Contradiction with John 19:15
Here the crowd shouts for crucifixion, emphasizing their unanimous choice of punishment for Jesus over Barabbas, while Matthew 27:21 highlights their choice of Barabbas for release.
John 19:15: But they cried out, Away with [him], away with [him], crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar.
Contradiction with Luke 23:18
This verse similarly describes the crowd choosing Barabbas, yet emphasizes divergent phrasing and context that give a different viewpoint on the event.
Luke 23:18: And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this [man], and release unto us Barabbas:
Contradiction with Mark 15:11
Although it reinforces the crowd's choice of Barabbas, it highlights the chief priests' influence, highlighting varying perspectives on the decision's source in contrast to Matthew's account.
Mark 15:11: But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them.
Contradiction with Matthew 27:19
This verse describes Pilate's wife's dream and warning, introducing an external opposition to crucifying Jesus, contrasting with the crowd's determination observed in Matthew 27:21.
Matthew 27:19: When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.
Paradox #1
One potential contradiction with Matthew 27:21 arises when comparing it with other accounts of the same event in the Gospels. In the Gospels, different details are given about the crowd's involvement and choice, such as in the Gospel of John, where the role of Jewish leaders is emphasized more than the crowd. This difference in portrayal can lead to questions about the consistency of the historical account.