Contradiction with James 4:3
Explains that asking and not receiving is because requests are made with wrong motives, which contradicts the open promise of receiving what is asked in Matthew 18:19.
James 4:3: Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume [it] upon your lusts. [lusts: or, pleasures]
Contradiction with 1 John 5:14
States that God hears us if we ask according to His will, implying not all requests are granted, contrasting Matthew 18:19's promise of agreement leading to fulfillment.
1 John 5:14: And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: [in: or, concerning]
Contradiction with 2 Corinthians 12:8-9
Paul pleads with the Lord for his thorn to be removed, but his request is not granted despite fervent prayer, differing from the assurance in Matthew 18:19.
2 Corinthians 12:8-9: For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
Contradiction with Luke 22:42
Jesus Himself prays for the cup to be removed, but submits to the Father's will, illustrating a request not granted, which contrasts with the conditional assurance in Matthew 18:19.
Luke 22:42: Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. [willing, remove: Gr. willing to remove]
Contradiction with Proverbs 16:9
Asserts that while man plans his way, the Lord determines his steps, suggesting divine sovereignty over agreement, challenging the assured result in Matthew 18:19.
Proverbs 16:9: A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.
Paradox #1
Some people find a contradiction between the promise in this verse and real-life experiences. They might feel that even when they agree and pray for something, it doesn't always happen. This can lead to questioning why prayers sometimes seem unanswered despite the promise.
Paradox #2
Matthew 18:19 talks about the power of agreement in prayer, stating that if two people agree on something they ask for, it will be done for them. A potential contradiction might arise when comparing this with experiences where prayers are not answered, even when many agree, raising questions about other verses that speak to God's will, timing, or the conditions of prayer. This can be seen as inconsistent if not all requests are fulfilled in the way the verse suggests.
Paradox #3
The potential scientific inconsistency with this verse lies in its implication that collective human desire or agreement can directly influence or change universal outcomes or events, which is not supported by scientific understanding. Science relies on observable, measurable phenomena and the laws of nature, which operate independently of human wishes or agreements. Therefore, the idea that collective agreement can alter reality does not align with scientific principles.
Paradox #4
One possible contradiction in Matthew 18:19 could be the idea that if two people agree on something in prayer, it will be done for them. This might conflict with situations where people pray for good things, like healing or peace, and it doesn't happen, raising questions about fairness or why some prayers seem unanswered despite agreement and sincerity.