Contradiction with Matthew 7:7
Matthew 7:7 encourages all to seek and find God, suggesting openness to everyone, whereas John 8:47 implies only those of God can hear His words.
Matthew 7:7: Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
Contradiction with Acts 10:34-35
Acts 10:34-35 states that God shows no partiality and accepts those who fear Him and do what is right, contrasting with John 8:47 that implies only certain people (those who are "of God") can truly hear God's words.
Acts 10:34-35: Then Peter opened [his] mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
Contradiction with Romans 10:13
Romans 10:13 promises that whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved, implying inclusivity, contradicting John 8:47 which implies exclusivity in hearing God's words.
Romans 10:13: For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Contradiction with Luke 11:10
Luke 11:10 suggests that everyone who asks receives, which contrasts with John 8:47's suggestion that only those who are of God can hear Him.
Luke 11:10: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
Contradiction with 1 Timothy 2:4
1 Timothy 2:4 says God wants all people to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth, differing from John 8:47 which implies a distinction between those who can and cannot hear God’s words.
1 Timothy 2:4: Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
Paradox #1
John 8:47 suggests that those who belong to God hear and accept His words, implying a disconnect for those who don't believe. A potential theological conflict might arise concerning the concept of free will. If the ability to hear God's words is tied to being "of God," it could suggest predestination, conflicting with the idea that everyone has the equal opportunity to choose belief freely. However, interpretations vary, and some may reconcile this by emphasizing human choice within divine foreknowledge.
Paradox #2
The verse suggests that those who belong to God will listen to God's words, implying a clear division between believers and non-believers. A potential contradiction or conflict could arise when considering other biblical teachings that emphasize God's love and patience for all, suggesting that even non-believers can be reached and transformed. This might seem inconsistent with the idea that only those who already belong to God will hear His words.
Paradox #3
The contradiction or inconsistency in this verse might be seen in the idea that only those who belong to God truly understand or accept God's words. This could be perceived as exclusive, suggesting that those who don't believe or understand are inherently not of God, which can conflict with the idea of a loving and inclusive deity.