Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 9:11
This verse notes that time and chance happen to everyone, contrasting with Matthew 25:21 where being "faithful" is rewarded, implying control over outcomes.
Ecclesiastes 9:11: I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race [is] not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.
Contradiction with Romans 3:23
Claims all have sinned and fall short of God's glory, conflicting with the commendation for being "good and faithful" in Matthew 25:21.
Romans 3:23: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Contradiction with Isaiah 64:6
Declares our righteous acts are like filthy rags, contradicting the praise for faithfulness in Matthew 25:21.
Isaiah 64:6: But we are all as an unclean [thing], and all our righteousnesses [are] as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
Contradiction with Matthew 19:30
States that many who are first will be last, challenging the straightforward rewarding of the "good and faithful" in Matthew 25:21.
Matthew 19:30: But many [that are] first shall be last; and the last [shall be] first.
Contradiction with Matthew 20:16
Reiterates the theme of reversal—where the last are first—complicating the direct promotion in Matthew 25:21 for good service.
Matthew 20:16: So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
Contradiction with Romans 11:6
Emphasizes that rewards are based on grace, not works, potentially contradicting the merit-based reward in Matthew 25:21.
Romans 11:6: And if by grace, then [is it] no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if [it be] of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
Contradiction with Galatians 3:11
Asserts that no one is justified by the law before God, questioning the merit-based affirmation seen in Matthew 25:21.
Galatians 3:11: But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, [it is] evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
Paradox #1
The contradiction or conflict in this verse could revolve around the idea of reward based on deeds or performance. Some people might see a conflict between this notion and the belief that faith, rather than works, is the path to divine approval. This could seem inconsistent with messages elsewhere in religious texts that emphasize faith or grace as the primary avenue for moral or spiritual recognition.