Contradiction with Matthew 10:34
This verse speaks about Jesus bringing a sword, suggesting conflict, while Mark 11:17 emphasizes peace and prayer in the temple.
Matthew 10:34: Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
Contradiction with Luke 12:51
This verse mentions Jesus causing division rather than peace, which contrasts with the call for a house of prayer for all nations in Mark 11:17.
Luke 12:51: Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:
Contradiction with John 2:15
This verse depicts Jesus making a whip and driving out merchants from the temple, contrasting the peaceful notion of prayer in Mark 11:17.
John 2:15: And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables;
Paradox #1
Mark 11:17 mentions Jesus driving out merchants from the temple, saying it should be a house of prayer but had become a den of robbers. A potential contradiction might arise from the different depictions of the temple's role and religious commerce in other parts of the Bible. For instance, the Old Testament includes specific instructions for temple sacrifices, which involved commerce to some extent. Additionally, in some parts of the New Testament, there is a tolerance for commerce and wealth as long as they don't interfere with spiritual life. The tension lies in reconciling these views with the action Jesus takes in this verse.
Paradox #2
The contradiction or inconsistency in Mark 11:17 might relate to the portrayal of the Temple. Some historical records suggest that the Temple in Jerusalem was highly regulated and policed by the authorities, making it harder for commercial activities to resemble a "den of robbers" as implied. This could raise questions about the historical accuracy of the event described, as Temple activities were generally more controlled.
Paradox #3
Mark 11:17 mentions Jesus driving out those buying and selling in the temple, saying it should be a house of prayer but was made a den of robbers. The potential contradiction could be seen in Jesus's act of using force to achieve a moral end, which might conflict with teachings about love and peaceful actions. However, interpretations vary, and many see this as justified righteousness.