Contradiction with Matthew 28:20
While Matthew 10:23 implies Jesus' return within the disciples' lifetime, Matthew 28:20 suggests an ongoing presence until the end of the world, which could be interpreted as a longer timeline.
Matthew 28:20: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.
Contradiction with 2 Peter 3:8
Matthew 10:23 suggests urgency and immediacy, whereas 2 Peter 3:8 states that time for God is not as it is for humans, introducing a potential for a longer wait before Jesus' return.
2 Peter 3:8: But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day [is] with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
Contradiction with Acts 1:7
Matthew 10:23 seems to indicate a specific timeline known to the disciples, but Acts 1:7 states that the exact times or seasons were not for them to know.
Acts 1:7: And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
Contradiction with Matthew 24:36
Matthew 10:23 could imply prediction, but Matthew 24:36 explicitly says no one knows the day or hour of Jesus' return, creating an ambiguity about the timeline.
Matthew 24:36: But of that day and hour knoweth no [man], no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
Paradox #1
The verse suggests that Jesus' followers won't finish spreading the message to all the towns of Israel before the "Son of Man" comes. Some see a contradiction because, historically, Jesus' return has not happened in that immediate timeframe or context, raising questions about timelines and prophetic fulfillment.
Paradox #2
Some people see a conflict between Matthew 10:23 and the idea that Jesus will return soon, as it suggests that his followers wouldn't finish their mission before he comes back. This seems inconsistent with the ongoing mission of spreading the message over many centuries.
Paradox #3
One potential contradiction with this verse is that it suggests an event or return will happen before a specific task is completed. Historically, some interpret this as suggesting a timeline that did not match subsequent events, leading to questions about the expected timing.