Contradiction with Luke 23:39-43
Matthew 27:44 states both thieves reviled Jesus, but Luke 23:39-43 describes one thief defending Jesus and asking for mercy.
Luke 23:39-43: And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
Paradox #1
The potential contradiction involves Matthew 27:44 and how it compares with Luke 23:39-43. In Matthew, both criminals crucified alongside Jesus are described as mocking him. However, in Luke, one of the criminals eventually rebukes the other for mocking Jesus and asks Jesus to remember him when He comes into His kingdom. This presents a difference in the portrayal of the criminals' attitudes towards Jesus.
Paradox #2
In "Matthew 27:44," both robbers crucified alongside Jesus are described as mocking him. This seems inconsistent with "Luke 23:39-43," where one of the criminals defends Jesus and asks him to remember him in his kingdom. This presents a contradiction regarding the behavior of the criminals during the crucifixion.
Paradox #3
The conflict in Matthew 27:44 could arise from the contradiction between Jesus's teachings on love, forgiveness, and grace, and the mocking he endures from others, including those who are being punished. This might be confusing if one expects the teachings of love to be reciprocated during suffering.
Paradox #4
The potential contradiction in Matthew 27:44 arises when comparing accounts of the crucifixion in different Gospels. In Matthew, both criminals crucified alongside Jesus are described as mocking Him. However, in Luke 23:39-43, one of the criminals defends Jesus and asks to be remembered when Jesus enters His kingdom. This creates an inconsistency between the two accounts regarding the behavior of the criminals.