Contradictions and Paradoxes in Matthew 4:21

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Matthew 4:21 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Matthew 4:21. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Matthew, Jesus saw two brothers, James and John, fixing their fishing nets with their dad. Jesus called them to follow him, and they left the boat to join him.

Matthew 4:21: And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James [the son] of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.

Contradiction with Luke 9:61-62

While Matthew 4:21 highlights immediate obedience to Jesus' call, Luke 9:61-62 records someone wanting to follow Jesus but first saying farewell to family, which Jesus criticizes.

Luke 9:61-62: And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.

Contradiction with John 1:40-42

Matthew 4:21 depicts the immediate calling of James and John by Jesus, but John 1:40-42 suggests an initial meeting with Peter and Andrew before this moment, indicating a potential time discrepancy.

John 1:40-42: One of the two which heard John [speak], and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.

Contradiction with Mark 1:20

Matthew 4:21 mentions James and John leaving their father with hired servants, whereas Mark 1:20 does not specify the presence of hired servants, implying a different family situation or emphasis.

Mark 1:20: And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.

Contradiction with Luke 5:10-11

Matthew 4:21 suggests an immediate and complete following of Jesus without hesitation, while Luke 5:10-11 highlights Peter's fear and questioning before fully committing to follow Jesus.

Luke 5:10-11: And so [was] also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

Contradiction with Matthew 8:21-22

Matthew 4:21 emphasizes the quick response, but Matthew 8:21-22 discusses someone wishing to delay following Jesus to bury a father, showing a contrast in immediate decision-making.

Matthew 8:21-22: And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
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