Contradiction with Matthew 5:14
This verse describes believers as the "light of the world," which suggests a positive mission, contrasting with the negative depiction of proselytizing in Matthew 23:15.
Matthew 5:14: Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Contradiction with John 3:17
States that God sent His Son not to condemn the world, but to save it, contrasting with the condemnation focus in Matthew 23:15.
John 3:17: For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Contradiction with Acts 1:8
Emphasizes the call to be witnesses to the ends of the earth, presenting evangelism in a positive light, whereas Matthew 23:15 criticizes certain proselytizing actions.
Acts 1:8: But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. [power...: or, the power of the Holy Ghost coming upon you]
Contradiction with Romans 1:16
Declares the gospel as the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, contrasting with the negative outcome suggested in Matthew 23:15.
Romans 1:16: For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 9:22
Paul’s approach of becoming all things to all people to save some contrasts with the negative view of proselytizing in Matthew 23:15.
1 Corinthians 9:22: To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all [men], that I might by all means save some.
Contradiction with Philippians 1:18
Suggests rejoicing whenever Christ is preached, regardless of method, differing from the critical view in Matthew 23:15.
Philippians 1:18: What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
Paradox #1
Matthew 23:15 could be seen as conflicting with the idea of evangelism's positive impact. The verse criticizes religious leaders for converting others only to lead them astray. This might contrast with other biblical teachings that emphasize spreading faith as a noble or righteous act. This could create tension between promoting religious outreach and ensuring it is done with sincerity and truth.
Paradox #2
Some people see a contradiction because in Matthew 28:19, Jesus tells his followers to make disciples of all nations, which implies spreading their faith. However, in Matthew 23:15, he criticizes some religious leaders for their methods of making converts, suggesting that their approach leads to negative outcomes. This can seem inconsistent because one seems to encourage spreading faith, while the other criticizes it. The difference, though, may be about the way conversion is done and the resulting behavior in new converts.
Paradox #3
Matthew 23:15 criticizes religious leaders for traveling far to convert people, only to make them worse off by imposing strict and burdensome religious rules. The contradiction or conflict here could be that the leaders are focusing on outward religious acts and conversions rather than understanding and nurturing genuine faith and moral goodness. This can seem hypocritical because their actions do not align with the deeper moral teachings they are supposed to uphold.