Contradiction with Matthew 16:24
Instructs followers to deny themselves and take up their cross, contrasting the idea of following for a task like "fishing for men."
Matthew 16:24: Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Contradiction with Luke 12:33-34
Encourages selling possessions and giving to the poor, which could conflict with a single-minded mission like becoming "fishers of men."
Luke 12:33-34: Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
Contradiction with James 2:24
Emphasizes the need for works, potentially clashing with the interpretation of following as a simple act of belief or following without works.
James 2:24: Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
Contradiction with John 6:66
Some disciples chose to stop following Jesus, illustrating the contradiction in the concept of unwavering following.
John 6:66: From that [time] many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 7:17-20
Advises believers to remain in their current life situation, which could contradict the call for a complete shift in life focus to becoming "fishers of men."
1 Corinthians 7:17-20: But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.
Contradiction with Galatians 1:10
Highlights pleasing God rather than men, which could contrast with the social aspect of "fishing for men."
Galatians 1:10: For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
Contradiction with 2 Timothy 2:4
Discusses avoiding entanglement in worldly affairs, which could oppose the idea of engaging in human interactions to "catch men."
2 Timothy 2:4: No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of [this] life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
Contradiction with 1 Peter 2:5
Focuses on being built as a spiritual house rather than actively going out as "fishers of men."
1 Peter 2:5: Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. [are: or, be ye]
Contradiction with Isaiah 2:22
Advises against relying on human beings, which contrasts the directive to "fish for men."
Isaiah 2:22: Cease ye from man, whose breath [is] in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?
Paradox #1
The potential contradiction in this verse could be the tension between leaving one's job and responsibilities, such as family or current duties, to follow a spiritual calling. This can create a conflict between fulfilling everyday responsibilities and pursuing a spiritual or religious path.