Contradiction with Acts 5:29
Emphasizes obedience to God over human authorities, contradicting the imposition of a duty to earthly rulers in Matthew 22:21.
Acts 5:29: Then Peter and the [other] apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
Contradiction with Matthew 6:24
States that one cannot serve two masters, suggesting a contradiction with the dual obligations to God and earthly rulers in Matthew 22:21.
Matthew 6:24: No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 6:5
Commands wholehearted love for God, which may contradict the division of allegiance suggested by Matthew 22:21.
Deuteronomy 6:5: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
Contradiction with Isaiah 33:22
Acknowledges God as the only ruler, contrasting the acceptance of earthly authority in Matthew 22:21.
Isaiah 33:22: For the LORD [is] our judge, the LORD [is] our lawgiver, the LORD [is] our king; he will save us. [lawgiver: Heb. statutemaker]
Contradiction with Philippians 3:20
Emphasizes citizenship in heaven over earthly governance, conflicting with the earthly responsibility mentioned in Matthew 22:21.
Philippians 3:20: For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: [conversation...: or, we live or conduct ourselves as citizens of heaven, or, for obtaining heaven]
Paradox #1
Some people see a conflict in the verse because it suggests separating religious duties from political or governmental duties. This could be seen as contradictory for those who believe that faith should influence all aspects of life, including politics and government. However, others interpret it as a guideline for respecting both religious and civic responsibilities.
Paradox #2
Matthew 22:21, which discusses rendering to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's, might appear to conflict with other biblical teachings about devotion to God and rejecting worldly systems. Some may see a contradiction between participating in secular governance and maintaining spiritual purity or allegiance to God alone. However, many interpret this verse as distinguishing between civic responsibilities and spiritual obligations.
Paradox #3
The contradiction in Matthew 22:21 could be seen in the idea of separating religious duties from civic duties. Some might argue that all actions should be guided by religious principles, and creating a distinction between what belongs to God and what belongs to secular authority could lead to conflicts in moral decision-making. It raises questions about where ultimate allegiance should lie when religious and governmental demands seem to clash.