Contradiction with John 2:18-19
This verse shows Jesus providing a sign (His resurrection) when asked for a sign, which contradicts Matthew 12:39, where He says no sign will be given except the sign of Jonah.
John 2:18-19: Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?
Contradiction with Matthew 16:1-4
In this passage, Jesus again states that no sign shall be given but the sign of Jonah, seemingly contradicting His willingness in other instances to perform signs and miracles.
Matthew 16:1-4: The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.
Contradiction with John 12:37
Despite Jesus performing many signs, people still did not believe in Him, suggesting that signs were indeed offered, contrary to Matthew 12:39.
John 12:37: But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:
Contradiction with Acts 2:22
This verse highlights that Jesus was accredited by God through "miracles, wonders, and signs," indicating that signs were evident and frequent, in contrast to Matthew 12:39's assertion.
Acts 2:22: Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
Contradiction with John 20:30-31
It is noted that Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of His disciples, which runs contrary to the statement in Matthew 12:39 about no sign being given.
John 20:30-31: And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:
Paradox #1
Some people see a contradiction between Matthew 12:39, where Jesus expresses disapproval of signs, and other parts of the Bible that describe Jesus performing miracles. This can seem inconsistent because it raises the question of why Jesus would perform miracles if he criticized the desire for signs. However, others interpret this differently, suggesting Jesus was specifically criticizing the request for a sign as proof of his identity, rather than the miracles themselves.
Paradox #2
The potential contradiction could relate to the skepticism of performing signs or miracles. In some parts of the Bible, Jesus performs miracles as a sign of his divine authority, but here, he refuses to provide a sign, emphasizing faith without the need for miracles. This could seem inconsistent if one expects miracles to be a consistent way of demonstrating divine power.
Paradox #3
One potential contradiction involves the demand for signs. In Matthew 12:39, Jesus criticizes those asking for miraculous signs. However, in other instances, such as in the Gospel of John, Jesus performs miracles as signs to demonstrate his divine authority. This difference might seem inconsistent in terms of how Jesus responds to requests for signs or uses them throughout his ministry.
Paradox #4
The contradiction or inconsistency could be seen in the way that this verse discourages seeking signs or proof of faith, which might seem at odds with the human desire for evidence to believe in something. It raises the question of how faith should be approached—whether one should simply believe without evidence or if it's reasonable to desire some form of confirmation or proof.