Contradiction with Mark 9:37
This verse emphasizes welcoming and accepting others, while Matthew 23:13 highlights exclusion and hindrance.
Mark 9:37: Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.
Contradiction with Luke 11:52
Whereas Matthew 23:13 accuses of shutting the door to others, this verse directly rebukes those who take away the key of knowledge, hindering entrance.
Luke 11:52: Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered. [hindered: or, forbad]
Contradiction with John 10:9
This verse presents Jesus as the door, offering entry to all, contrasting with the obstruction described in Matthew 23:13.
John 10:9: I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
Contradiction with Matthew 18:3
Encourages becoming like children to enter the kingdom of heaven, opposing the notion of barring entry seen in Matthew 23:13.
Matthew 18:3: And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Contradiction with Romans 14:13
Advises not to judge or put stumbling blocks in others' way, contrary to the behavior criticized in Matthew 23:13.
Romans 14:13: Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in [his] brother's way.
Contradiction with Hebrews 10:19-20
Encourages bold entry through the new and living way, opposing the closed entrance depicted in Matthew 23:13.
Hebrews 10:19-20: Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, [boldness: or, liberty]
Contradiction with Matthew 7:7
Emphasizes asking, seeking, and knocking, promising open doors, contrary to the actions in Matthew 23:13.
Matthew 7:7: Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
Paradox #1
Matthew 23:13 might be seen as inconsistent with the general message of inclusivity and love that is found in other parts of the Bible. In this verse, religious leaders are criticized for being hypocritical and for preventing others from entering the kingdom of heaven. This could appear to be in tension with passages that focus on forgiveness and redemption. However, it can also be understood as emphasizing the need for sincerity and true faith.
Paradox #2
Some people might see a contradiction between this verse and other parts of the Bible that speak about forgiveness and inclusion. While this verse criticizes certain behavior, other parts of the Bible emphasize forgiveness and welcoming others. This can seem inconsistent if not understood in context.
Paradox #3
The contradiction in Matthew 23:13 could be seen as criticizing religious leaders for not practicing what they preach. They prevent others from understanding spiritual truths while not following those truths themselves. This creates a conflict between their teachings and their actions.