Contradiction with Genesis 32:30
Jacob stated he saw God face to face, while John 21:4 suggests the disciples did not recognize Jesus as God.
Genesis 32:30: And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved. [Peniel: that is, The face of God]
Contradiction with Exodus 33:20
God tells Moses no one can see His face and live, contrasting the disciples' encounter in John 21:4 where they see Jesus but do not recognize Him.
Exodus 33:20: And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.
Contradiction with Isaiah 45:15
Describes God as a hidden God, whereas in John 21:4, God in the form of Jesus is physically present but not recognized.
Isaiah 45:15: Verily thou [art] a God that hidest thyself, O God of Israel, the Saviour.
Contradiction with Matthew 14:26
The disciples recognize Jesus walking on water, differing from John 21:4 where they fail to recognize Him initially.
Matthew 14:26: And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
Contradiction with Luke 24:16
The disciples' eyes were kept from recognizing Jesus post-resurrection, similar to John 21:4, yet differing as it explicitly states they were prevented.
Luke 24:16: But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.
Contradiction with John 1:10
Jesus was in the world, and the world did not know Him, paralleling the disciples' lack of recognition in John 21:4.
John 1:10: He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.