Contradiction with Exodus 23:7
Condemning an innocent person is against the law given by God.
Exodus 23:7: Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked.
Contradiction with Proverbs 17:15
Justifying the wicked and condemning the just are abominations to the Lord.
Proverbs 17:15: He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both [are] abomination to the LORD.
Contradiction with Isaiah 53:9
It states that the suffering servant had done no violence, contradicting the portrayal of punishment.
Isaiah 53:9: And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither [was any] deceit in his mouth. [death: Heb. deaths]
Contradiction with Matthew 5:39
Jesus teaches to turn the other cheek instead of retaliating or punishing.
Matthew 5:39: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Paradox #1
The contradiction or inconsistency in Matthew 27:26 could relate to the ideals of justice and mercy. On one hand, the verse describes a decision that seemingly goes against the principle of fair justice, as an innocent person is punished while a guilty person is released. This might conflict with teachings that emphasize fairness and the protection of the innocent. This tension between justice and mercy highlights a moral dilemma.