Contradiction with Matthew 7:7
Matthew 16:4 implies signs will not be given, whereas Matthew 7:7 encourages asking and receiving, suggesting signs might be granted.
Matthew 7:7: Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
Contradiction with John 14:13-14
In Matthew 16:4, signs are refused; John 14:13-14 offers the promise that anything asked in Jesus' name will be done.
John 14:13-14: And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 14:22
Matthew 16:4 states no sign shall be given except for Jonah, but 1 Corinthians 14:22 states tongues are a sign for unbelievers.
1 Corinthians 14:22: Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying [serveth] not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
Contradiction with Acts 2:22
Matthew 16:4 denies a new sign, yet Acts 2:22 recounts signs by Jesus attested by God.
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
Matthew 16:4 denies signs for the wicked, but John 20:30-31 mentions signs are written that people may believe.
John 20:30-31: And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:
Contradiction with Matthew 12:39
Matthew 16:4 denies signs but references “sign of the prophet Jonas," similar to Matthew 12:39 where a sign of Jonah is mentioned, suggesting a pattern of signs being acknowledged.
Matthew 12:39: But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:
Paradox #1
Some people feel that "Matthew 16:4" presents a contradiction because it suggests that no signs will be given, except one, yet elsewhere in the Bible, Jesus performs many miracles and signs. This could seem inconsistent if interpreted strictly, though others argue that the verse specifically refers to spiritual signs requested by those who doubt rather than the miraculous signs Jesus performed to show compassion or faith.
Paradox #2
The contradiction or conflict in Matthew 16:4 could be seen as the tension between faith and the desire for signs. Some might find it inconsistent that people are encouraged to have faith, yet they also desire physical evidence or signs to believe. This can seem conflicting because faith often means believing without needing proof, while asking for signs suggests doubt.