Contradiction with Luke 6:36
While Matthew 18:34 depicts punishment by the lord, Luke 6:36 emphasizes being merciful just like the Father.
Luke 6:36: Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
Contradiction with James 2:13
Matthew 18:34 involves a lack of mercy, whereas James 2:13 highlights that mercy triumphs over judgment.
James 2:13: For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. [rejoiceth: or, glorieth]
Contradiction with Romans 12:19
Matthew 18:34 shows personal vengeance, while Romans 12:19 advises against avenging ourselves and allows God to take vengeance.
Romans 12:19: Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Contradiction with Colossians 3:13
Matthew 18:34 implies lack of forgiveness, whereas Colossians 3:13 encourages believers to forgive as the Lord forgave them.
Colossians 3:13: Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also [do] ye. [quarrel: or, complaint]
Contradiction with Ephesians 4:32
In contrast to Matthew 18:34’s harshness, Ephesians 4:32 calls for kindness, tender-heartedness, and forgiveness.
Ephesians 4:32: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Paradox #1
One potential theological conflict with Matthew 18:34 is the tension between the ideas of divine forgiveness and judgment. The verse implies a severe response to a failure to forgive others, which might seem inconsistent with the overall Christian theme of God's unconditional love and mercy. This could raise questions about whether God fully forgives if there is also a threat of punishment for not forgiving others.
Paradox #2
The contradiction or conflict in Matthew 18:34 could be seen in the tension between forgiveness and punishment. The verse depicts a severe punishment for someone who didn't show mercy, even after receiving mercy themselves. This might be confusing because it seems to contradict the broader message of forgiveness and compassion found elsewhere in teachings. It raises questions about how unconditional forgiveness and the need for justice can coexist.