Contradiction with Deuteronomy 19:15
It requires the testimony of two or three witnesses to convict someone, while Mark 14:55 states that the chief priests and the council sought false witness, implying they struggled to find valid testimonies.
Deuteronomy 19:15: One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.
Contradiction with Exodus 23:1
It advises against spreading false reports, contradicting the chief priests seeking false witnesses against Jesus as described in Mark 14:55.
Exodus 23:1: Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness. [raise: or, receive]
Contradiction with Proverbs 19:5
States that a false witness will not go unpunished, contradicting the actions of the chief priests seeking false witnesses in Mark 14:55.
Proverbs 19:5: A false witness shall not be unpunished, and [he that] speaketh lies shall not escape. [unpunished: Heb. held innocent]
Contradiction with Matthew 27:24
Pilate declares Jesus' innocence, contradicting the council's attempt to find false witnesses to justify handing Jesus over.
Matthew 27:24: When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but [that] rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed [his] hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye [to it].
Paradox #1
The contradiction or inconsistency with Mark 14:55 could be related to the differing accounts of Jesus's trial between Mark and other Gospels like Matthew, Luke, and John. These accounts vary in details such as the witnesses' testimony, the sequence of events, and the roles of different figures in the trial. The differences in these stories might lead to questions about the historical accuracy or consistency between the Gospel narratives.