Contradictions and Paradoxes in Matthew 16:20

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Matthew 16:20 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Matthew 16:20. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Matthew, Jesus told his friends not to tell anyone that he was the special savior, because it wasn't the right time for everyone to know. He wanted to wait until people could understand who he really was.

Matthew 16:20: Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.

Contradiction with Matthew 28:19

This verse contradicts Matthew 16:20 by instructing disciples to teach all nations, which involves openly proclaiming Jesus as the Christ rather than keeping it secret.

Matthew 28:19: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: [teach...: or, make disciples, or, Christians of all nations]

Contradiction with Mark 16:15

This verse contradicts Matthew 16:20 as it commands followers to preach the gospel to every creature, not keeping the identity of Jesus as the Christ hidden.

Mark 16:15: And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Contradiction with Acts 1:8

This verse contradicts Matthew 16:20 by indicating that followers will be witnesses to Jesus in all the earth, implying they should openly share their understanding of who He is.

Acts 1:8: But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. [power...: or, the power of the Holy Ghost coming upon you]

Contradiction with John 20:31

This verse contradicts Matthew 16:20 as it states that believing Jesus is the Christ is foundational to receiving life through His name, which suggests an openness rather than secrecy.

John 20:31: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

Paradox #1

One possible contradiction is that in other parts of the Bible, Jesus tells his disciples to spread his teachings and make his identity known, but in this verse, he instructs them not to reveal that he is the Messiah. This could seem inconsistent with the overall message of spreading the Gospel.

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