Contradiction with John 20:29
This verse suggests that those who have not seen yet still believe are blessed, whereas Luke 16:31 implies that seeing is necessary for belief.
John 20:29: Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed [are] they that have not seen, and [yet] have believed.
Contradiction with Hebrews 11:1
This verse defines faith as belief in the unseen, in contrast to the implication in Luke 16:31 that witnessing is needed for belief.
Hebrews 11:1: Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. [substance: or, ground, or, confidence]
Contradiction with Romans 10:17
This verse states faith comes from hearing the word of God, while Luke 16:31 implies that even hearing Moses and the prophets might not lead to belief.
Romans 10:17: So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Contradiction with Matthew 12:39
This verse describes a wicked generation seeking signs, whereas Luke 16:31 suggests signs may not lead to faith.
Matthew 12:39: But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:
Contradiction with Acts 17:11
This describes people who receive the message eagerly and examine the scriptures for truth, suggesting belief can come from scripture alone, in contrast to Luke 16:31’s implication about needing more than scripture to believe.
Acts 17:11: These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
Contradiction with John 4:48
Jesus notes that people demand signs to believe, contrasting with the implication in Luke 16:31 that witnessing signs still might not lead to belief.
John 4:48: Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.
Paradox #1
The verse suggests that if people do not believe the teachings of existing scriptures, they will not be convinced even by extraordinary signs. A potential theological conflict might arise with beliefs that emphasize the importance of miracles as a means of faith confirmation. Some may view it as downplaying the role of miraculous events in fostering belief, which could be seen as inconsistent with other biblical passages where miracles are used to support faith.
Paradox #2
The contradiction or conflict in "Luke 16:31" could be the idea that even with clear evidence or teachings, some people may still choose not to believe or follow. This raises questions about free will and the effectiveness of direct warnings or teachings. It may conflict with the notion that people just need the right information to make the right choices.