Contradiction with 1 Thessalonians 5:3
This verse suggests that destruction will come suddenly while people are saying "peace and safety," contradicting the normalcy and everyday life depicted in Matthew 24:38.
1 Thessalonians 5:3: For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
Contradiction with Matthew 24:44
This verse warns to be ready because the Son of Man will come at an unexpected time, contrasting with the feeling of routine and predictability suggested by everyday activities in Matthew 24:38.
Matthew 24:44: Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
Contradiction with 2 Peter 3:10
This verse describes the day of the Lord coming like a thief, unexpected and sudden, which contradicts the routine activities of eating and drinking described in Matthew 24:38.
2 Peter 3:10: But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
Contradiction with Luke 21:34
This verse warns about being caught off guard by the day through everyday concerns, as opposed to the everyday life uninterrupted as depicted in Matthew 24:38.
Luke 21:34: And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and [so] that day come upon you unawares.
Contradiction with Amos 5:18-20
These verses express a sense of dread and darkness associated with the day of the Lord, in contrast to the normal, everyday activities in Matthew 24:38.
Amos 5:18-20: Woe unto you that desire the day of the LORD! to what end [is] it for you? the day of the LORD [is] darkness, and not light.
Contradiction with Hebrews 10:25
This verse encourages believers to gather together as the day approaches, reflecting a sense of urgency and anticipation not evident in the ordinary activities described in Matthew 24:38.
Hebrews 10:25: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Paradox #1
Some people suggest a contradiction because Matthew 24:38 talks about people being concerned with everyday activities up until a sudden event happens. This could seem inconsistent with other parts of the Bible that warn people to always be prepared for sudden changes or divine events. The contradiction comes from the tension between living a normal life and staying spiritually alert for unexpected events.
Paradox #2
The potential contradiction in this context might arise from the idea of people continuing with their daily lives—eating, drinking, marrying—without being aware of impending judgment or disaster. One could argue that it seems contradictory for a moral or just system to allow people to unknowingly meet a sudden fate without clear warning. This could be seen as inconsistent with the idea of fairness or justice.