Contradiction with Acts 1:5
Matthew 3:11 speaks of baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire, while Acts 1:5 mentions baptism with the Holy Ghost only, omitting fire.
Acts 1:5: For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
Contradiction with John 1:33
Matthew 3:11 suggests John might know who baptizes with the Holy Ghost, but John 1:33 states he doesn't know until it's revealed to him.
John 1:33: And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.
Contradiction with Mark 1:8
Matthew 3:11 and Mark 1:8 both mention being baptized with the Holy Ghost, but Mark omits the mention of fire, which can alter the interpretation.
Mark 1:8: I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.
Contradiction with Luke 3:16
Similar to Matthew 3:11, but the wording implies a more immediate and encompassing baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire, potentially changing the nuance.
Luke 3:16: John answered, saying unto [them] all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 12:13
This verse speaks of being baptized into one body and by one Spirit, which shifts focus from the individual to the collective Church, differing from the personal baptism notion in Matthew 3:11.
1 Corinthians 12:13: For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. [Gentiles: Gr. Greeks]
Paradox #1
One potential issue is that Matthew 3:11 mentions baptism with the Holy Spirit and fire, which might seem contradictory because the Holy Spirit often represents purification and guidance, while fire can symbolize judgment or destruction. This could be confusing for those trying to reconcile the dual imagery of purification and judgment in a single act.
Paradox #2
Some people point out a potential inconsistency between this verse and the practice of baptism in other parts of the Bible, such as whether it implies different types of baptism or emphasizes a difference in significance between water baptism and baptism with the Holy Spirit. This can lead to different interpretations about the roles of John the Baptist and Jesus in terms of ritual practices.