Contradiction with Matthew 5:14-16
This verse encourages letting one's light shine before others, which contradicts John 3:20's idea of avoiding light to conceal deeds.
Matthew 5:14-16: Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Contradiction with Ephesians 5:8
This verse advises believers to live as children of light, opposing John 3:20's notion of someone doing evil shunning the light.
Ephesians 5:8: For ye were sometimes darkness, but now [are ye] light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
Contradiction with 1 John 1:7
This verse highlights walking in the light as a positive and fellowship-building action, contrasting with John 3:20 where evildoers avoid the light.
1 John 1:7: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
Contradiction with Philippians 2:15
This verse calls believers to be blameless and shine like stars in a crooked world, while John 3:20 associates avoidance of light with those whose deeds are evil.
Philippians 2:15: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; [harmless: or, sincere] [ye shine: or, shine ye]
Paradox #1
One potential contradiction with John 3:20 might be seen in the context of free will and the nature of sin. Some interpretations suggest that if people naturally avoid the light because their deeds are evil, it could seem to conflict with the idea that individuals have the autonomy to choose goodness over evil without any inherent bias. This could raise questions about whether humans are truly free to choose good if there is an innate inclination to avoid it when they are doing wrong.
Paradox #2
John 3:20 highlights how people doing wrong avoid the light to keep their actions hidden. A possible contradiction is that it implies people can't change or seek forgiveness because they prefer darkness, whereas other parts of the Bible promote the idea of redemption and transformation through faith and repentance. This could seem inconsistent since there is emphasis on changing one's ways and being forgiven.