which could have led to confusion when they eventually passed away. However, this was not a promise, just a misunderstanding of Jesus' words.
Paradox #4
The contradiction or conflict might arise from misinterpretation. Some people thought Jesus was promising that a disciple wouldn't die, but later events showed this was misunderstood. The conflict is between the message perceived and the actual outcome, which can challenge the belief in accurate communication or prophecy.