Contradiction with Luke 2:52
Luke 2:52 speaks of Jesus increasing in wisdom and stature, suggesting a gradual growth surrounded by society, while Luke 1:80 portrays John growing in spirit in the deserts until his public appearance.
Luke 2:52: And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. [stature: or, age]
Contradiction with Matthew 11:18
This verse describes John as not eating or drinking, in contrast to Luke 1:80 where John is growing and becoming strong in spirit in isolation.
Matthew 11:18: For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil.
Contradiction with Luke 2:40
Luke 2:40 describes the child (Jesus) growing strong in spirit filled with wisdom, which suggests an active participation in community, as opposed to the isolation described in Luke 1:80.
Luke 2:40: And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
Contradiction with Mark 1:4
Mark 1:4 shows John preaching and baptizing already active in ministry, whereas Luke 1:80 shows him growing in the desert until the time of his showing to Israel.
Mark 1:4: John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. [for: or, unto]
Contradiction with Matthew 3:1
Matthew 3:1 describes John the Baptist beginning his preaching in the wilderness, implying activity, while Luke 1:80 suggests a period of growth and development before public ministry.
Matthew 3:1: In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
Contradiction with Luke 3:2-3
These verses describe John preaching and baptizing effectively, which could be seen to contradict the years of secluded growth mentioned in Luke 1:80.
Luke 3:2-3: Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.
Contradiction with John 1:31
John states he did not know Jesus, suggesting unfamiliarity contrary to the preparatory growth in spirit with a specific future purpose that is indicated in Luke 1:80.
John 1:31: And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.
Contradiction with Mark 6:20
Herod respects John as a just and holy man. This indicates John's public and known character, contrasting with Luke 1:80, which describes his secluded growth away from public view.
Mark 6:20: For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly. [observed him: or, kept him, or, saved him]
Contradiction with Acts 13:25
Paul references John's ministry as complete and public, in contrast to Luke 1:80, which implies a time of hidden growth before being revealed to Israel.
Acts 13:25: And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not [he]. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of [his] feet I am not worthy to loose.
Contradiction with John 5:35
Jesus describes John as a shining light, indicating his active ministry, differing from the secluded development described in Luke 1:80.
John 5:35: He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.
Contradiction with Matthew 3:5-6
The multitudes come to John to be baptized, which portrays an active public ministry contrary to the private growth in the wilderness mentioned in Luke 1:80.
Matthew 3:5-6: Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,