Matthew 23:3 Contradictions and Paradoxes

According to Matthew, Jesus is telling people to listen to the teachers and do what they say because they know the rules, but not to act like them because they don’t always follow the rules themselves. It's like when someone tells you to clean your room, but their room is messy.

Contradiction with Mark 7:7

This verse highlights that worship based on human commandments is vain, contrasting with Matthew 23:3’s encouragement to do as leaders say.

Mark 7:7: Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching [for] doctrines the commandments of men.

Contradiction with Colossians 2:22

This verse suggests that human precepts and teachings should not be strictly followed, contradicting Matthew 23:3.

Colossians 2:22: Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?

Contradiction with Matthew 23:8

This verse emphasizes equality among believers and discourages hierarchical teaching, which contrasts with the directive to follow leaders in Matthew 23:3.

Matthew 23:8: But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, [even] Christ; and all ye are brethren.

Contradiction with Matthew 6:1

This verse advises against performing acts to be seen by others, which can contradict Matthew 23:3’s suggestion to follow outward acts taught by leaders.

Matthew 6:1: Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. [alms: or, righteousness] [of your: or, with your]

Paradox #1

Matthew 23:3 might present a contradiction because it advises people to follow the teachings of the religious leaders, even though elsewhere in the Bible, Jesus criticizes those same leaders for their hypocrisy and behavior. This could seem inconsistent: on one hand, the leaders are supposed to be followed; on the other hand, they are criticized for not practicing what they preach. This raises questions about the balance between respecting authority and recognizing flawed leadership.

Paradox #2

One potential contradiction with Matthew 23:3 is that it instructs people to follow the teachings of religious leaders but criticizes the leaders for not practicing what they preach. This could be seen as inconsistent because it suggests obeying leaders who are themselves not following their own teachings.

Paradox #3

The contradiction in Matthew 23:3 could be that it advises people to follow certain teachings or rules but warns them not to follow the actions of those who teach, as they do not practice what they preach. This could seem inconsistent because it suggests that the leaders' behavior doesn't match their instructions, which can appear hypocritical.