Contradiction with Matthew 6:6
This verse suggests that prayer should be conducted in private, implying a personal, solitary approach to communion with God, whereas Matthew 18:20 emphasizes the collective gathering of believers.
Matthew 6:6: But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
Contradiction with 1 Kings 8:27
This verse questions the notion of God being confined to a physical place, suggesting that God cannot be contained by earthly spaces, contrasting with the idea of God's presence being assured in a specific gathering.
1 Kings 8:27: But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?
Contradiction with Isaiah 66:1
This verse emphasizes God’s omnipresence and challenges the notion that a gathering alone guarantees divine presence, contrasting with the localized promise in Matthew 18:20.
Isaiah 66:1: Thus saith the LORD, The heaven [is] my throne, and the earth [is] my footstool: where [is] the house that ye build unto me? and where [is] the place of my rest?
Contradiction with Jeremiah 23:24
This verse describes God's presence as encompassing everywhere on earth, which contrasts with the localized gathering aspect of Matthew 18:20.
Jeremiah 23:24: Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.
Contradiction with Acts 17:24
This verse emphasizes that God does not dwell in temples or specific locations, which can be seen as contradicting the notion that God is specially present when two or three are gathered.
Acts 17:24: God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
Contradiction with John 4:21-24
These verses describe how worship should not be confined to a specific location or gathering, but should be done in spirit and truth, somewhat contradicting the idea that a small group gathering ensures God's presence.
John 4:21-24: Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.
Paradox #1
Some people see a contradiction because this verse suggests a special presence of the divine in a group, which might seem to contrast with the belief that the divine is always present with individuals, regardless of whether they are alone or in a group. This could raise questions about the nature of divine presence and whether it differs based on the number of people gathered.
Paradox #2
Matthew 18:20 is often viewed as a comforting message about the presence of the divine among believers. However, a possible inconsistency lies in its application to church authority and decision-making in matters of discipline. Some argue it might not align with the practices and authority structures established in early Christianity or other parts of the Bible that outline different requirements for divine presence or decision-making.
Paradox #3
One potential contradiction or inconsistency could be related to the notion of presence or support. This verse suggests that a spiritual presence is guaranteed wherever two or three gather in agreement. However, it might be seen as inconsistent when applied to situations where small groups gather with unjust or harmful intentions. The moral question arises about whether the same presence applies in such contexts, leading to a conflict about the inclusivity or conditions of spiritual support.