Contradiction with Matthew 7:7
This verse encourages seeking and persistence, whereas Luke 13:7 depicts impatience with the unfruitfulness of the fig tree.
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 2 Peter 3:9
This verse emphasizes God's patience and desire for repentance, contrasting with the impatience shown in Luke 13:7.
2 Peter 3:9: The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Contradiction with Galatians 5:22
Lists "longsuffering" (patience) as a fruit of the Spirit, conflicting with the lack of patience in Luke 13:7.
Galatians 5:22: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Contradiction with James 5:7
Encourages patience like a farmer waiting for crops, contradicting the haste to cut down the fig tree in Luke 13:7.
James 5:7: Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. [Be...: or, Be long patient, or, Suffer with long patience]
Contradiction with Isaiah 55:8-9
Highlights God's ways and thoughts as higher than man's, which contrasts with the quick judgment in Luke 13:7.
Isaiah 55:8-9: For my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
Paradox #1
Luke 13:7 might be seen as inconsistent with themes of forgiveness and patience found elsewhere in the Bible. The verse involves the owner of a vineyard wanting to cut down a fruitless fig tree, which could be perceived as lacking compassion or mercy. In contrast, other parts of the Bible emphasize giving multiple chances and showing mercy. This contrast might seem conflicting in understanding the nature of divine patience and judgment.
Paradox #2
The contradiction or conflict could lie in the idea of patience versus judgment. On one hand, the owner wants to cut down the unproductive tree, showing a lack of patience and mercy. On the other hand, one might argue for giving the tree more time to improve, emphasizing forgiveness and second chances. This highlights a tension between judgment and grace.