Contradictions and Paradoxes in Matthew 18:17

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Matthew 18:17 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Matthew 18:17. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Matthew, if someone does something wrong and won't listen to their friends, you should tell the church. If they still won't listen, you should treat them like a stranger or someone who is not part of the group.

Matthew 18:17: And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell [it] unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

Contradiction with Luke 6:37

This verse advises against judging others, which contrasts with the directive in Matthew 18:17 to treat someone as a tax collector or pagan.

Luke 6:37: Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

Contradiction with James 4:11

This verse warns against speaking against a brother or judging them, differing from the process of exclusion and judgment in Matthew 18:17.

James 4:11: Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of [his] brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.

Contradiction with Romans 14:10

This verse questions why one would judge or look down on a brother, as opposed to the instruction of expelling someone in Matthew 18:17.

Romans 14:10: But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

Contradiction with John 8:7

This verse emphasizes not casting the first stone unless without sin, which contrasts with Matthew 18:17's instruction to treat someone as an outsider after certain steps.

John 8:7: So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 4:5

This verse advises not to judge before the appropriate time, conflicting with the immediate judgment indicated by Matthew 18:17.

1 Corinthians 4:5: Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

Contradiction with Matthew 7:1

This verse advises not to judge to avoid being judged, which contrasts with the judgmental process outlined in Matthew 18:17.

Matthew 7:1: Judge not, that ye be not judged.

Paradox #1

Matthew 18:17 might seem to contradict the teaching of forgiveness. The verse suggests treating someone as an outsider if they don't listen to the church, while other parts of the Bible emphasize forgiveness and loving everyone, even those who wrong us. This could seem inconsistent with the overarching message of mercy and inclusivity.

Paradox #2

The contradiction in this verse could be seen as a conflict between the value of forgiveness and the idea of excluding someone. The Bible often teaches forgiveness and love for others, yet this verse suggests distancing yourself from someone if they do not listen or change. This can seem inconsistent with the overall message of unconditional love and forgiveness found in other parts of the Bible.

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