Contradiction with Matthew 5:12
Matthew 5:12 encourages rejoicing, even in persecution like the prophets, while Matthew 23:30 criticizes claiming superiority over those who persecuted the prophets.
Matthew 5:12: Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great [is] your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Contradiction with Matthew 21:31
This verse suggests those deemed sinful might enter God's kingdom before the outwardly righteous, whereas Matthew 23:30 critiques self-righteous condemnation of past actions.
Matthew 21:31: Whether of them twain did the will of [his] father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.
Contradiction with Luke 18:11
The Pharisee in this verse boasts about his righteousness, contrasting with how Matthew 23:30 rebukes claiming to not be like forebears.
Luke 18:11: The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men [are], extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
Contradiction with John 8:39
Jesus challenges the claim to follow Abraham, akin to how Matthew 23:30 critiques denying complicity with past sinners.
John 8:39: They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham.
Contradiction with Romans 2:1
This verse warns against judging others as it brings judgment upon oneself, similar to the hypocrisy called out in Matthew 23:30.
Romans 2:1: Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.
Paradox #1
The verse could seem contradictory because the people criticize their ancestors for killing prophets but do not realize they are behaving the same way by rejecting and opposing Jesus, who is also a prophet. They claim they would have acted differently, yet they fail to notice their similar behavior in the present.
Paradox #2
The contradiction in Matthew 23:30 is that people often claim they would have acted more righteously than their ancestors, yet their current actions contradict this claim. This highlights the inconsistency between their words and deeds, as they may still perpetuate similar wrongdoings in their own time.